Not much enthusiasm

[Dan Gill]

I find that I just don't have a big drive to spend time in the shop lately. I don't have any projects I need to make, none I really want to make, and I just don't feel like buying wood and making things I don't really want or need. I don't even want to buy new tools! :eek:

Have you gone through this? I still have pride in the things I have made (although I see all the flaws), but I just don't have a lot of desire to get out into the shop.

I am very busy with other things, and that may have something to do with it.

[Eric Gustafson]

I find that I just don't have a big drive to spend time in the shop lately. I don't have any projects I need to make, none I really want to make, and I just don't feel like buying wood and making things I don't really want or need. I don't even want to buy new tools! :eek:

Have you gone through this? I still have pride in the things I have made (although I see all the flaws), but I just don't have a lot of desire to get out into the shop.

I am very busy with other things, and that may have something to do with it.

Sucks to be you! :p Just kidding!:rolleyes:

Sometimes one just needs a break. Hang in there, it will pass. If not, let me know what tools deal you will have. :D

[Chuck Lenz]

I find that I just don't have a big drive to spend time in the shop lately. I don't have any projects I need to make, none I really want to make, and I just don't feel like buying wood and making things I don't really want or need. I don't even want to buy new tools! :eek:
I'm in the same boat Dan, I just got tired of being treated poorly by the genaral public, friends and a relative, all expecting too much, thinking this is just a hobby and don't think my time and equipment is worth much. I have been a woodworker for along time, and I'm about wore out.

[Gary Keedwell]

:rolleyes: You guys need light therapy or something. Could be just the winter drolls???/:)
Gary

[Jason Scott]

I can understand that. Sometimes I get busy with other hobbies, like motorcycles and cars and even gardening, but you will always come back to woodworking if you love it.

[David Duke]

I think that we have all experienced the same thing at one time or the other. Back in the mid 80's when the oilfield was at rock bottom I started trying to do pick up a few WWing jobs just to help ends meet it lost all appeal then and I completely stopped for almost 10 years. I think it was a combination of trying to meet deadlines and being a young parent trying to spend time with my family, it seemed as if I was working all the time and I finally figured out that my kids were only going to be kids once and I KNEW what my priorities should be so my hobby became spending as much time with my kids as possible, a decision I will never regret.

After my oldest graduated HS and my youngest began, I started helping my dad on a few projects and re-discovered how much I loved working with wood, I've been at it pretty consistently for the last 12 years or so, I even have done a few cabinet jobs and custom pieces to help pay for this god awful expensive hobby. Still to this day however there are times I go out to the shop look around and say NOT TODAY, so I just lock it all back up and go inside and spend time with the LOML...........I love my kids but it is NICE to have an empty nest :D:D .

[Jude Kingery]

Ya know, my first thought was like Gary's - when it's cold and gray outside, I'm not much for wanting to do anything. Would rather hibernate, but when it's sunny, warm, yep, I can work in the shop until way late at night and just turn up the music and enjoy it. So sure, give it some time perhaps. And maybe the sun'll come out and you'll enjoy shop time again. Best wishes regardless! Jude

[Jim Becker]

There will always be times when other things in life will intrude upon the desire to do things like woodworking. Taking a break is a natural thing since pushing yourself into something you can't focus on is both "not fun" and potentially dangerous.

Do note that yesterday was "officially" Blue Monday...the day when a lot of folks reach "bottom" on the winter doldrums! Of course, tonight is a full moon...

[Jason Scott]

There will always be times when other things in life will intrude upon the desire to do things like woodworking. Taking a break is a natural thing since pushing yourself into something you can't focus on is both "not fun" and potentially dangerous.

Yep, exactly what I did yesterday when I screwed up my table top.

[Chuck Lenz]

:rolleyes: You guys need light therapy or something. Could be just the winter drolls???/:)
Gary
Yeah right, it's just me, it has nothing to do with what I just said. Thanks, I feel so much better, NOT !

[Jude Kingery]

Yeah right, it's just me, it has nothing to do with what I just said. Thanks, I feel so much better, NOT !

Well, Chuck, I was primarily responding to Dan - and meant it as encouragement to both of you guys. If you feel friends and relatives, the general public are "taking advantage" of you, then set your limits and refuse to do things for them. If it's a hobby, it should be enjoyable. If you don't enjoy it, don't do it. Take care, Jude

[Roy Hatch]

Dan, If I may talk to you as I would my children, (I have children older than you) I would suggest that you have much on your plate and the desire to work wood will come when there is a project to be completed. Your profile shows varied interests and responsibilities, so perhaps woodworking needn't be a priority, but merely something to do when the spirit urges.

