Turtlecove Workshop – a work in progress

My basic skills studies have been put on hold a bit to complete the upgrades to the shop and although I continue to struggle with my development as a woodworker, I am feeling good about the improvements to my man cave. This week I added two more shop lights so that I could extend the lit zone out to my band and table saws. The camera automatically adjusted the white balance so you can’t get an exact feel for lighting produced by the 6500K T8 fluorescents but I really like it and I feel very comfortable working under them. Even with 4 fixtures they turn on instantly; ain’t technology cool?

As I begin using the shop, I’m sure I’ll make adjustments to the layout. At least for now, everything fits and is serviceable. Tackling dust collection has to be my next priority followed by lumber storage.  Am I lost in “gadget world” or will I ever be functional enough to make things? I can see that it is an evolutionary process and at least I am the sort of fellow that enjoys tinkering.

I haven’t started any projects in a while but I did put together the NEMA 6-20 extension cord that I needed to power my table saw and Monday while Susan went for a walk (in the rain I might add) I quickly cranked out a push stick based on the design in the Grizzly table saw manual. I made it out of 3/4″ ply that I had on hand and free-handed the shape which underlined my lack of natural drawing talent. It was quick and I’ll make at least one more and see if I can improve the design. Or should I say, see if the next one more closely matches the design as presented in the plan.

Insights for this week:

1. I really like the band saw, it is so liberating
2. I need more practice at just about everything
3. Progress seems extremely slow but I am learning new things everyday
4. At some point you have to quit thinking about it and just start doing it!

You have been reading an excerpt from the shop journal of the Turtlecovebrewer.