Woodwork that you put yourself into creating can last a long time and have personal meaning. Consider that these are among the reasons it is worth doing.
Look back at the item from over 60 years ago discussed in a recent post: Still here
My 50-year file of Fine Woodworking magazine is still housed in a large bookshelf cabinet that I made not long after the magazine began. The beds made for my kids over 30 years ago, used by them in their young lives, are still in the house long after they moved into their own.
Now lately these two nifty trucks are for the grandkids. They are not high art woodwork but as personal creations they are meaningful.
Consider this when you work in the shop: personal connections, the joy of your work (usually), and how it may even outlast you. We work with our hands and tools because it matters.
Now a few comments on the kids’ trucks. They are about 14″l. x 8″h. x 7″w. with specially 10 species of nice wood. Practical, rugged, and fun – constructed to take plenty of playing action. The one at the top has a lifting back, and the other has a lifting lid of its back.
So, dear readers, get into the shop, go to work, and consider what is really going on – and enjoy!
Rob, I’ve quietly followed and frequently referenced your site for years. I love your work and your methods of work. I’m so glad you are back and thank you for sharing what you’ve been going thru in your online absence.
Thank you for the kind comments, Alex! Helps keep me motivated.
Your thoughts inspire beyond the wood shop, Rob. In my “shop” – the high school English language classroom in Japan – I take “joy” in my work – “usually”, as you note – from the “personal connections” (with my students), along with the thought that my work might even “outlast” the moment in time. Yes, indeed, “because it matters”.
Thank you, Jim!
Readers: that comment comes from a truly great teacher!