Two questions developed as I was working on a standing cabinet of my design.

One: Am I likely to be pleased and happy with the final result?

Two: Have I significantly learned from the process so far? 

Answer to the first question: No. But why? 

The solid walnut was excellent, though the walnut veneer did not quite blend with it as I hoped. The other veneers were quite nice, especially the bubinga.

However, the structural function was better than the actual beauty – the art – that I really wanted. Maybe no one else would really see it my way, or even care, but only my name would be on the tiny nameplate inside. 

As work progressed past the half-way point, I began to fell that I really would not want to see this in the family member owner’s home. I also found that they could spend not a lot of money on a fully functional and attractive manufactured cabinet. 

I wish that early on I had changed some key elements but there was no way to go back. It simply would not turn out at the level that I wanted. It would only be “good.” That is not what I realistically wanted. 

As for the second question: did I learn a lot from this? Yes, very much. I especially advanced my veneering skills though I had more to learn about integrating it. I also succeeded in a clever and difficult large area of dowel joinery. Correcting various errors went well with some new tricks. 

So, I was actually happier after junking the project than I had been in the building stage to which I had progressed. It has been a long time since I last junked a project at this far along. 

I would like to avoid this in the future! Yet, that is what woodworking skill and effort can bring. I actually feel better not having completed it than if I did. High personal standards, I guess. I learned a lot from it in multiple ways! 

This was not a sale. If that was involved, matters would require different moves. I did lose some money on wood and some time in the shop but it is all fine.

I am happily on to the next project! 

Readers, those are my thoughts to share. I guess you have been there too.