It is ironic that parents would be frightened of woodworking tools, and then keep guns in their homes. The logic is similar to that of putting caps on all the electrical outlets in your home and then texting and driving while your baby is strapped in the car seat beside you. This interactive map shows the proliferation of hand guns in just two counties in New York. In the meantime, the argument between those who think guns make us safe, and those who vehemently disagree can go on and on without resolution. What I hope folks might find agreement on is the notion that by children and adults being engaged in creative acts, using tools that have more clearly defined creative purposes, would be more mentally healthy, more wealthy and more certainly wise. That is for me a no-brainer. If anyone wants to contribute to that discussion, I will welcome your observations.
I have been working on my book proposal, extracting extraneous text, eliminating ambiguity, and clarifying my points, and today I will return to the wood shop and make boxes.
Marc Adams School of Woodworking has sent out its Summer 2013 Catalog, and I would like to warn readers that if you want to join my box making class June 10-14, you would want to consider registering now. The class is often full and registering early will guarantee your spot in the class.
Make, fix and create...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I absolutely agree with you that creativity and education in craft is an excellent avenue to being a healthier, wiser and over all more rounded individual. Growing up I always wanted to learn woodworking, but was never allowed to have power tools(that my parents knew about.) In high school I attempted many times to get summer work and part time work in local shops all with negative results. Usually hearing that by hiring me they would be forced into the next level of workman's comp fees. So basically they would be paying workman's comp more than they would be paying me. I was turned down for construction for being too young, basically they would be violating OCIA by having me do any real work. Eventually I was able to do thing on my own, but I still believe that after learning many things the hard way I would have been safer and more competent quicker by being taught by one of the local masters.
ReplyDeleteon the flip side I enjoy making boxes now and seeing your commission on those 500 (spalted maple?) boxes they look very nice. I only made a couple dozen for random presents and did one with inlaid dove tails (which I should have practiced on scrap wood for my first time) that in the end turned out ok. How did the process go?
Paul, the boxes were mostly sycamore, with some being hickory. It was a great project for me with the total from the two commissions being 800.
ReplyDeleteI plan to refrain from further comments on the American gun travesty, as it seems that the issue is too polarizing and unproductive. And I see no use in this blog being the point of other folks venting their frustrations. There are plenty of other places for that, and I've made my own thoughts perfectly clear.
I agree Doug. Anything that helps the youngsters (or anyone) in our society develop skills, character, creativity and confidence is a boon for the whole society. Keep up the great work you do. May you have a happy and prosperous new year.
ReplyDelete