How did you get started Wood Working?

BcWoodWorks · November 03, 2009, 08:21:13 AM

Hello everyone!

I'm Alec, I'm 20, I'm new to the forum, and generally new to the wood-working scene. I'm looking forward to talking with all of you. For starters though...

A rather simple question; What got you fired up and started with your wood-working "careers"?
Was it a family member, or did you just get bored and start chipping away at something?
How long ago was that?
What was your first project?

My fire-starter was a Cherry / Redwood burl table that Steve (Burlkraft) made for me this summer. It's got me wanting to build my own misc. things...Equipment donations are accepted. :D

Just a way to get to know you all better/Idea hunt on how to get myself started.

I'm interested to hear your replies. ;D
-A

Hilltop366 · November 03, 2009, 02:26:28 PM

Hi Alec and welcome

I never liked working with wood it was always metal and gas powered equipment and toys for me, I started being more interisted in woodwork around 20 years ago for a change of pace the knowledge has proved to be very handy when building my house 10 years ago, you can save thousands of dollars in building cost ( the only things I did not do when building my house was the electrical and troweling the concrete floor) everything else was done by myself sometimes with help from friends or family although it took a lot of time it was a big $$ saver and very satisfying.

For tools I watched the sale flyers and used stuff adds and garage sales and bought a little bit at a time always trying to get good quality tools.

You could try to see if some one offers night courses or weekend workshops to get some "learn'in" an acess to some gear.

Cheers and good luck on your endeavors.

Radar67 · November 03, 2009, 02:37:57 PM

I got the bug in 8th grade wood shop. First project was a bookcase, still have it today. That was back in 79. I moved up to residental construction in 81 and later over to commercial construction. Spent several years running a cabinet shop, and off and on, just playing with stuff around the house.

Pick up your tools as you go and it won't seem like it costs as much to get started.

Welcome aboard!

Larry · November 03, 2009, 05:08:31 PM

This is my very first project...circa 1958 or so.

Sis broke his nose off and I'll never forgive her. ;D Notice the attention to detail and the immaculate design? :D :D :D

Dad pushed me along a bit as he was a woodworker. Took shop classes in High School which helped with my education. First full time job was in a sign shop but we did a lot of wood working and cabinet making.

A long interruption than a gradual and slow return. I hope to get back to making something for beauty and design rather than function (kitchen cabinets).

At your age...join a woodworking club and try to find a mentor. If you have the drive and desire there are schools.

low_48 · November 03, 2009, 11:32:59 PM

I got fired up in Junior High when we started Industrial Arts classes. 1965. Kinda stayed on the back burner till I got married. I wanted to go drag racing, the wife wanted furniture. Built my first coffee table on a second hand kitchen table as a bench. Bought every issue of Fine Woodworking and taught myself. Luckily I was able to build up a basement shop, and didn't have to work on that kitchen table very long. Started with all Craftsman tools, then would sell a piece of furniture, then buy better machinery. I left my day job as an designer/draftsman in 1987 and opened a custom woodworking shop. Closed that to go to work for Woodworker's Journal Magazine as a project builder/designer. Publishing business is cut throat and the magazine closed, then sold. Went back to a day job after the 8 year business, and 3 year magazine job. Then after a year I got the job as Modelmaker for the largest construction machinery manufacturer in the world. There's only two of us, but a pretty sweet job. So been professional woodworker for 25 years now. Still do it in the basement too. Mostly turning now at home.

Welcome to the forum, good luck.

SwampDonkey · November 04, 2009, 04:07:43 AM

:D :D :D Family member? Good lord no. As mother would explain it, it had something to do with a wooden plug and a dog. Poor dog. :D

Built my first project in grade 4, actually the teacher had the pieces all cut and we made napkin holders. I still have that darn thing right here in front of me. Also, like Radar got the bug in shop class and I too have my first project, a pine shelf and my second a red oak bowl. That was awhile ago, even though I ain't an old fart yet. :D

My first tool was an axe and buck saw, actually. I would go out to the woodlot and make lean-tos from fir bows and cut a yellow birch to make paddles and axe handles. Widdled them all out by axe. I never made a lot, this was winter pass times. I later turned part of my barn into a shop and gradually acquired tools over 20 years. Filled the rest of the barn with hardwood lumber cut from timber from the woodlot and small acquisitions from local hardwood sawmills and lumber broker. The lumber broker has cherry and walnut that you can't get otherwise. I have sawed some cherry from my own ground and got some decent lumber, but cherry is odd ball up here and mostly open grown.

