tpww's Podcast

In looking for Hock plane blades, I ran acrossed The Craftsman Studio.  They have the best prices that I found for Hock blades.  So I took a chance and ordered from them.  They are located in San Diego, CA and we're located in Central Square, NY.  Surprisingly, the order was received 4 days after placing it.  I'm impressed with the company and will be doing some future business with them real soon. . . like later this week.  It should also be noted that there was no shipping charges for this item.  Doing a quick price check of some items, they, The Craftsman Studio is less expensive than the big woodworking stores.

After many years of wood working, I've decided it's time for me to take the plunge.  I'm going semi-pro at this time and hope to be full time in the next 5 years.  I never wanted to turn my hobby into a profession, and after many years of debating I'm going for it.

Over the last several months numerous shop upgrades have been made.  Most importantly the garage has been insulated more, doors changed out. the ceiling finished off, lights added.  In addition, many tools, and jigs have been added.

On June 14th and 15th, Roy Underhill, host of the WoodWright's Shop was at the Ste. Marie among the Iroquois, Liverpool, New York.  Ste. Marie is a unique  replica of the 17th century Jesuit Mission.

He did two demonstrations from noon to 5 pm both days.  On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend for a couple of hours.  He's just like he is on tv, down home and comical.  The one thing that I found truly amazing was the fact  how easy it really is to work with hand tools.  He did some hewing of a log making it look effortlessly,  he did like 3 feet in less than 5 minutes.  That included stopping to talk and tell stories.  Many things that he has done on the show, he brought with him.

At the end of the show, I did have the time to meet him and get a picture with him.  I now I started watching the WoodWright's Shop about the same time I got my first VCR, that was in 1985.  If memory serves me correctly, I started watching the show prior to getting the VCR.

For more pictures click here.

I haven't had much shop time since I started the blog.  This year the time spent woodworking has been little, however, extensive time has been spent doing other things.  One of the greatest things that I have done this year is to stop by the local flea market on the way home from work on Sunday mornings.  The finds have been unbelievable:   Delta drill press , spindle sander,  various planes, marking gauge, and many more finds.

If you want to build a tool collection or increase the size of the tool vault this is the way to go.  Its inexpensive.

Welcome to the start of The Procrastinating Wood Worker. So why am I called the Procrastinating Wood Worker you ask. Well I've been in my current shop for 16 years and have never finished setting it up. This has been due to many reasons. When we first moved into our new house, built in approximately 1890, it needed some (a lot) of work, we needed furniture, time for family, work and the list goes on. My biggest problem is lack of time? Procrastination? Lack of money and motivation have also played a part. All things that a inspiring woodworker deals with. As I sit here tonight putting my thoughts to paper, I realize that many things in my life have changed including extended periods of not doing anything in the shop other than making plans for how I want to set it up.

So my musings begin.