The Difference Between Perfect And Good Enough
Perfect Definition: “Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.”
In life, things are seldom perfect. When turning wooden objects, things are rarely perfect. I recommend that you strive to be better this time than last time. Three main areas within your control always make a huge difference in the final product and require surprisingly little extra effort.
Shape
Learning what shapes are pleasing is a lifelong quest for most of us. When you are making something for someone other than yourself, you have to consider the shape. It must be visually pleasing with the proper proportions. The curves must be fair and the separations must be sharp.
A great way to develop an understanding of pleasing shapes is to study ceramics and glass vessels similar to the projects you undertake. There are tons of resources on classic shapes that have been around for centuries. There are good reasons for certain shapes to remain popular over the centuries. If you try to swim upstream for too long, you will soon tire and fail.
Sanding
This is an area most easily and quickly improved.
Half a Grit: if you start with 100 grit sandpaper, don’t go finer than 150 grit next. Then don’t go finer than 220 grit and so on. Take time to visually inspect that all of the 100 grit scratches are removed before you finish with the 150 grit. If you don’t remove all of the scratches at each step, they will show through in the final finish. I recommend using compressed air to blow off all of the sanding dust along with a strong raking light to inspect your work before moving to the next grit. If you are working with very hard wood i.e. ebony, cocobolo, African blackwood, padauk, or acrylic, or epoxy, this is especially important. Take extra time to get it right now or you will have to do it over. NOTE: I stop sanding wood at 320 grit. When using finer grits, friction can overheat the lignin in the wood and make it resistant to film finishes adhering to the surface causing the finish to fail much sooner.Finish
If you rush the finishing process, you will have ruined all your hard work. Film finishes (lacquer, varnish, shellac, epoxy, friction finish–shellac) are more durable than wax finishes. But they take more time and effort.Wax is a quick finish that will dull over time and need to be renewed either by reapplication or more buffing. Wax finishes are quick to apply and look shiny and sparkly in the short term. Wax is perfect for projects where saving time is important and the durability of the finish is of no significance. Wax or oil is mandatory for utility vessels such as salad bowls or kitchen utensils.Multiple coats of lacquer (10 to 30) applied over several days and when allowed to cure for 30 or more days, can be polished to a brilliant mirror–like finish. This is the finish of choice for art and display–only pieces.
Try to do better each time than the time before and you will quickly reach Master Status Skill Sets. Consider the end use for what you are making and decide how much time you can devote to making something perfect or just good enough. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
(2Sam 22:31 [AMP]) As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him
(Ps 19:7 [AMP]) The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple
(Ps 119:96 [AMP]) I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity].
(Phil 3:13–14 [NIV2]) Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