Lud · November 04, 2009, 07:27:55 AM

As a kid , watching an addition being built. Saw guys making something. Using Dad's tools. Making stuff here at the farm. Scouting crafts.

Teach kids to make stuff from scratch and avoid kits!!!

Read in a book every day, work on a project every day, work on your maintenance list every day , tell your wife you love her every day. It's a good life......

Ironwood · November 04, 2009, 07:49:26 AM

Morale support activities in the military. Photography, stained glass, pottery and woodshop.

Another great benefit to serving your country. Ironwood

woodsteach · November 04, 2009, 09:37:52 AM

I'd say around the age of 10 for Christmas I got a kids hand tool set in a wooden briefcase looking thing. Then I enrolled in 4H woodworking and build 4H bookends.

Next was 6th grade shop class Mr. Burenheide just happened to be my neighbor!! 8) After our 6 weeks of woods class I was officially hooked. Mr. B let me turn a couple of bowls on his Shopsmith at his garage. It has been downhill ever since.

Since the 6th grade (1982) I've had 2 years when I wasn't either in a woods class or teaching them. Ok that is the first time I've thought about when it all started. I'm getting old.

woodsteach

As I'm home today w/my youngest (she has been ill) she just told me to come and see what she was doing. She was building a light house and castle out of WOOD blocks. So I get to thinking maybe I started before the age of 10 ;D ;D.

I can hardly take my kids to the mill or the shop when they aren't diving into the scrap pile to drag back to the house to construct something so look out there might be 3 blonde female woodteachers in the future.

BcWoodWorks · November 04, 2009, 10:39:25 AM

Wow. Your replies have all been awesome! I appreciate the input guys.

Woodsteach - Sounds like you had the foundation to start a long-lasting and rewarding hobby. I think it's really cool the kids are getting into it; just goes to show...computers can only do so much. Passing it on to the next Gen. is important. Good post bud.

Ironwood - Must have been a nice MOS you had. I'm working on enlisting myself, and I can only imagine the looks on my recruiters face if I asked him if I could lathe a chair leg after Infantry school.

Lud - You tell your wife you love her everyday? Must not have been married too long! :D (just kidding of course) Sounds like you've got a pretty solid routine down. What's on your maintenance list?

S-Donkey - So THAT'S what happened to lassie. I was starting to wonder...

It seems like those first projects always stick with you. Lean-to's and axe handles hey? Now there's a modest start, I like it. I've tried whittling, but the end product looks like a piece of wood that came out of a chipper ??? Did the cherry sawing turn out alright? Ever turn it into anything?

Low48 - Thanks for the kind Welcome pal. That's one heck of a resume you've got. What would you say was your favorite out of those jobs? Did you enjoy the publishing while it was still going? What kind of furniture did you make when you first started? I'm sure the wife was happy when you turned to furniture instead of drag cars hey? ;D So you taught yourself from Fine Woodworking's magazines eh? All fingers still accounted for? ;)

Larry - Sisters are trolls aren't they? The engineering on that Rhino is just...Smithsonian worthy! Any projects lined up for your epic return to wood-working? I live in Northern California; so I'm sure I should be able to find a club if I dig. Finding a mentor I can actually learn from though, that might be a bit harder. I certainly would like to get started somewhere. Excellent post Larry.

Radar - Thanks for the welcome! Excellent way of putting it. How's that book-case holding up? I'm curious ; where should I start for collecting tools? Machines are a little out of my reach until work comes around; but surely there's a starting block somewhere. Not sure how I feel about construction; do they teach you the job basics; or are you expected to know a certain amount before you start? Cheers for the reply man.

Hilltop - That's a great point. The cost of housing as it is; knowing how to DIY seems extremely important. I realized the importance of that, working on a Gazebo with Burlkraft last month. The ability to saw ones own logs, and turn them into a structure is amazing; and quite sensible too. I'll keep my eyes on the for sale ads; and for some classes. Thanks for the suggestions, and the good luck wishes.

I've almost finished with my first project which was started at Burlkrafts shop. I'll upload a picture if you guys want to see it?

Alright, I need to go take a walk in the redwoods. All this W.Working talk gets me antsy!