Many members rely on woodworking for their livelihood, so don't compare yourself, and certainly not your production with theirs. For those of us for whom this is a hobby, there need be no particular goals and certainly no deadlines.

Now all I need to do is get out into the shop and finish a desk that I started months ago and haven't touched for several weeks. In my case, I think it's the winter blahs that drains ambition. In any event, I don't think either of us needs any psychiatric evaluation.:)

Roy

[Rod Sheridan]

Chuck, I go through times like that also.

In addition my woodworking competes with vintage motorcycles, gardening, and time spent volunteering at a non profit organization.

I'm back in an upswing on woodworking, just completed a base cabinet for the shop out of BB plywood with walnut banding on the doors and drawer front.

Now on to a coffee table for the living room, before other interests take me away.

P.S. I rarely make anything for anyone else now, 30 years of being amazed at how other people think custom furniture should be free since they're freinds/familly has soured me on making things for other people.

The exception is children, I make some toys for charity at Christmas, and the neighborhood kids know they're always welcome with their "Project du Jour".

Regards, Rod.

[Chuck Lenz]

Well, Chuck, I was primarily responding to Dan - and meant it as encouragement to both of you guys. If you feel friends and relatives, the general public are "taking advantage" of you, then set your limits and refuse to do things for them. If it's a hobby, it should be enjoyable. If you don't enjoy it, don't do it. Take care, Jude
And I was responding to Gary, but while we are at it, it gets cold in Texas ? Comeon up to North Dakota about now, then you'll know or be reminded of what cold really is.

[Chuck Lenz]

Chuck, I go through times like that also.

In addition my woodworking competes with vintage motorcycles, gardening, and time spent volunteering at a non profit organization.

I'm back in an upswing on woodworking, just completed a base cabinet for the shop out of BB plywood with walnut banding on the doors and drawer front.

Now on to a coffee table for the living room, before other interests take me away.

P.S. I rarely make anything for anyone else now, 30 years of being amazed at how other people think custom furniture should be free since they're freinds/familly has soured me on making things for other people.

The exception is children, I make some toys for charity at Christmas, and the neighborhood kids know they're always welcome with their "Project du Jour".

Regards, Rod.
Ahhhhhh, someone finally gets it, or admits to it. I don't know anyone that likes working in a dangerous enviroment, unhealthy also, and being treated poorly by anyone for a income a homeless person couldn't survive on. It's hard for me to justify spending much more money on tools with such a dismall future. Your right Rod, I'm going back to just makeing things for myself, and maybe a gift occasionally that I WANT TO DO.

[keith ouellette]

I'm in the same boat Dan, I just got tired of being treated poorly by the genaral public, friends and a relative, all expecting too much, thinking this is just a hobby and don't think my time and equipment is worth much. I have been a woodworker for along time, and I'm about wore out.

I guess things just look easy to people who don't know how to do it. I guess anyone can get wore out.

Dan;
I feel bad for you. I get to the point sometimes where nothing matters. Not my workshop ( which is my favorite thing) or anything else. Some times I Think about making things and giving them away on the day when I have built all I need for myself but I'm still new to wood working. I might feel different in the future, I hope I don't.
You'll feel different when your ready and I know nothing anyone says is going to help. In fact, words often make things worse.

[Jim Becker]

You guys need light therapy or something. Could be just the winter drolls???

Umm...Gary may not be far off the mark. As someone who IS affected by seasonal light disorder I can tell you that getting some full-spectrum light into your day really does help a lot. The fix for me was when Professor Dr. SWMBO bought me a special timer a few years ago that brings a full-spectrum light on gradually every morning starting at about 6:30a. Without it, it's very difficult for me to wake up or have any energy during the day. It was a major good thing for me....

[Jude Kingery]

And I was responding to Gary, but while we are at it, it gets cold in Texas ? Comeon up to North Dakota about now, then you'll know or be reminded of what cold really is.


Ah ok, ha, yes, you indeed DO know what cold is in N. Dakota!!! Now that, you're absolutely on target - is cold!!! That's why I no longer live in CO or NE, ha. Nah, actually college and the boy next door kept me here (married him) But yep, it is cold here today, I think maybe 17. Which is rather below average for here. But then to me anything below 80 is "cold," LOL! Most of the time, though, yes, it's pleasant and warm here.

