Hello all,
I'm in the process of creating a website whose purpose is to help
people do nice things for each other.
Many times, you want to do something for someone, but all you know
about them is that they are interested in a particular hobby or
activity that you don't know much about.
I'm collecting information about as many different hobbies as I can.
So...two questions.
1. What do woodworkers like/need/want?
I'm looking for a list of things that someone else could pick out for
you that you would really enjoy receiving. This can include items, gift
certificates to particular stores, magazine subscriptions, books,
favors, etc. Anything that you would find useful and/or desirable in
your capacity as a woodworkers. These don't have to be "bought" items.
If you really need lots of empty egg cartons, put it on the list!
2. If I was married to a woodworker, and wanted to better understand
what they are talking about over the dinner table without actually
becoming a woodworker myself, what books or websites should I look at?
Any information would be appreciated by myself and likely by the
families and friends of many woodworkers! :)
If you want to see what the results look like, click on either of the
two sample links on this page:
http://www.spousalsponsorship.org/pages/index.html
NiceToWoodworkers wrote:
<snip>
> Also, I found the FAQ for this group late last night and I'll be adding
> in some of the books listed there this evening.
>
> http://www.spousalsponsorship.org/pages/woodworking/
> Here's how I'm doing so far. Am I getting it right? If anyone (and/or
> your spousal sponsor) wants to provide a short anecdote to fill the
> spots that say "need something here" feel free to email me. Put
> "woodworking" in the subject so I can find it in all my spam. If you
> look at the other pages, you'll see what goes there. They really add
> something fun to the pages, I think.
>
You've gotten off to a nice start.
Under the "Publication" section I'd add ShopNotes.
http://www.shopnotes.com/
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
[email protected]
(Remove -SPAM- to send email)
Phisherman wrote:
> Wood, and more wood!
Okay! Do I just hand you chunks of random lumber, or are there
particular wood buying places that I should get you a gift certificate
to so you can pick out which wood you want?
Do we like stores like the Home Depot lumberyard, or do real
woodworkers turn up their sawdust-covered noses at such places?
Swingman wrote:
> There are many hardwood dealers on-line for those without local access, but
> local is generally cheaper and better because you get to choose your stock,
> which can be a highly subjective process, and you don't have the shipping
> charges.
This is great, guys. I really appreciate it. I also just read the
thread about setting up a small shop to get started, and there is some
excellent stuff in there. Keep it coming. I want to do a good job on
these pages. As the utterly non-mechanical wife of a tractor puller, I
know how it is to be adrift when it comes to your spouse's hobbies. :)
This place seems to have a good selection of products and they offer
gift cards. A test inquiry to Customer Service received an immediate
response. Would this be a good place to point people who aren't local
to their woodworker, but want to send them a gift card?
Internet Lumber
http://www.internetlumber.com
NiceToWoodworkers wrote:
> Roy wrote:
> > You could never go wrong giving a woodworker a gift certificate for Lee Valley. Never, never, never
> > go wrong. Never.
> >
> > Hope SWMBO reads this post.
>
> May I quote you on that? :)
I think so - or at least I'll agree. I can't imagine anyone who's
seriously into woodworking who wouldn't find a Lee Valley gift
certificate useful, to say the least. They also have a wish list
function on their website, which was great for Christmas last year, and
they have a large selection of gardening tools and equipment as well.
LV is nearly unanimously well-respected on this newsgroup, and the
owner cares enough to post here occasionally.
Other reputable (in my opinion) woodworking stores include Rockler,
Woodcraft, Infinity (infinitytool.com). If you're into hand tools,
Japan Woodworker, Knight Toolworks, or Lie Nielsen. For a broader
range of tools, Grizzly is one potential source with some good deals,
but they don't have quite the top-notch personal customer service as
the rest I've mentioned. Amazon.com is another, with some scattered
good deals but even less customer service.
