Christopher Charles
10-25-2016, 5:16 PM
Hello all,
My woodworking happens in fits and starts between family and work commitments. Lately, I've gotten better about being able to work efficiently despite not having the long stretches of old to 'get in the groove'. Here are a couple:
-have a fully detailed plan. While I prefer to work from rough dimensions and without plans, this only works for me when I can work more-or-less straight through a project.
-mark and label like there's no tomorrow. removes uncertainty about which piece goes with which. Blue tape and sharpies are my friend.
-lay out the next operation at the end of a session. right now, a rail and two legs are on the bench ready for fitting of the tenons to mortises, the 3rd out of a set for two work tables. It will likely sit there until this weekend or early next week.
-don't sweat the 'lack of progress'. I used to be product oriented and now work on being process oriented. In other words, I try to focus on doing each step well and make sure nobody expects the work done this year. Or even next :) Eventually a quality piece will emerge and I won't be (as) stressed on the way.
Other suggestions/tricks/approaches?
Best,
Chris
My woodworking happens in fits and starts between family and work commitments. Lately, I've gotten better about being able to work efficiently despite not having the long stretches of old to 'get in the groove'. Here are a couple:
-have a fully detailed plan. While I prefer to work from rough dimensions and without plans, this only works for me when I can work more-or-less straight through a project.
-mark and label like there's no tomorrow. removes uncertainty about which piece goes with which. Blue tape and sharpies are my friend.
-lay out the next operation at the end of a session. right now, a rail and two legs are on the bench ready for fitting of the tenons to mortises, the 3rd out of a set for two work tables. It will likely sit there until this weekend or early next week.
-don't sweat the 'lack of progress'. I used to be product oriented and now work on being process oriented. In other words, I try to focus on doing each step well and make sure nobody expects the work done this year. Or even next :) Eventually a quality piece will emerge and I won't be (as) stressed on the way.
Other suggestions/tricks/approaches?
Best,
Chris