strangely quiet lately

[sorcerertd]

What's everybody up to? It's been quiet around here lately. I guess I'm not the only one trying to take care of real grown up responsibilities instead of hiding in the workshop? I really have only been checking in here a couple/few times a week just to see who and what's new. Hopefully, something will emerge from the shop soon. People tell me I'll have even less time when I retire. Someone please tell me that's not true. The Etsy store hasn't gotten much attention, either. There's stuff to put up there, but taking pictures isn't at the top of my priority list.

There's a small bin of pens completely prepped, squared ready to put on the lathe that has been sitting there for months. I might have done one a month this year other than the special request. I just don't seem to have time even for the other stuff that needs to be done. Having carpal tunnel surgery last year (2025) put me way behind on yard work. I'm scared of what will (not) happen when I get the other one done, but at least the dominant hand has been taken care of. A shop full of sharp things is no place for numb fingers!

To be fair, we have taken some short vacations that I don't regret at all. Florida in January, which was a rather sad trip to bid farewell to a family member who passed a couple days after we came home. If anyone has watched "The Chosen", you might be familiar with the convention they had in Charlotte in Feb. That was quite an experience! I finally got to give the show's creator a pen that I made for him quite some time ago. It's teal dyed maple burl, with teal ink (and a spare in black). RiseUP in TN, A few concerts (Mercy Me, Phil Wickham), and plans for trips to NY, OH, and WI coming up. I can't really complain too much about the lack of shop time. We've been pretty blessed.

 

[jttheclockman]

As far as me, I have not created anything in my shop for about 2 years. Now this past winter and still some these days I have decided to clean the shop up and organize things because it was getting to the point I could not safely work in it. While I was at it I upgraded a few tools and added a few. I have added a few jigs that will be helpful with projects come next winter. I uprgraded and just finished my bandsaw. I have an older Delta 14" bandsaw and put on a bunch of Carter products such as their quick release mechanism, their bearing guides, added a fence that is now secure to the saw. I always was using their mag fences which work well but this fence works better. I also updated the dust collection on it and started using the Magfit adapters to a few of my tools. I upgraded my Delta planer to a Dewalt735 planer with table and dust collection bag system. Replaced some dust collection hoses. Added some drill press tables to both my drill presses which will make a huge difference from what I am seeing because I have already tried them out. Finally cleaned off my work bench which I will now strickly build my projects on that. Good to get that back. That was a catch all for a long time and was using my tablesaw as my work bench as I put a sheet of plywood on it all the time to work on projects. Did a whole bunch of hanging things and adding shelves. Bought a couple cabinets that help store things now. Over all it is looking alot better and safer. The last thing was added a router lift to my router table which is so much easier to use. Some of these things I wanted for years but never did pull the plug. But I realize I am getting to the stage of my life I may not have too many shop years to play so money became no object and started this quest.

Now with this all said next year I will pick up where I left off this past year and start some exciting projects. Yes I have a bunch of pens I want to do but mainly want to build boxes of many kind. I need to use up alot of lumber I have stored. This way the lumber piles go and something useful is made that my family can easily get rid of by selling or giving away. My secret plan that I will be showing here is many many different billiard themed ideas. Stay tuned for those.

But this summer I have house projects to do and will be starting those up again probably the next couple weeks. I have an accent wall I need to work on in the house. Want to get that done this summer. As well as I need to repair my shed and repaint it. The huge project is I am doing a complete landscaping redo. Starting from bare canvas and adding sod and sprinkler system and whole bunch of other goodies. Finally next year painting all rooms and replacing lots of furniture. Then it is sit back and enjoy whatever time I have left. And work on the shop projects and you will be seeing lots of photos from me by then. At least this is the plan but we all know how life throws us all curves.

That is my summary to this date.