Good luck,
Andy
Roy and Andy and Dave W:
Exactly what I'm looking for! Thank you. I'll be researching the places
you suggested and adding the links in tonight.
The kind of mistake that Dave describes is exactly the kind of thing
I'm hoping to help people avoid.
Hambone Slim:
I think the eBay gift certificates have you covered on the machinery
itself. As to the other, I'll check with the place where I get my
husband the short-shorts wearing pit crew girls. Maybe they're
branching out....
Also, I found the FAQ for this group late last night and I'll be adding
in some of the books listed there this evening.
http://www.spousalsponsorship.org/pages/woodworking/
Here's how I'm doing so far. Am I getting it right? If anyone (and/or
your spousal sponsor) wants to provide a short anecdote to fill the
spots that say "need something here" feel free to email me. Put
"woodworking" in the subject so I can find it in all my spam. If you
look at the other pages, you'll see what goes there. They really add
something fun to the pages, I think.
Lee Valley gift certificate is the thing to have, eh? Boy, have I got a
deal for you guys!
We're having a contest now. The contest has two parts and two winners.
The PRIZE for each winner is a $10 LEE VALLEY GIFT CERTIFICATE to be
delivered via email.
It's a short essay contest and the winners are decided based purely on
which essays I like best. I'll tell you now that I like funny essays,
as long as they are not mean.
You can do one or both parts. The winning essays will be posted on the
web page. If you would like me to include your name and /or a link to
your own site with it, I will do so. Entirely your choice.
The word counts are guidelines. No need to be exact. I just want a
couple of short paragraphs for each part. Each of the sample pages I
showed you earlier contain an example of what I'm after here.
The contest starts now and ends whenever I feel like it, but definitely
within the next day or so. Post your entries here, and I will post the
winners here. I will send the certificate to the email address you use
for this newsgroup, unless you tell me otherwise. You are welcome to
tell me otherwise via private email.
PART 1:
In 200-250 words, answer the following question.
Why do you enjoy woodworking?
PART 2:
In 200-250 words, have your spouse, significant other or non-woodworker
friend describe what it's like to live with a woodworker.
Okay, GO!!!!
BTW, I'll be redoing the woodworking page tonight per your excellent
suggestions. Among other changes and additions, the online wood store
will be banished in favor of a hearty recommendation of Lee Valley.
Can't bribe any of you into extroverting a bit, eh? Ah, well. :)
If anyone (or their spouse) changes their mind, you are welcome to
email me privately. The email address I'm posting from is real. Put
"woodworking" in the subject so I see it in my spam. If you send me
something to post on the site, I will do so anonymously, although I've
been following the links in your sigs and I imagine people would enjoy
looking at your shops and your beautiful work...
I'll be moving on soon, but I'll keep an eye out here for a while
longer. Maybe I'll do brewers next...hmmm...
Anyway, the woodworking page will be completed and linked into the rest
of the site within the next few days. Thank you very much for all your
input. I've enjoyed exploring all the cool woodworking stuff. I hope
you all receive much spousal support and very fine loot!
Sponsor a Woodworker!
http://www.spousalsponsorship.org/pages/woodworking/
Hambone Slim wrote:
> Do I win the Lee Valley coupon?
>
You do indeed, for Part 1. Thank you for being brave enough to go
first!
Is the email address from which you post the correct one to send the
gift certificate?
Would you like to be credited and/or linked? If so, as what and to
where?
As always, feel free to email me if you don't want to post the info
publicly.
As to Part 2, I'm afraid you do need to find something repeatable. :)
How 'bout it guys? Part 2 is still up for grabs. Somebody must have a
spouse dying to tell a good story about what they love you in spite of.
If anyone still wants to contribute to Part 1, I may even decide to
award "bonus" certificates.
Hambone Slim wrote:
> I'm just putting the final touches on a new website www.tjwoodworking.com so
> a link would be swell. There will be a suppliers link page there as well,
> so it will be useful.