Have a good one dudes

SwampDonkey · November 04, 2009, 05:07:52 PM

Quote from: BcWoodWorks on November 04, 2009, 10:39:25 AM
S-Donkey - So THAT'S what happened to lassie. I was starting to wonder... It seems like those first projects always stick with you. Lean-to's and axe handles hey? Now there's a modest start, I like it. I've tried whittling, but the end product looks like a piece of wood that came out of a chipper ??? Did the cherry sawing turn out alright? Ever turn it into anything?

Cherry turned out fine, and after air drying I made a queen sized bed, head board and foot board of cherry. Last winter made the plinth to my butternut blanket chest from local cherry. Rails in my coffee table and some marquetry inlay in the coffee table from cherry. The rails were from PA cherry. Also a pedestal stand, the pedestal was turned from PA cherry. The later 3 projects are posted to this board. Gotta dig a little. ;D

Ironwood · November 04, 2009, 05:42:18 PM

BC,

Nice pointed reponses. ;)

I dont know your backround, but enlisting (I getting a GOOD job/MOS) is a life expanding event for many. You will grow leaps and bounds and hopefully expanded your mind. I came from a small town and for me to "get away" was the most formative event in my life. I had not too much to look forward to at home, no money for school ,or potentially good job prospects. It was the single best trajectory change in my entire life. It has built from there. I excellled in my MOS (honor graduate, Defende Mapping School) and then an assignment in Kansas until Spec Ops was looking for a strong canidate for a new targeting team. I never did great in school (didn't care to), but when I got into something I loved, the sky was the limit. From there things have always built on that solid foundation. College, jobs, self-employment, family, friends......

Enjoy the ride, love what you do.
Ironwood

Radar67 · November 04, 2009, 07:10:00 PM

Quote from: BcWoodWorks on November 04, 2009, 10:39:25 AM
How's that book-case holding up? I'm curious ; where should I start for collecting tools?
Not sure how I feel about construction; do they teach you the job basics; or are you expected to know a certain amount before you start?

The bookcase is holding up well, just as good as the day I brought it home from school.

I'm sure you can take classes on construction, but my experience was learn as you go. I started out carrying material for $50 a week, then moved into hammering nails, cutting boards, layout, and etc. So, finding a good contractor willing to teach is a good way to start.

As for Infantry, I can tell you from experience (2 years with 101st and 3 with 5th CAV) you will not have time to be in a wood shop. I've spent upwards of 280 days a year in a field environment. My advice would be, it you score well on the ASVAB test, take something other than combat arms. The Army does have a construction MOS that teaches framing and carpentry.

As for tools, if I had to select one power tool to start with, it would be a router. It is a pretty versatile tool if you learn how to use it and spend some time building jigs for it. A good hand saw or Skil saw (the Skil 77 is my favorite), hammer, and a few good chisels and you will be surprised what you can build.

As Ironwood says, the military is an experience of a lifetime, but be wise from the start and go into something to help you in the future.

Ironwood · November 04, 2009, 07:26:44 PM

Look for an MOS that is not field oriented. Mine, 81Q Terrain Analysis was division G-2 and higher. So, not much field time. Intell analyst was the same. FYI

Ironwood

metalspinner · November 05, 2009, 08:13:25 AM

QuoteAs for tools, if I had to select one power tool to start with, it would be a router.

Agreed. I dare say, most furniture project construction can be done with a router/router table alone - from rough wood to assembled piece.

I started out of neccesity. After marriage, we needed furniture and we could not afford what I would have liked to have. After a little convincing to my wife, I would purchase the wood and a needed tool then build something. Looking back, it's amazing the amount of work I did with so little.

I learned mostly from margazine publications. Woodworkers Journal was one of my favorates. Lots of great info without all the glitz and stuffiness.

I can remember my first little project from way back in Junior high. It was for history class. We needed to make a model of something that reminded us of America. My choice was the Washington Monument. Seems simple enough, but mine was so good that the teach thought my dad made it and wanted to give me a zero. >:( After a parent/teacher conferance, it was pretty clear to her that Dad didn't know what was going on. :D

WDH · November 05, 2009, 10:16:12 AM

It was just in my blood I guess. I started out by hewing hickory for handles with a draw knife as a youngster. Building my house required acquisition of many basic skills. I did not really tool up to make serious projects until about 12 years ago. Prior the that, everything was done with only a circular saw and basic hand tools. Like Metalspinner, I am amazed with what I accomplished with so little tool capability.