I am glad you are, however, back to doing things just for you. What you WANT TO DO. That's good! I'd agree it's AOK not to let folks take advantage of you. It's fun if people appreciate it or you realize reasonable recompense. Best wishes and goodness me, yes, stay warm up there!

Kindest regards,

Jude

[chris yount]

I've been through spells where I didn't pick up my tools for a good period of time.I just didn't have any ambition at all to woodwork, then I would find some type of project, either from neccesity or inspiration,that would get me going again.I find when I do get going again I really have more ideas and projects seem to flow one to another easily.If you really love woodworking the desire will return.:)

[Brian Jarnell]

I was feeling good till I read this post,so thanks for that,do keep us in the loop when you are feeling depressed.

[Rich Stewart]

Sometimes I get like that. here is what i do. I grab a beer and go into my shop. turn on some music and sit down. Just sit there enjoying my beer and tunes and looking around. Something always catches my eye. An unfinished bowl or a something that i never finished sanding. Some small thing that won't take no time to complete. Sometimes I just finish that up and go have another beer, sometimes it gets me going on another project. Sometimes it's nice to just sit there and think on stuff.

[Brian Weick]

I would have to say - don't worry about it. That is exactly why I do not become obsessed with my wood working ~ you have to have the drive or a call for it as far as I am concerned. I never worry about it- it happens to me from time to time - a well diversified life is the best way to live in my opinion ~ to much of one thing can become a boredom later. take a break from it ~ you'll be back in the shop - you'll see :)
Brian

[Gary Keedwell]

Yeah right, it's just me, it has nothing to do with what I just said. Thanks, I feel so much better, NOT !
Didn't mean to offend you. Like Mr. Becker said, light therapy is a legitimate recommendation. I have a brother with serious mood swings...so I wasn't trying to be cute.:)
Gary

[Chuck Lenz]

Didn't mean to offend you. Like Mr. Becker said, light therapy is a legitimate recommendation. I have a brother with serious mood swings...so I wasn't trying to be cute.:)
Gary
Now I have mood swings ? Good lord. I have what I think is a legitimate gripe and I got the problem ? Unreal.

[Matt Meiser]

Yes! For me it was a combination of things. First, and foremost I think my day job was wearing on me. There was a lot of crap going on and I'd gone from enjoying work to staying up at night worrying about it. Sunday nights I barely slept. Second, I'd gotten way to serious about woodworking--I had other interests but had decided to focus on woodworking. I had outfitted my shop to the hilt and couln't really do anything else in there. Then I felt bad about not doing anything out there. Some of the other contributing factors were that I also had almost no must-do projects on my list, I had injured myself pretty badly with the router, and I had continual sinus infections according to my doctor (still have that problem but we switched doctors and the current doctor basically says to live with it that its not an infection and not serious, just annoying.)

So what did I do? First, I sold off some of my serious large woodworking equipment and a bunch of hand tools that I bought because I told myself that to be a good woodoworker I had to learn to use them. Some of the tools I've replaced with hobby-grade versions, like going from a 15" planer to a lunchbox and a 8" jointer to a small 6". Then I went out and bought several metalworking tools like a welder with the proceeds so I could do some metal working. At first I thought I would quit woodworking almost completely but that decision evolved over time.

Next, I took advantage of my then-employer's employee assistance program to talk to someone about it. Eventually I had some frank conversations with my boss about various things and several months later found a new job and moved on to a really good situation.

Since then I've actually done as much or more woodworking as before. But I don't feel trapped because I can easily do other things in my shop. Eventually I'd like to restore an old tractor which I now have room to do because my shop is more multi-functional. Lately I've made some siginificant aquisitions to more fine-tune my shop. Those aquistions have been more about making things easier, especially things I don't particular enjoy doing. I'll soon be making an aquistion related to mortise and tenon joinery for example. And I've focused on having one way to do tasks rather than learning every way.

[Danny Thompson]

Get 3 daughters and a wife in the house. Nothing will more quickly get you in the garage.

Seriously, though. You are right. Your time to yourself is limited and precious. When others start expecting you to use that retreat for them, particularly if they don't take a hand in the work, then it can quickly become tedious and tiresome.

Not only that, hobbies come and go, wax and wane. If you think of all the fun activities you have done in your life, how many of them are you still doing? There just simply isn't enough time in the day.