Link mounted. Gift certificate ordered. I'll forward it to you as soon
as I get it from them. Thanks again!
Hambone Slim wrote:
>
> Thanks for the gift certificate! I actually have a bunch of goodies in my
> shopping cart there right now - I split my last order up so it's like having
> a birthday every week, instead of getting more stuff than I can play with
> anyway all at once.
Just received and forwarded the gift certificate. Enjoy!
Prometheus wrote:
> working like maniacs. When it's time to come home for the weekend, my
> wife always wants to go out and "do something." I'm all for
> maintaining a good relationship, but it's really tough to work up a
> lot of enthusiam for getting back in the car and leaving the house you
> never get to see for the sake of walking around a mall.
Yeah, I know that one. My husband used to be an over-the-road truck
driver. It took some effort to remember that, the few hours he was
home, the last thing he wanted to do was go out to dinner. Sometimes
he did it anyway though. :)
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> You nailed that one. My wife has some heart problems and at times, physical
> activity must be kept minimal. When I'm working in the (garage)shop, she
> likes to sit outside where she can watch what I'm doing. She may ask a
> question, but never tells me how do to anything or interferes. Of course,
> most of what I make is for her anyway.
That's really really sweet. You made me make the "ohhhh" noise.
And before the gutterbrained among you chime in: *No*, the *other*
ohhhh noise.
NiceToWoodworkers wrote:
> We're having a contest now. The contest has two parts and two winners.
> The PRIZE for each winner is a $10 LEE VALLEY GIFT CERTIFICATE to be
> delivered via email.
>
> PART 2:
> In 200-250 words, have your spouse, significant other or non-woodworker
> friend describe what it's like to live with a woodworker.
One of your number just supplied Part 2 via email. A very nice piece
from his wife who, judging from her essay, is already a fully qualified
Spousal Sponsor.
Thank you all again!
"NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Swingman wrote:
>
>> Unless the spouse is a woodworker, or has the advice of one, a gift
>> certificate is the most prudent course to take, whether it be for tools
>> or
>> materials.
>>
>
> I agree. Are there any particular dealers that you recommend? Or does
> one look locally for "hardwood dealers"?
>
As others have said, typically wood would be purchased from a dealer who
specializes in such.
However, I don't think anyone would turn up our noses at a HD Gift Card,
they sell a lot of things besides wood. :)
NiceToWoodworkers wrote:
> Phisherman wrote:
>
>
>>Wood, and more wood!
>
>
> Okay! Do I just hand you chunks of random lumber, or are there
> particular wood buying places that I should get you a gift certificate
> to so you can pick out which wood you want?
>
> Do we like stores like the Home Depot lumberyard, or do real
> woodworkers turn up their sawdust-covered noses at such places?
>
Well out here in the sticks (no pun intended), one looks at what the
project is. For hardwood, I usually stock up on stuff like white oak
(always usable). If I need a few sticks of doug fir, our hamlet has a
fairly good stock of decent stuff (#1/2). Otherwise the yards that
carry hardwood (Reel, Peterman) are an hour's drive to the San
Bernardino area. I do go to the Borgs now and again and spend an hour
trying to separate the firewood from the usable stuff. Once a year or
so, somebody makes a mistake and some #1 fir comes in. At that point, I
buy as much as I can afford. Their oak (red usually) is expensive while
the rest of the hardwoods are... can't even remember if they carry
anything else out here.
I also work with reclaimed woods. I have gotten used redwood decks and
redwood and cedar siding. Works well.
mahalo,
jo4hn
"NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
>> You nailed that one. My wife has some heart problems and at times,
>> physical
>> activity must be kept minimal. When I'm working in the (garage)shop, she
>> likes to sit outside where she can watch what I'm doing. She may ask a
>> question, but never tells me how do to anything or interferes. Of
>> course,
>> most of what I make is for her anyway.
>
> That's really really sweet. You made me make the "ohhhh" noise.