The sawmill gives me the capability to acquire the wood to build just about anything that I have the guts to try.

pigman · November 05, 2009, 12:04:36 PM

It was all my Wood-Mizer's fault. ;) After I bought my mill eleven years ago I soon had all of this nice wood. I didn't want to sell it , so I started building furniture. I bought a bunch of nice woodworking tools and started building. I am amazed with what little I accomplished with so many tools . ;D
I mostly tried to learn by watching TV Norm and reading some books.

WDH · November 05, 2009, 05:52:36 PM

Quote from: pigman on November 05, 2009, 12:04:36 PM
I am amazed with what little I accomplished with so many tools . ;D

Yes, but you are perfectly positioned for the up-turn :D.

jdtuttle · November 05, 2009, 06:12:39 PM

I started out at about 3 yrs old with a hammer trying to hit ants on an asphalt sidewalk. Got pretty good 8). Started building cabinets right out of highschool with an old carpenter,we worked for a cheap lanlord & we built the cabinets out of old wooden crates. Moved to Montana & started framing residential & commercial. Became a foreman and shortly after started my own construction business. Now I'm a code officer that will retire in 2 years. Got my woodmizer, kubota, PH 260 moulder and woodshop to keep me entertained. Looking for a kiln in the near future. Just love the smell of fresh cut wood. ;D
jim

DouginUtah · November 05, 2009, 10:36:44 PM

Quote from: pigman on November 05, 2009, 12:04:36 PM

I mostly tried to learn by watching TV Norm and reading some books.

I just read the other day that this season will be the last for The New Yankee Workshop.

WDH · November 06, 2009, 07:17:03 AM

I'm gonna miss that.

IMERC · November 07, 2009, 08:15:15 PM

forced labor...

circa 1957...

zopi · November 08, 2009, 09:44:38 AM

I guess I got started by building a birdhouse or something in cub scouts...I inherited all my father in laws tools, so I had some stuff to play with, had a great grandfather who was a master carpenter, and another who was a master blacksmith..guess it is in my blood. I came to the sawmill out of economic necessity, wife wants wide board floors in the house and that coasts ans much as a new truck..sawmill was cheaper..I am now building my third building using only materials I have scrounged and milled myself..I have yet to pay for a log...had a guy wanted mto charge me 1500 dollars for a walnut farmyard tree the other day...and I 'd have to take it down and move it...uhh..no thanks..

anyway..I am alousy carpenter, mostly owing to the fact that I was a hardheaded little snot and wouldn't listen to my 7th grade shop teacher...sure wish I had him back.

HOOF-ER · November 08, 2009, 07:13:09 PM

What will Norm do? Maybe he will show up more on this old house?

I have a abnormal thirst for knowledge. That is why I like it here at the FF.
My father always did everything him self. Built 2 homes before I was born. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree. I love building things, wish I had more time for woodworking. :(

Brad_bb · November 18, 2009, 03:05:57 PM

I was into classic car restoration, metalwork, welding etc. since I was 14. I never thought I would have any interest in woodworking(probably because I never knew how to cut wood straight or precisely). Then in 2006 (age 35), I knew I wanted a nice home and someone turned me on to discover timber framing. I knew I could learn how and build myself and save cost, and do some fine work. It's all snowballed since then. I've been acquiring "wood" tools ever since. I got every thing I need for timber framing, I also bought a 1953 Delta Unisaw, and having worked designing tools for Bosch, I have some power tools from there as well as others. I'm surprised how the wood bug has bitten me. I do so much more in wood now. I'm just finishing my first box jointed drawers. I've build tool cabinets on wheels, fancy closed rod brackets for my mom, a neat garden planters box for trowels, shears etc. and a lot of other small projects. Timberframe workshops taught me a lot of important wood working skills. Theory is the same, just on a different scale. ;D

Ianab · November 19, 2009, 03:02:32 AM

I guess that ever since I was kid I had this crazy idea that it would be cool to be able to start with a tree and actually make something usefull out of it. Most people would think thats a little crazy, but this is NZ, which is more like the Foresty Forum. Ideas may be crazy, but rather than writing them off as crazy, you sit down and work out how it could actually be done.

Growing up my Dad was was a farmer, had a good workshop, but his main tool was a welder. If he couldn't weld it, it wasn't fixable ;) But wood was for burning in the fireplace, once you welded up the broken chainsaw.

My schooling and career took me down the computers, electronics and office equipment path, and having a young family and no cash there was no way to set up a workshop.

First project was a little custom computer case from wood and perspex. The woodworking was pretty basic, but it worked and the whole machine was a 9" cube.

