Category Archives: Musings
My Love-Hate Relationship with Spoon Carving Templates
I don’t remember exactly when I began to use templates to lay out my wooden spoons and spatulas, but after I had made my first dozen or so wooden spoons, I hit upon a couple of spoon shapes that just … Continue reading
The Folly of “Prepping”
What is the best way to preserve a seed? I first came across this question in a gardening book, and it’s a trick question. The answer, of course, is to plant it. I have thought about that question a lot … Continue reading
This Isn’t Me Anymore
Like a lot of guys, I used to collect weapons. Well, “collect” is probably too strong a word, but I’ve had various blades hanging on the wall for a long time. But the time has come to take them down. … Continue reading
It Doesn’t Matter What Route You Take, As Long As You Get There, Right?
“It doesn’t matter what route you take, as long as you reach your destination.” I see different versions of this sentiment pop up frequently on various forums. It’s usually offered as a reasonable middle ground when two people are hotly … Continue reading
Countdown to Simplicity
I like simple tools, and the simpler the better. One measure of simplicity is the number of discrete parts the tool is made of. Some relatively simple tools, such as a hand plane or an eggbeater drill, have a lot … Continue reading
This Is Why We Need Art
I was making dinner the other day, and I happened to glance out the window and see three boys walking home from the neighborhood swimming pool. They were fooling around, as boys are wont to do, and I paid them … Continue reading
Getting It Done: 4 Tips for Marathon Woodworkers
Most woodworkers I know fall into one of two categories: the Piddler-Putterer, and the Marathoner. The Piddler-Putterer starts a lot of projects and tinkers with them from time to time, but he’s in no hurry. He seldom finishes a project, … Continue reading
Is It Okay to Copy?
Should artisans avoid copying the work of other artisans? Is it ethical to use another person’s design in your work, especially if you are selling it? These questions and ones like them come up regularly in the craft world. For … Continue reading
Beautiful Waste
I’ve been making a lot of shavings lately, and when working with hand tools, I find that sometimes the waste products are just as pretty as the finished products. A chaotic pile of pecan shavings becomes a collage of curly … Continue reading