>
>
> And before the gutterbrained among you chime in: *No*, the *other*
> ohhhh noise.
>
Gutterbrained?? Not here!!!
I have a lifetime supply of junk that people have bought for me thinking
that ...he is a woodworker, I will buy him a tool. IT DOES NOT WORK! My
favorite gifts, for thost that must feed my woodworking habit, is a gift
certificate. Woodcraft Supply is probably best since it covers so many
areas of woodworking and tends to have good stuff as opposed to the big box
stores.
NiceToWoodworkers wrote:
> This place seems to have a good selection of products and they offer
> gift cards. A test inquiry to Customer Service received an immediate
> response. Would this be a good place to point people who aren't local
> to their woodworker, but want to send them a gift card?
>
> Internet Lumber
> http://www.internetlumber.com
>
Not likely - A gift card gift is usually something like $20 or $30, not
often over $100. A woodworking building a piece of furniture is likely
going to want to ge all the wood for a particular project from the same
source. Some even want from the same tree! The value of a gift card will
not go very far at a place like this.
FYI - Here are two other places that I can drive to but the have online
sales IIRC.
http://www.hearnehardwoods.com/
http://www.groffslumber.com/
Also - I have seen wood on e-bay and advertise on the swap and sell
board on http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php
Roy wrote:
> You could never go wrong giving a woodworker a gift certificate for Lee Valley. Never, never, never
> go wrong. Never.
>
> Hope SWMBO reads this post.
>
> Regards,
> Roy
>
> On 5 Jul 2006 13:29:58 -0700, "NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Swingman wrote:
>>
>>> Unless the spouse is a woodworker, or has the advice of one, a gift
>>> certificate is the most prudent course to take, whether it be for tools or
>>> materials.
>>>
>> I agree. Are there any particular dealers that you recommend? Or does
>> one look locally for "hardwood dealers"?
>
I second that! No gift certs for lumber dealers online but a Lee Valley
cert! Yea! Make it for about $3000 and I'm all set... for now.
There is a thread on woodnet with people adding up the cost of their lee
valley wishlist! I don't think anyone is under $2000!
Locutus wrote:
> "NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Swingman wrote:
>>
>>> Unless the spouse is a woodworker, or has the advice of one, a gift
>>> certificate is the most prudent course to take, whether it be for tools
>>> or
>>> materials.
>>>
>> I agree. Are there any particular dealers that you recommend? Or does
>> one look locally for "hardwood dealers"?
>>
>
> As others have said, typically wood would be purchased from a dealer who
> specializes in such.
>
> However, I don't think anyone would turn up our noses at a HD Gift Card,
> they sell a lot of things besides wood. :)
>
>
Along with that could be gift certificates or actual gifts from
speciality shops. Lee Valley (leevalley.com) immediately comes to mind,
but there are many others as well.
It's a technical field, and without understanding the intricacies of
what the field entails, gift certificates are a safer bet than blowing a
bundle on something that may never be used. However, my wife knows I
drool at the sight of a Lee Valley catalogue, and has tapped my brain a
few times without me knowing it to get a Xmas or Bday gift that I didn't
think I could justify but enjoyed nonetheless.
The thought actually does count and an actual item that I can unpack,
assemble, play with and bugger up some wood with means a lot to me.
OTOH, gift certificates to the right place are mighty nice too.
Tanus
--
This is not really a sig.
You could never go wrong giving a woodworker a gift certificate for Lee Valley. Never, never, never
go wrong. Never.
Hope SWMBO reads this post.
Regards,
Roy
On 5 Jul 2006 13:29:58 -0700, "NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>Swingman wrote:
>
>> Unless the spouse is a woodworker, or has the advice of one, a gift
>> certificate is the most prudent course to take, whether it be for tools or
>> materials.
>>
>
>I agree. Are there any particular dealers that you recommend? Or does
>one look locally for "hardwood dealers"?
"NiceToWoodworkers" wrote in message
> I agree. Are there any particular dealers that you recommend? Or does
> one look locally for "hardwood dealers"?