In recent years I've been able to actually work out how to do the complete tree to furniture thing, get the equipment, contacts to get some trees, saws, mill and some basic wood working gear.

OK I'm back with having a young family again, but now I can actually build toys, kids furniture, beds, fish tank stands, kitchen cabinets etc. From trees I have cut down myself.

Priceless.

Still Jack of all trades, but I'm getting closer to mastering a few of them. ;)

Finished today. Lara has been given a little play house, but it's not furnished. A couple of afternoons and some scrap from under the bench she now has a kid size cypress stool to sit on. Next week, a table to match.

Ian

WDH · November 19, 2009, 09:29:26 AM

They are both beautiful ;D 8).

James P. · November 19, 2009, 05:56:34 PM

hi I got into woodworking in my mid teens. My mother collected Santa Clauses and showed me a guy in a magazine carving them and said I could do that. So i did. It was time consuming but I enjoyed it. I had lots of folks wanting them but I was interested in selling them. I did have a mold made of one but never did anything with it. From there my mom wanted me to build furniture and she was my motivation. Plus I loved machinery so getting old woodworking machines running was always satisfying. once they ran i had to use them. I haven't done any real serious woodworking in 6 or 7 years , I been working on a machine (Sawmill ) plus surviving.

turningfool · November 22, 2009, 02:27:36 AM

i bought a used shop smith from a friend for the table saw,tried the lathe and now i have 3(lathes)..found something that i could actually do well and enjoy it thoroughly 8)

Phorester · November 28, 2009, 12:15:45 PM

My father did carpentry work around our house, he grew up on a farm where he had to do all the regular farm and farmhouse carpentry necessary in the 20' and 30's. He was pretty good as a hobbyist, and I think I first became interested it by watching/helping him. My interest was cemented (or maybe "glued up") by taking a one semester woodworking shop course in high school. Learned the basics of techniques, tools, there. That was in my senior year to fill up an empty class slot. The second semester was typing. This was in the 60's and I was the only boy in the typing class of about 30 girls.....My oh my...... Back to the subject; since it was my senior year I couldn't take any other woodshop courses.

Since then I've picked up a little here and there, inherited both my father's and father-in-law's tools, gone from there. Just a hobby, but I really enjoy it. After retirement in a few years I might get into it more.

BcWoodWorks · December 04, 2009, 11:43:38 AM

Hey everyone!

Sorry I've not been able to get back to you all. I've been working in my Grandfather's wood shop here in California...Helping him build stage sets for a local theater. It's actually a lot of fun, and I finally built my first thing. It actually stands up, and it's even square!

I'm glad that you all found this thread. It's good to see all the different ways in which you all got started. Hopefully I'll be able to check back a little more often.

I uploaded some pictures to my image gallery, if any of you want to see my first project, and second project in the works for one of the forum members here.

SECOND EDIT : Well, I tried to upload my pictures to the gallery, too big. Apparently you can't host them elsewhere and put the HTML code in...ermm...I'll get around to it later I guess.

"Remember, if the women don't find you handsome...They should at least find you handy. Keep your stick on the Ice."

-Alec

beenthere · December 04, 2009, 03:57:44 PM

Pretty easy to post, using the Java Uploader (see the line below this blue posting window) that re-sizes for you. Download Java if you don't already have it on your computer for other things.

Go to "Behind the Forum" Board if you need further information, but get your gallery set up first. Look forward to your pics.

BcWoodWorks · December 04, 2009, 07:32:03 PM

Thanks Beenthere; it's not often that you older guys get the drop on me technology wise, but in this case I humbly bow before you. It won't happen again, I promise. :-p

This is my first REAL project. It means a lot to me, and I think it's a heck of good start. *Self horn tooting*

Well, here's me and my first square theater set I'm learning to build with my Grandfather Chuck. He's been an architect / Carpenter since way before I was born; and he has a lot to teach. Can you tell I'm a little proud? ;D

Finished set. Simple, but it's my first real project.

Finally, here's one other look at the set I'm putting together.

I hope you guys don't mind the spam; I'm just happy I'm finally starting to get the hang of working with the beautiful thing we call wood. Big ups to Burlkraft for inspiring me.

WDH · December 04, 2009, 09:17:39 PM

It can be a passion for a lifetime.

SwampDonkey · December 05, 2009, 04:33:44 AM

Looks like you got the bug anyway. ;D Steve! What did ya say to the boy?