I wonder if you have had a recent challenge or series of frustrations that are keeping you from getting back in the shop? If so, then I think taking a break is a good idea. Maybe you will get back in a few weeks or months.

If not, let me know, I may be relieving you of some equipment.

[Brian Penning]

Somebody pass Don and Chuck some cheese wilya.....:)

So what are you guys going to do about it?

[Gary Keedwell]

Now I have mood swings ? Good lord. I have what I think is a legitimate gripe and I got the problem ? Unreal.
Sorry I posted, now!!!!!!!:(

Gary

[Dan Gill]

Thanks for the thought, folks. It's not a seasonal thing, as I really haven't been in the shop much in the past year. And it's sure not that I can't find things that matter. Far from it. I am involved in things that really matter, both to me, and to others.

I'm not planning on selling my tools yet. In the first place, they're not worth all that much. You know, that is part of the reason I quit frequenting this site--not only was I not woodworking much, but the equipment race and the tool gloating was starting to sound pretty hollow.

I'll cut wood when it's time, I guess. Thanks again for your thoughts.

[Lee Koepke]

Reading these posts are good for me.

I know I am not alone with issues and stress in my life. I always had a creative side ( in the construction sense, not artistic ... REALLY not artistic ) and I made a committment to MYSELF that I was going to spend more time and learn to work with wood. I like it, it frustrates me at times, but even the frustrations are rewarding.

Maybe because I am at the beginning of this relationship with wood, that I dont have the same issues, but for me, the basement is my area, my solice, my refuge.

Thanks for sharing, thanks for listening.

[Al Willits]

I was having a bit of trouble putting winter doldrums and Texas together, but I guess it all depends on what your used to..:D

Personally, I find any hobby I've had as developed bad days.
Some days I just didn't feel like racing that weekend, dragging the boat to a lake seemed like more trouble than it was worth, and packing all that gear to go shoot just wasn't exciting, the list goes on.

But it all passes, we are creatures of emotions, some days ya feel like a nut, some days ya don't.

Just leave the woodworking stuff alone till your mood changes and ya feel like doing it.
Don't feel pressured to think you have to use all them tools, they ain't going anywhere and they'll be there when ya feel like using them.

Cheer up, ya could be living in Minn and then you'd really have the winter drolldrums...:D
btw its one below right now here.

Al

[John Powers]

Woodworking at a somewhat intense level might not be your thing. Isn't mine. At 60 I find that studying the classical guitar is my big love. this time of year I help build sets for the school play but I'm glad I'm not too heavily invested in woodworking. I'll always make things, a little boat next but its not a prime interest. That said, I do run my hands over a plane daily and cut at least one dovetail.

[Greg Cole]

I'm with Rich.... I am in my shop almost every day of the week even if only for a half an hour or so. Might have an "agenda", might not.... but the shop is my space in this world. No clocks allowed, no deadlines, no superiors or underlings (other than the 6 year old boy & puppy... both of whom are definate bright spots in my day). It's my place to retreat to when I want /need to (lived in "female outnumbered houses" all my life & still do unless ya count the puppy, then we're finally even:rolleyes:). A frosty cold one & one of the fav CD's & a half an hour is my equivalent of light therapy (helps when I get home from work, it's just the puppy & I so I am basicaly home alone:eek:). If I actually work on something, bonus, if not I enjoy my surroundings.
Seasonal stuff has never bothered me & I lived 25 years of my life within 40 miles of the Vermont-Canada border. Matter of fact, I'm the oddball who'll say he doesn't mind cold nor snow.... it's part of me from growing up with it.... but I'll admit below zero is cold.
Depression is something a few members of the family tree have dealt with and it's a tough battle, it's worth the fight. Fresh out of college I lived with my parents while my Mother going through some difficult times ala depression & she kicked its posterior to the curb... come to think of it she got me out of the house somehow too?

Greg

[alex grams]

My shop time is my therapy.

I have done woodworking most of my high school days in my family cabinet shop, and now that I am out of college and have a house, I am starting to take it up as a hobby on my own.

I've actually felt lazy the last few days because i haven't been doing much in the shop (waiting for it to warm up so i can do some laminate bending and use epoxy). I am challenging myself with new projects and styles (a la the laminate bending), but worry if i overexert myself and get frustrated i could lose my motivation, but i have no doubt i will come back to things if that ever happens.

I just enjoy having something to focus on and something that when it is finished, i can feel proud i made it.