There are many hardwood dealers on-line for those without local access, but
local is generally cheaper and better because you get to choose your stock,
which can be a highly subjective process, and you don't have the shipping
charges.
Think Yellow Pages.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 6/21/06
"NiceToWoodworkers" wrote...
>
> Can't bribe any of you into extroverting a bit, eh? Ah, well. :)
1. Why do you like woodworking:
My guess is woodworkers are strong on 3-dimensional reasoning, short on
verbal reasoning. For me; fits my abilities, days are relaxed and
enjoyable, get to spend days engaged in creative pursuits & with my pal
Spooner. Getting paid to have fun. Can knock off and go flyfishing
whenever we please. Get to spend whatever I like on fancy boards, tools,
machines, and hardware, and call it "business expense".
2. What is it like to live with a woodworker:
I've had gal pals describe in detail what it's like to live with a
woodworker, unfortunately, little of what they had to say is fit to be
repeated.
Do I win the Lee Valley coupon?
--
Timothy Juvenal
www.rude-tone.com/work.htm
"NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Lee Valley gift certificate is the thing to have, eh? Boy, have I got a
> deal for you guys!
>
> We're having a contest now. The contest has two parts and two winners.
> The PRIZE for each winner is a $10 LEE VALLEY GIFT CERTIFICATE to be
> delivered via email.
>
> It's a short essay contest and the winners are decided based purely on
> which essays I like best. I'll tell you now that I like funny essays,
> as long as they are not mean.
>
> You can do one or both parts. The winning essays will be posted on the
> web page. If you would like me to include your name and /or a link to
> your own site with it, I will do so. Entirely your choice.
>
> The word counts are guidelines. No need to be exact. I just want a
> couple of short paragraphs for each part. Each of the sample pages I
> showed you earlier contain an example of what I'm after here.
>
> The contest starts now and ends whenever I feel like it, but definitely
> within the next day or so. Post your entries here, and I will post the
> winners here. I will send the certificate to the email address you use
> for this newsgroup, unless you tell me otherwise. You are welcome to
> tell me otherwise via private email.
>
> PART 1:
> In 200-250 words, answer the following question.
> Why do you enjoy woodworking?
>
>
> PART 2:
> In 200-250 words, have your spouse, significant other or non-woodworker
> friend describe what it's like to live with a woodworker.
>
>
> Okay, GO!!!!
>
> BTW, I'll be redoing the woodworking page tonight per your excellent
> suggestions. Among other changes and additions, the online wood store
> will be banished in favor of a hearty recommendation of Lee Valley.
>
You know, not every woodworker is a big L/V fan. I know several guys that
don't even know of them. There is other alternatives. Don't nobody get me
wrong, but there is people that don't drink Starbucks coffee and wear Nike
shoes too. Take that into consideration. If you go over the last few years
of archives, you'll notice that there isn't but a select handful of regulars
here that talk about L/V or other places. Other posters have to ask where to
get something, then the replies are always L/V. So that should tell you
something if your website is going to appeal to others besides this
newsgroup. Lurk around other groups and see where they suggest going. Just
my opinion, and you know everybody has one.
"NiceToWoodworkers" wrote...
> I'm in the process of creating a website whose purpose is to help
> people do nice things for each other.
I'd like this:
http://tinyurl.com/lhpfr
...and a pair of Swedish bikini models to do all my sanding.
Thanks, and I'll be watching for the UPS truck!
--
Timothy Juvenal
www.rude-tone.com/work.htm
"NiceToWoodworkers" wrote...
> Just received and forwarded the gift certificate. Enjoy!
Thanks, I sure will! (See; LV gift certificates really _are_ something
woodworkers like!)
I uploaded my new tjwoodworking site so your link will go actually go to
something. Mostly complete, just gotta add the shop dog pics, pics of the
shop, links, and some more samples of work pics, improve some of the
wording, etc. Mostly complete though.