Did ya turn the pedestal table behind the screen to, looks like a drop leaf? ;)

Pictures ain't spam and all some of us do is crow about them anyway. :D

BcWoodWorks · December 05, 2009, 04:43:49 AM

Quote from: SwampDonkey on December 05, 2009, 04:33:44 AM
Looks like you got the bug anyway. ;D Steve! What did ya say to the boy?

Did ya turn the pedestal table behind the screen to, looks like a drop leaf? ;)

I can't remember what he said, but I bet if I did I couldn't post it here. :D

As for the table...I'm flattered dude; but no. I believe that was one of my Grandfather Chuck's pieces. He's pretty "danG" good (I get one free pun, right? ;D) at what he does. He's going to teach me how to turn soon though...

Speaking of turn, since we need a laugh...Here was my first go on the lathe earlier this year. :D

SwampDonkey · December 05, 2009, 05:06:02 AM

Was you going for the mace look? ;D Gotta start somewhere, takes a bit of experimenting to learn the "art" of turning. Should get yourself some bowl blanks and try a couple serving bowls to hold your popcorn.

Besides turning, there is a bit to learn about the behavior of wood as it dries. There will be some disappointments. ;D

BcWoodWorks · December 05, 2009, 05:17:40 AM

Quote from: SwampDonkey on December 05, 2009, 05:06:02 AM
Was you going for the mace look? ;D Gotta start somewhere, takes a bit of experimenting to learn the "art" of turning. Should get yourself some bowl blanks and try a couple serving bowls to hold your popcorn. Besides turning, there is a bit to learn about the behavior of wood as it dries. There will be some disappointments. ;D

Why yes...that is exactly the theme I had in mind! ;D ;)

My Grandpa chuck actually has a bunch of small logs that need to be chainsawed (thus my chainsaw safety thread) and then are ready to be lathed into bowls. I'm excited but, I about took a chunk out of my finger with a gouge tool during my...mace turning...so, slow and steady wins the race...eventually.

Swamp, as you get to know me better; you'll start to learn that when I'm in the shop, disappointments are as common as reaching for screws-n-nails. :D

Learning how to use a router tomorrow. Might make (attempt to make I should say) a cutting board if I can find a nice sized piece of hard maple....and still have all my digits. ;D

SwampDonkey · December 05, 2009, 05:27:15 AM

Safety first, impressions last. Remember it. ;)

Phorester · December 05, 2009, 07:38:36 AM

BC, when I was in college I worked in a furniture factory for one summer. About all employees who had been there for 15 years or more were missing fingers or parts thereof. One older fellow proudly showed off his 4 missing fingers and one thumb. One lady cut off the end of one finger on a bandsaw down the machine row from me.

Be careful, not fast. Follow all safety habits, concentrate on the work.

BcWoodWorks · December 05, 2009, 01:26:12 PM

I just...I don't understand how these kind of accidents still happen in today's modern workshops and factories. Were those injuries due strictly because of operator error...or are a lot of the machines we use these days designed with flaws that are injuring people?

Having used a band saw only a couple of times, I'm sure there's a way to get yourself in trouble but...I don't remember it being all that dangerous if your paying attention to where your fingers are. Table saws, however...I truly dislike. Those things scare the crap out of me every time I see the thing start.

Either way, the thought of losing a finger is terrifying to me. I might look into mesh gloves...or maybe there are some other safety products that although unpractical, can save you big time?

Thanks for the post Phorester.

SwampDonkey · December 05, 2009, 03:49:04 PM

A good many times people are taking the guards off, not using push blocks and sometimes a little under the influence or something affecting the faculties. I knew an old timer that cut the ends of 3 fingers in 3 accidents between a table saw and jointer. In his case I think it was age affecting his strength and steadiness and not paying close attention while operating. Could even have been distracted by a dog in the house because they were always under his feet and he looked after them like they were kids.

BcWoodWorks · December 05, 2009, 03:56:45 PM

So, really it comes down to being 100% focused on your work, keeping the guards on, and never letting anything distract you? It's truly unfortunate that so many accidents happen. Tends to scare me away from some of the more dangerous aspects of woodworking.

I'm starting to think my first table saw is going to be a SawStop; though by the time that happens I'm sure they'll have expanded the line to other tools as well. I really look forward to that day.

Anyway, woodworking is inherently dangerous as is; it'll never be without risk I'm sure.

Here's to keeping my limbs and pointers.

