Comments on: Fresh Perspectives

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:43:11 +0000

I woke up this morning with the idea of a “knob and pocket” oval dining room table; not something I normally would do, I don’t even work with wood.
The idea was to use the “knob and pocket” principle to interlock the sections together, the four sections stemming off from the center to have three and two sections respectively. The “cone” knobs would fit into their corresponding “hollow” pockets; the ends being in two pieces and the next section in would be in three pieces anchored by the solid piece center. Guide rails could be used or the pieces could be removable.

Just an idea for a novel dining room table; don’t know if this is novel or not – maybe something that could be a real conversation piece.

By: Dail F. Melton

Dail F. Melton — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:57:49 +0000

When I was a kid years ago, I watched my father pick up a pocket knife and a 2 X 6 Block of wood and carve me a Colt 45 pistol. He never carved much, in fact, rarely. He also sketched and did drafting, but not as a career, just as a hobby to get something he wanted, done.
Over time, I began to have an interest in working with wood myself, and drawing, but mainly thought it was just a fascination of mine, not something I had inherited. However…
In high school, I was given a book by an uncle on our family history that someone had researched and published. In that book, I learned that my great-grandfather, who lived back in the 1860′s, had been a carpenter, landscape artist, musician and farmer.
The author stated that out of his five kids, each one had inherited one or more of his skills to some some extent.
My grand father though, his great-grandson, was mainly a businessman, running and managing businesses.
Needless to say, my father and I had inherited some of our great grand father’s skills too. So…

To some extent, I would say that some talents are ‘inherited’ to some degree. They may skip a generation, but I think they will show up sooner or later in your off spring.

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:00:06 +0000

Mark,

You’re funny! She’s the kid out in the shop with me who’s content to just sweep up the dust and hang out there. By the way, she chooses to push the broom–she thinks it’s fun. A very special little girl. If Barrett turns out to be an engineer instead of a woodworker, that’d be fine with me! Thanks for the well wishes.

By: Mark Messer

Mark Messer — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:20:03 +0000

3D at 9 years old. WOW! Think scholarships and free college. Woodworking’s OK, but a degree in engineering might be better. Get that girl tested, and on the right track in school.

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:09:40 +0000

Ken,

Sounds like your kids are off to a great start, because at least you realize their interests and are willing to help foster them. I have to work on patience with my daughter, too, and recognize that her drawings could just be a passing fancy. But, it sure would be nice if she wants to start making projects sometime soon! My scrap pile could use the help! Good luck with your junior woodworkers.

Chris Marshall

By: Ken

Ken — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:35:46 +0000

My 7 year old twins (1 boy,1 girl) have shown some interest in my woodwork. My son has watched my on the lathe once or twice, and they both have wanted to learn how to sand something. They like to play with my scraps and stack up ramps and tracks for their cars. I think any blame on them not going further at the moment lays squarely on my shoulders.
My daughter has shown interest in bird houses, and my son likes planes. I guess I just need to buckle down and come up with some simple projects for them to start with. I’ll also have to muster up as much patience as I can (I’m not real good in that department), and just have fun with it.