Your favorite shop activity

I like working in my shop pretty much anytime. But the best time is at the end of one project and the beginning of a new project. That's the only time everything is put away and there are no shavings or sawdust on the floor.

Dan Gonzales said:

That's the only time everything is put away and there are no shavings or sawdust on the floor.

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Good point Dan, I like that too. Its when a million ideas pop into my head.

my favorite part of all woodworking is when I go out into the shop and sit down and draw out the final specs/numbers, look over at the wood pile to plan my attack of which boards, which species, measure it all up first, sit down again draw it out, make adjustments, and then the first milling as I start to transform pieces of trees into useful furniture. Just makes me feel good, watching my ideas go from paper to finished product, but the start is always the best for me.

Eventually, Id like to buy a log/tree, and have a mill cut it up for me and then have it dried, then bring it to a finished product.

Jeff Bower said:

Being buried in fresh/wet curlies at the lathe...

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That's probably my favorite, too. A close second would be buffing a piece and seeing the finish come alive, especially after wet sanding or some other operation that temporarily dulls the finish.

Frank Fusco said:

Just being in there making or repairing things. Being alone and doing something with my hands is relaxing and theraputic.

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Hear Hear !!

Talking with the customers after a job is finished.

Ned Bulken said:

Judging by my history ... Building it?

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Mine is final assembly. Thats when I get to see the Idea become a reality. Everything up to that is a means to the end.

Steve Southwood said:

I just enjoy the shop. The sights, the sounds, the smells.

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Steve pretty much nailed it. Add to that having a friend drop in, getting a cold pop or water from the fridge or coffee from the thermos. Will anyone else admit to clearing off a bench and using it for a power nap/cat nap? Just 10 to 20 minutes does help sometimes.

I have a couple of favorites. The best is when my kids and I are working on something together. The time is precious and memories are being made.

I also enjoy that last buff, spray, rub, on a project. The time when I can reflect and take in every little imperfection and know that it came from my hands and heart.