By the way, Swamp; hope you don't mind I quoted you in my forum signature. It has a nice, solemn ring to it.

SwampDonkey · December 05, 2009, 03:59:55 PM

It'll serve as a reminder. ;)

James P. · December 05, 2009, 06:16:01 PM

BC just think every time your working with power tools that accidents can happen and not to get complacent. Its about keeping your fingers out of the line of cut and if the wood were to move from a kickback where are your hand and your body. Don't be scared just aware. nobody is so good that they don't need to be careful. Look at someone like Sam Maloofs hands or other famous woodworkers.

Phorester · December 06, 2009, 09:28:35 AM

BC, I was in college 37 years ago ;D So the oldtimer who lost all those fingers probably lost them over a 30 year period before that. So not as many machine guards way back then, and probably not as much emphasis on safety routines. The lady who cut off 1/2 her finger while I was working there maybe was not holding the board as tight as she should have been that one time, or the wood caught while sliding into the blade and her hand slipped off and went into the blade instead of the wood., she could have been trying to clear a piece of wood from around the blade or the guard without turning off the machine ("it'll only take a second to get this out - no need to stop the machine"), etc.

For the most part, we were doing repetitive operations on these production machines for hours and days on end. We would have hundreds of pieces of wood in layers on carts, which we then would pick up individually, place them on whatever machine we were running that day, clamp them if the machine had a clamp, or slam it against a stop or fence if it didn't, push the wood into the cutting blade, drill bit, sanding disk, whatever it was, pull it back out, unclamp it, place it on another cart, turn and grab another piece of wood off the first cart and repeat the entire process. So every 10 to 15 seconds in every working hour we were processing another piece of wood. Each machine operator would probably do more cuts in one day's work than the average hobby woodworker would do in 5 years. It was easy for your mind to drift occasionally or be distracted simply by somebody walking by, talking to a coworker, etc. As you know, it only takes a second to cut something and it might be your finger.

"Having used a band saw only a couple of times, I'm sure there's a way to get yourself in trouble but...I don't remember it being all that dangerous if your paying attention to where your fingers are." Maybe.... but be very careful, BC. This is a remark of complacency.

The best safety feature on any machine is your brain. Develop a safe routine for every cut you do, then follow this routine religiously.

Other thoughts - There is a full-time woodworker friend of mine who has gone so far as to have no windows in his workshop. He doesn't want the distraction of a bird or animal flitting by and making him lose his concentration when using a cutting machine. He allows no pets in his shop, only one casual visitor at a time who he makes stand where he cannot see them so he won't be distracted by any movement they make. He has asked his wife not to open the shop door when she hears a machine running, so he won't be distracted by the movement or noise. Is he going overboard on safety? Don't know....., he's had some injuries, but he hasn't lost a finger or parts of fingers in over 30 years of professional woodworking either.

Not trying to scare you away from woodworking. But I do want to scare you into doing it safely, with respect for the inherently dangerous machines. There's thousands of woodworkers who never get hurt, but I'll bet most of them have had some close calls.

"So, really it comes down to being 100% focused on your work, keeping the guards on, and never letting anything distract you?" You got it. ;D Just don't forget it.

Hilltop366 · December 06, 2009, 10:42:56 AM

The band saw seems more safe than a table saw and probably is by not having the blade throwing stuff back at you like a table saw will do some times, but it will still cut your finger off !

A few years back I was ripping up a pile of birch for cabinet doors on the table saw and ran out of ear plugs so I put on my chainsaw helmet it was way better than ear plugs I still used glasess under the face shield but the sound of bits of wood hitting the helmet and face screen (with out the pain) made me realise how fast stuff can fly off the blade.

BcWoodWorks · December 23, 2009, 10:46:32 PM

Hey everyone.

Just thought I would update those who care on a couple projects of mine. ;D

I turned a bowl from Avocado on a Jet mini-lathe. It's my first bowl turning and I'm rather proud of it. I only have one, blurry picture at the moment, but I wanted to go ahead and get the thread writing out of the way. I'll upload some more later.