[Chuck Lenz]

Somebody pass Don and Chuck some cheese wilya.....:)

So what are you guys going to do about it?
Maybe someday you'll figure it out, but I doubt it.

[Jim Becker]

Ok, Folks...let's keep this discussion respectful. The topic is important and valid. Let's not spoil it by sniping and making the moderators have to take time from their busy days to "prune" the commentary.

Jim
SMC Moderator

[Brian Penning]

Chuck»»I truly meant no disrespect. Even put the ol'smiley there after the 1st line. The Mrs tells me that quote just about every other day...lol

As far as the "what are you going to do about it" comment, I was seriously asking what you intended to do with the situation. I think Dan mentioned he didn't intend on selling his tools so that was good.
Anyway, I apologize if sensitive feelings were hurt -wasn't my intent.

[Sam Yerardi]

Dan, and anyone else in the same boat,

I have depression. Plain and simple. Not major but enough that sometimes it takes the fun or drive out of things. And one of those things is woodworking. It's strange because it is in some ways a refuge for me and an escape, but when I'm feeling down it is hard to stay focused. I know eventually it will pass. Aside from that, I have had extended periods where because of other things in my life I set the woodworking aside. I play music and that consumed me for years but I've slacked off of that for now. So my advice is don't sell your tools. Being bit by the woodworking bug is terminal. There is no cure. You may get 'better' for a while but it will return. Guaranteed.

Sometimes I just need inspiration. I'll go to an antiques store and look at old furniture.

[Lee Koepke]

Maybe a change of pace would help some. Teaching someone else something you do may rekindle a desire, or offer a new perspective.

Seeing "the light come on" in someone makes me feel better at times.

[Bruce Haugen]

I hop on my motorcycle and go riding. Nothing better to rejuvenate the soul and clear the mind. Except, I've got a bad case of PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome) due to the minor detail that we've got a full blown case of winter in MN.

Bruce

[Michael Gibbons]

Many factors keep me from the shop (basement). Lately it's been the fact that it turned into a business for tax reasons. So now I have to build a few things for others to make it look good, but I only wanted it to be a hobby. Sometimes it 's because I don't have any materials. Sometimes it plain and simple-NO TIME.

[David G Baker]

I found out years ago that my creative moods are cyclical. I have many hobbies and like a bee chasing honey I move from hobby to hobby as my tolerance allows. If I am not in the mood to pursue one of my hobbies I turn on the computer and hit the SMC button or pick up a book and read. Retirement gives me a lot more options than when I was working and raising a bunch of children.
The Winter doldrums have been hitting me and the LOML lately. I went out and cleared the snow off of the front of the garage this morning in -6 degree weather with the Sun shining brightly. My mood picked up right away. Maybe I will get something done today, maybe not.

[Dan Bussiere]

Years ago (well I was young so that would be many years ago) I got very interested in fixing cars, etc. I got pretty good at it and soon began to do it full time. Over the next few years I completely lost any interest in the field and it just became work. I managed to finish my career in that field by getting into management and spending my time out of the shop area. I never regained the desire to do mechanic work again. Heck I don’t even change my own oil anymore! What I learned from that was never let your hobby become more than a hobby. Sometimes I just sit in my shop and look at my tools. Sometimes I don’t even go out there for days. But the shop is always there when I need it. That’s why it’s my hobby. It’s there for me and no one else. If I make something fine, if not fine. I could just as easily be a tool collector instead of a woodworker. It’s my world out there in my shop.

My advise, don’t go out to the shop till you want to. Don’t stay longer than you want to. And don’t stay away when you really want to go out there. It’s your world! Enjoy……. ;)

[Chris Yarish]

If ww is a hobby not your profession, lock up the shop for a while and take a hiatus--not setting foot inside.
Like any true love, its absence makes us grow fonder.

I get this way with everything...perhaps I'm too a.d.d, but I always come back around to the more enduring passions I have.

[Tom Walz]

Nothing wrong with that.

I have a lot of hobbies. Currently thinking about fishing somewhere warm.

I like woodworking in the summer for some reason. Maybe because that's when my grandpa started me doing it.

My kids gave me a huge book of fishing stories and my hobby lately is reading that with some Bushmill's in front of a fire.

Bought a copy of PC magazine ($16.72 with tax retail) and think i'll get better at some of that as well.

Tom

P.>S. Let me know if you want to go fishing somewhere or come over to my place and lie to each other. I can pretty well lie about fishing, woodworking, kids, dogs or whatever and I'll buy the whiskey.