Let me know when you're ready to be nice to flyfishers. >8^)
--
Timothy Juvenal
www.tjwoodworking.com
"Prometheus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>2. If I was married to a woodworker, and wanted to better understand
>>what they are talking about over the dinner table without actually
>>becoming a woodworker myself, what books or websites should I look at?
>
> None of the above. Head on down to the shop and watch what's going on
> for a little while. Even if you have no idea what is happening, the
> environment is 90% of the dinner conversation. Reading a book won't
> give you a feel for what working wood is like.
You nailed that one. My wife has some heart problems and at times, physical
activity must be kept minimal. When I'm working in the (garage)shop, she
likes to sit outside where she can watch what I'm doing. She may ask a
question, but never tells me how do to anything or interferes. Of course,
most of what I make is for her anyway.
On 5 Jul 2006 12:30:20 -0700, "NiceToWoodworkers"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>I'm in the process of creating a website whose purpose is to help
>people do nice things for each other.
>
>Many times, you want to do something for someone, but all you know
>about them is that they are interested in a particular hobby or
>activity that you don't know much about.
>
>I'm collecting information about as many different hobbies as I can.
>So...two questions.
>
>1. What do woodworkers like/need/want?
>I'm looking for a list of things that someone else could pick out for
>you that you would really enjoy receiving. This can include items, gift
>certificates to particular stores, magazine subscriptions, books,
>favors, etc. Anything that you would find useful and/or desirable in
>your capacity as a woodworkers. These don't have to be "bought" items.
>If you really need lots of empty egg cartons, put it on the list!
>
Wood, and more wood!
>2. If I was married to a woodworker, and wanted to better understand
>what they are talking about over the dinner table without actually
>becoming a woodworker myself, what books or websites should I look at?
>
>Any information would be appreciated by myself and likely by the
>families and friends of many woodworkers! :)
>
>If you want to see what the results look like, click on either of the
>two sample links on this page:
>http://www.spousalsponsorship.org/pages/index.html
"NiceToWoodworkers" wrote...
> Is the email address from which you post the correct one to send the
> gift certificate?
Used to have "remove -this" in the sig, so the correct email is juvenal at
rude-tone dot com. I'm closing that down next week and the new email
address is already set up at: timothy at tjwoodworking dot com.
> Would you like to be credited and/or linked? If so, as what and to
> where?
I'm just putting the final touches on a new website www.tjwoodworking.com so
a link would be swell. There will be a suppliers link page there as well,
so it will be useful.
Thanks for the gift certificate! I actually have a bunch of goodies in my
shopping cart there right now - I split my last order up so it's like having
a birthday every week, instead of getting more stuff than I can play with
anyway all at once.
Good luck with your venture.
--
Timothy Juvenal
www.rude-tone.com/work.htm
On 5 Jul 2006 17:58:54 -0700, "NiceToWoodworkers" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>Roy wrote:
>> You could never go wrong giving a woodworker a gift certificate for Lee Valley. Never, never, never
>> go wrong. Never.
>>
>> Hope SWMBO reads this post.
>
>May I quote you on that? :)
I'd rather you forwarded it to her so she can't miss it.... :>)
Actually, SWMBO gets gardening supplies from Lee Valley, so she rarely frowns on an order, since she
gets her fix at the same time...that and the fact she's also does some woodworking herself. Had her
own tablesaw, workbench, etc when I met her.
Here's a few other really good experiences besides Lee Valley...
A local store that does certificates, and also mail order, that I can recommend is The Cutting Edge.
Just a customer, but have always had a good experience there. They stock much more than what is
shown on line.
www.cuttingedgetools.com
The owner is a big supporter of the local club, a plane collector, a semi-neander and turner. TCE
also sponsors Norm on our local PBS.