I started with a bowl blank that had been chainsawed from a log my Grandfather got from a friend in the city contracted tree service. Once it was chainsawed, he cut out the bowl blank; and roughed it using a chainsaw attachment for his Angle grinder. (Also pics to follow)

I started off with a large, roughing gouge; learning as I went. Speed was on the lowest setting (500rpm I believe) until the blank was in a rough shape that I wanted to work with. I switched to a much smaller gouge, and kept on learning on the next speed setting. I needed help with the Skewed gouge, after it biting about 20 times. :

My Grandfather Chuck (www.chucksworksinwood.com) Helped me rough the base into a shape that would fit in the Jet mini lathe's Midi-chuck. Once that was done, we flipped it over, and ditched the bearing assisted secondary arm thing..er...do hickey. The midi-chuck went on, and I mini gouged the rest of it. Sanded to 600grit, dry. Used 1580rpm to sand/buff it.

Here's the end result before I used the Jap razor backsaw to cut it off. 7 coats of wipe on Polyurethane, buffed with a steel wool pad between coats, and a non abrasive buff pad after the second to last, and last coats.

For later : I also made Burlkraft a nifty little push stick, made form a piece of scrap I found under Gpa's radial arm saw from 2000 b.c. :D I used the bandsaw to cut it out of the board. I picked up a spoke plane (that right?) and rounded the sides down. Sanded to 320grit. Pictures tomorrow.

Finally almost done Shellacing the key-rack too. Decided to leave the maple lettering as is. Will add a dark stain around the border and be done with it. Been fartin' around too long with it. ;D

Happy Holidays everyone. Thanks for reading the thread.

Norm · December 24, 2009, 08:09:36 AM

Way to go!

Patty has the same lathe and I love that thing. Even though she has the big one too the jet gets used the most.

BcWoodWorks · December 24, 2009, 08:15:12 AM

Thanks, Norm.

Yeah; it seems to be a solid little lathe. It's my grandfather's so, I don't get to dink around with it as much as I would like. What can be said tho, is that little bugger has some serious torque to it.

By the way Norm, just to confirm that I'm not indeed a bigger dork than I thought. The lowest speed setting is 500rpm right? I can't remember for the life of me.

The one thing I can't stand is having to change the belt position just to vary speed. Not a big deal, but it took me awhile to get the hang of it. :

That's a newbie for you.

Norm · December 24, 2009, 08:36:55 AM

Oh you're no more a newbie to this than I am.

I always tell folks my woodworking skills are 2X4's and an air hammer. :D

I keep reading and watching here for tips and tricks on how to do things. Slowly but surely I get a little better but it's a good thing we have a wood burning stove in the shop. ;D

BcWoodWorks · December 24, 2009, 08:50:14 AM

"Well, if the women don't find you handsome. They should at least find you handy." -Red Green

I bet you $5 I could screw up any project I touch. Well, they always told me to be good at something. :D We'll have to have a failure duel sometime Norm. :D :D :D

Patty · December 24, 2009, 10:19:25 AM

I got you both beat on the screw-ups! I just don't go around talking about them too much, humility cramps my style! :D

I like your bowl, WAY good for such a punk kid! (I am kidding there, you know) Your bowl is very nice, and shows off your talent. Keep up the fine work. ;)

BcWoodWorks · December 24, 2009, 10:32:17 AM

Quote from: Patty on December 24, 2009, 10:19:25 AM
I got you both beat on the screw-ups! I just don't go around talking about them too much, humility cramps my style! :D

I like your bowl, WAY good for such a punk kid! (I am kidding there, you know) Your bowl is very nice, and shows off your talent. Keep up the fine work. ;)

Your comment just made my Holiday a little less Grumpy. Thanks patty. ;D

Funniest part, I AM a punk kid. I just happen to have good Wisconsin roots, a few good people in my life, and an avid interest to add my mark in the woodworking scene. Even if it's an off-marked cut, and a couple nicks in my finger.

Happy Holidays, thanks for the present.

Patty · December 24, 2009, 10:37:33 AM

I have roots in Wisconsin, too. 8)

Going home to Gramma's house up in the Kickapoo Valley are some of the fondest childhood memories I have.

BcWoodWorks · December 26, 2009, 05:11:03 PM

Hello all!

Just wanted to share some more pictures now that I finished uploading them.

Maple Key-rack, and the table-saw push stick I made for Burlkraft.

Decent grain shot on the bowl I turned

Dunno how that crack didn't explode. ???

My camera focuses on everything but what I'm trying to shoot...always. Last bowl pic.

This is what it started as.

I used 3" deck screws to keep my head from floating off my shoulders. :D

Here's the weekly FF pop quiz; When were this old lathe, and radial arm saw made? I would offer a prize, but I have no idea. Best guess is 1910-1920? :D

Blurry frontal lathe shot.