Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. I know I enjoyed my 2 week vacation. But now, looking out my window at the freezing rain currently falling here in the East, I'm reminded that the next 2-3 months are likely to be cold and nasty. Time to turn on the heater in the shoppe.
However, this means that there will be more time to spend in the shoppe as well. The holidays are over so there won't be any place to go. It's cold and miserable outside so I won't get much outdoor activity in. What better way to spend a quiet evening after the kids are in bed or an early Saturday morning than in the shoppe.
This year, as in most others, I have resolved to lean a new hand tool skill. In previous years I've tried to take on at least one project a year that will challenge my skills and give me the opportunity to try something I've not done before. After all, this is how we improve. You don't become Stevie Ray Vaughan by playing "Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star" your whole life. You need to constantly push yourself with new and more challenging projects in order to improve your skills.
Last year I did a few things like carve a ball and claw foot, carve an 18th century inspired shell and most recently, make a tombstone raised panel door prototype (I have not done the real ones yet as I'm waiting for the skew chisel I need to arrive). In 2009, I am challenging myself by stepping outside my rectilinear comfort zone. I am planning on learning to turn.
Being an amateur cabinetmaker, I don't have frequent need for round stuff. However, every now and then I wish I had the skill and tools necessary to do so when I do need it. This year I'm making it happen. I'm currently in the finishing stages of building a Roy Underhill designed spring pole lathe to add to my shoppe. You didn't expect me to get something with a tail, did you :)! I'll be sure to post it here when it's done and I've had a chance to try it out.
My main goal for the lathe is to allow me to to try my hand at another new skill I've been chomping at the bit to work on, making chairs. Specifically, Windsors. I love the look of Windsor chairs and have for some time now dreamed of making one and I think this year is the year to have a go at it. Though it may not be until later in the year as I do have other, higher priority pojects to complete first, building this lathe is a step in that direction. I'm very excited about my new challenges this year.
So what about you? What new skill or skills have you challenged yourself to learn this year? If you haven't I really urge you to try just one new skill this year. I think you'll be surprised at how much your other skills improve as well by challenging yourself just beyond your comfort zone. Not to mention, it's just a lot of fun.
Happy 2009!
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