Well, I've had quite a tough time woodworking in my apartment. Between noise, carpeted floors, and small spaces, it's a kind of stifling environment.
But, it occurred to me! I could set up shop at a fleamarket. I've seen several craftsmen working there, including some wood turners, leatherworkers, etc.
For $30/week, I have a place I can go, set up for 8 hours Fri-Sun, work, and sell things! So, that's what I've been doing the last two weeks.
I'm not really making any money - just breaking even at best. But it's quite a fun environment - I get to work in a spacious environment, demonstrate my work (not that I can claim I know all that well what I'm doing yet!), and talk to people. There's something really motivating about working in an environment that other people can see your work, as opposed to just laboring away in complete isolation. And, every now and then, someone knowledgeable of woodworking will come along! Or, people who aren't knowledgeable, but interested in giving it a try. Perfect opportunity to snag them early and convert them to Neanderthals
Anyway. My booth is super humble, and not with much focus right now. I like making small projects, especially things with a lot of organic shape. Spoons, Bow Saws, Propeller Toys, Birdhouses, Strops - just whatever I feel like making, really. I even put out an old sanshin ("Okinawan Banjo" if you will) that I made with a tin can many years ago - long before I really had much knowledge or experience woodworking. I'll probably work on getting a bit more of a focus, or at least a more sensible array of products as time goes on and I figure out what kind of theme I'm interested in. But I'm also very much one to bounce around and try new things - I'm not usually content making a dozen of the same item.
I've made a few nicer pieces since taking these photos, but:
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I slapped together a kind of crude Japanese-style planing bench that I can clamp to the tables there, and got me a cheap portable vise. A crude setup, but it works quite well.
If I get time, and I continue this, I might just make a nice workbench to leave there... and, stick a price tag on? Or maybe I'll just continue down my rabbit hole of finding the perfect portable bench.
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