What Were You Thinking?
You’ve just finished your project, you sit back and think “What have I done? That could have turned out better. Winter is here so at least it will burn nicely.” The shape is dreadful, there are tool marks left under the finish and that defect you thought would look so cool is just hideous.
If you’ve never been there you either don’t turn very much or you are a turning savant. One of the most important tools you have is the ability to visualize the end result before you even start; maybe not exactly, but pretty close. Here is a suggestion, sit down for a few minutes and focus your attention on your raw material. Then visualize at least three different outcomes you could make with the piece you have to work with. Pick the two best or most interesting and visualize a bit longer. Finally, chose the one you think will be the most fun, most challenging, or the one that you like today.
Having made your choice, visualize it in finished form. What will you need to make it happen? Organize and sharpen the tools you will use on this project. If this project will require multiple steps to complete, either write them down or speak them out loud to yourself. Sometimes if you accidentally skip a step, it can be hard to go back. This is especially true on projects with lids, bowls, boxes, acorns, etc. Executing steps in their proper order can avoid great difficulty later.
A neat trick I learned myself is to pause at the end of each step and answer these questions: “Am I really done here? Am I really ready to go to the next step? Have I done everything necessary before I remount my piece since I can’t go back? So many times I had forgotten something I meant to do before going to the next step. Sometimes I need to apply some finish now before I turn the piece around since it could be difficult to get a good finish later.
For example; when you cut the tenon on a project and before you turn it around and rechuck it, be sure to use the point of a live center to leave a dimple in the exact center of the tenon. You may need to use it later if you need to rechuck your item between centers. If you have ever used a shop-made jamb chuck, your item doesn’t always center up correctly. Using a pointed live center on the centering mark makes this task much more simple and it is a lot faster. This is an absolute must if you use a vacuum chuck.
Our natural tendency since shop time is usually in short supply is to begin turning immediately. If you will spend just a few minutes first and take time to see the end result with your mind’s eye, as well as the steps in between you will enjoy the sweet smell of success more often. Divers do it, pole vaulters do it, gymnasts do it, artists do it, hunters do it, you should too.
Or, just do what you’ve always done and get what you’ve always got. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Isaiah 44:19 NIV No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
Job 37:14 NIV “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.
Luke 12:27NIV “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
Announcement:
This Friday and Saturday Oct 25& 26, 2019
We have been invited to participate in this year's Woodworking Extravaganza by Klingspor's Woodworking Shop in Hickory NC. We will be helping the Powermatic/Jet folks. Klingspor now carries Ron Brown's Best Longworth Chuck Type 2, Ron Brown's Best Amazing Ladle Chuck and a limited number of other Ron Brown's Best branded items. We are delighted to be part of this event and will be able to answer questions in person. This is a free event so we hope you will come visit.
Tis the season!
Laser Cut Christmas Ornament Season
Is Here Again!
Introducing 4 Brand New Designs for 2019
Brand New: Jesus 4 pack
No Price Increase This Year
1 Laser Cut Kit @ $29.99 each = $29.99 3 Laser Cut Kits @ $19.99 each = $59.97 5 Laser Cut Kits @ $17.50 each = $87.50 10 Laser Cut Kits @ $14.99 each = $149.90
More Designs - Over 50 to Choose From:
https://www.ronbrownsbest.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=21&product_id=106
There are numerous offerings for different combinations of kits on the website. There are only two which will offer you the correct pricing.
If you have decided what you want and can't find it, include a note in the comments section of your order and I'll make sure to include your choices at the discounted prices. Or, just call the office at (770)312-9087 Eastern or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We are offering Flat Rate USA Shipping of $9.99 Per Laser Cut Kit Order for this special.
Merry Christmas!
Extended One More Week:
Every Day Price $104.96
Sale Price $79.99 Free USA Shipping
Universal Setting Jig, Quad, How-To DVD
Everyday Price $74.97 - Sale Price $49.99
And Don't Forget Fall Is Coming
With Festivals, Holidays, Gift Giving Time, School is back in. Now is the time to prepare.
Customer Photo: first time using Amazing Ladle Chuck
Excellent Job Bill!
Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one down-loadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
