Lately, I've been on a woodworking emotional rollercoaster. I've really been frustrated with a project I've been working on for corner shelves. In fact, the last time I had a problem, I posed this about glue. This post also references the first pass at this project - on which I didn't have nearly the kind of problems I've had this time.
I had a couple more panels to glue up to replace the ones the glue dried too quickly on. I re-realized I'm having a really hard time acheiveing a flat panel. At 14-15 inches, they're too big to go through my planer, and I can't seem to get good results from the LN No. 4 I have. So I wait a couple of weeks and take another pass.
Taking the advice on the glue post, I bought some Weldwood and attempted a glue-up yesterday. I'm still getting gaps in the middle of the shelf, using virtually every clamp I own, including two strap clamps. Additionally, when I put the Weldwood on the end-grain, the poplar seemed to soak it up like a sponge.
I was very inspired by Mark's therapy post but I'm begining to think that, as much as I like getting out there and working with my hands (I'm a systems guy by trade), maybe woodworking is just not the right hobby for me.
I've played guitar since highschool. My best friend back then really, really wanted to play too. He had a nice guitar and amp, and tried and tried and tried. Unfortunately, he didn't have the rythem or dexterity to play well. Eventually he gave it up. He just wasn't mean to play guitar, despite really wanting to.
Perhaps the same may be true for me and woodworking. I sometimes find that I may not be detail oriented enough, or simply lack the "natural" skills necessary to do what I envision on a project.
So my question is this; is woodworking just not for everyone?
- John