Lee Valley and The Cutting Edge probably get 50-60% of my tool/supplies money, plus TCE has some
nice wood at times. Woodcraft is probably next on my $ list. I mail order them as the local store
always seems to be out of stock of any sale item I want, and are 60 or so miles round trip. Other
good experiences, but not on my routine list are Hartville Tool, Penn State Industries and the
semiannual trip to Harbor Freight.
Oh, I almost forgot! McFeely's Square Drive Screws!!!!! Don't know if they have gift
certificates, but they get some of my dough too.
Regards,
Roy
On 5 Jul 2006 12:30:20 -0700, "NiceToWoodworkers"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>I'm in the process of creating a website whose purpose is to help
>people do nice things for each other.
>
>Many times, you want to do something for someone, but all you know
>about them is that they are interested in a particular hobby or
>activity that you don't know much about.
>
>I'm collecting information about as many different hobbies as I can.
>So...two questions.
>
>1. What do woodworkers like/need/want?
>I'm looking for a list of things that someone else could pick out for
>you that you would really enjoy receiving. This can include items, gift
>certificates to particular stores, magazine subscriptions, books,
>favors, etc. Anything that you would find useful and/or desirable in
>your capacity as a woodworkers. These don't have to be "bought" items.
>If you really need lots of empty egg cartons, put it on the list!
You know, the question really changes a lot when you split in into
professional V. hobbyist woodworkers. A hobbyist has a wish-list full
of shiny tools, and a pro might like some of those things, but tends
to already have most of them. So a hobbyist likes the tool gifts- but
most of the guys I work with like beer, peanuts, and a couple of days
off.
I'm trying not to be flippant here- there really is something to the
idea of recieving some peace and quiet as something nice a spouse can
do for you. I travel a lot for work, and live in motels most of the
time. We put in rediculous hours carrying heavy stuff around and
working like maniacs. When it's time to come home for the weekend, my
wife always wants to go out and "do something." I'm all for
maintaining a good relationship, but it's really tough to work up a
lot of enthusiam for getting back in the car and leaving the house you
never get to see for the sake of walking around a mall. With that in
mind, I'd have to say that the best gift my wife could give me on
almost any given day is a home-cooked meal in my own kitchen, a day of
sleeping on the couch and an hour of quiet conversation that doesn't
involve shouting over the sound of power tools.
I love woodworking- I do it for work, and I keep on doing it in my own
shop when I get home. But when it comes right down to it, I'm getting
tired of people giving me stuff that encourages me to work even longer
hours when what I'd really like is just a good meal that didn't come
in foam boxes in a paper sack and some much needed rest.
Just a different perspective- but one that probably has a lot of merit
for the majority of people who are woodworking for a living,
especially when travelling is involved.
On the other hand, I'd never turn down good extension cords. You
wouldn't believe how many of those suckers you need on some jobsites.
>2. If I was married to a woodworker, and wanted to better understand
>what they are talking about over the dinner table without actually
>becoming a woodworker myself, what books or websites should I look at?
None of the above. Head on down to the shop and watch what's going on
for a little while. Even if you have no idea what is happening, the
environment is 90% of the dinner conversation. Reading a book won't
give you a feel for what working wood is like.
>Any information would be appreciated by myself and likely by the
>families and friends of many woodworkers! :)
It's a nice idea, and I hope this project works out for you.
>If you want to see what the results look like, click on either of the
>two sample links on this page:
>http://www.spousalsponsorship.org/pages/index.html
"NiceToWoodworkers" wrote in message
> Okay! Do I just hand you chunks of random lumber, or are there
> particular wood buying places that I should get you a gift certificate
> to so you can pick out which wood you want?
Unless the spouse is a woodworker, or has the advice of one, a gift
certificate is the most prudent course to take, whether it be for tools or
materials.
> Do we like stores like the Home Depot lumberyard, or do real
> woodworkers turn up their sawdust-covered noses at such places?
Wood, at least they type that fits in with your subject line, can only be
obtained commercially from a "hardwood lumber" dealer.
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www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 6/21/06