How Do You Know You Can’t?
Have you tried? Have you tried again? Ever heard of WD39? They tried again until they could. I am finding that I can do far more in my personal shop that I ever thought possible. These days, if I get a new idea that seems impossible, I try to do it anyway. It doesn’t always work the first time, but each time I fail, I take a different approach until, magically, I succeed.
I’m successful far more often than I ever imagined. I wake up so excited these days that I can hardly contain myself. I wonder what new capability I’m going to discover today. I pray that I will never loose my thirst for knowledge or my zeal for discovering new things, methods, techniques, and new skill sets.
Where do you go for inspiration? For me, it’s YouTube, Etsy, Pinterest, museums, and shops with hand crafted items. Spring is here so craft fairs will start pretty quickly. Folks amaze me with their creativity everywhere I look.
Same technique, different application
I’m pretty stubborn so I usually go with what I know and often resist suggestions from family. I’m working on that. I am able to see patterns in my own development where I can take a skill or technique, I use on one item and apply it to something new. For example, I am able to extend the reach of my Stabilizer’s Hollowing Companion about 15”. That means you can safely hollow a full 10” deep with my Hollowing Stabilizer unit. I’ve used that same methodology to offer a “P” Type parting tool handle 15” long with my Bowl From A Board Easy Cut System! Shezam! It is the same method used on two totally different tools.
When you remove the inside of a hollow form, the skills you use are the same ones you use to hollow out a Christmas ornament globe. They are the same methods you use to hollow out a small turned lidded box. The skills you use to make a pen are the same ones you use to turn a pizza cutter, letter opener, or ice cream scoop. One basic skillset applies to many other projects. If you modify it a little bit, you can expand your capabilities even more.
I would like to encourage you to try something that has been on your mind for a while. You might not succeed the first time, or the second time, but don’t give up. Try it a different way, be that WD40 and not a WD39. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message.
(Prov 24:16 [MSG])
No matter how many times you trip them up, God–loyal people don't stay down long; Soon they're up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces.
(Prov 3:5–6 [NASB])
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
(Phil 4:13 [NIV2])
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(Jas 1:4 [NIV2])
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Note:
I’ve completely revised and rewritten my paper entitled “HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN LATHE TOOL
HANDLE” and have included color photos to help you betterunderstand. It is available at www.ronbrownsbest.com in the “Free Downloads” section. You have to be logged in to access the free downloads. This will be particularly helpful to folks who have received our “P” Type parting tool kits.
The Secret Is To Drill The Hole Before You Shape The Handle
