Woodworking by its very nature is VAST in variety. Wood species, project type, stains, finishes and overall construction make the possibilities nearly endless. What if you never deviate from your ‘comfort zone’ though on a build?
As humans and yes some of us as woodworkers, we get into a comfort zone or a groove with our lifestyles, habits and projects. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this too. However, if you’re looking to grow as a woodworker you have to challenge yourself. You have to push out of the comfort zone and do something that scares you a little bit.
Let me be perfectly clear here though – I’m not suggesting you take all the safety’s off that table saw of yours, grab a piece of Australian Buloke wood and close your eyes for the next cross grain cut….that’s just not smart, not safe and quiet frankly dense. Always practice putting safety first and use caution during a project.
What I AM suggesting is trying a new technique. Use a new jig. Make a new joint. Create something that’s twice as big as you ever have. Use your imagination here. Stepping outside of your ‘groove’ or ‘comfort zone’ can help you add valuable skillsets and later hone those skillsets. You may discover a new tool you hadn’t used before that you really enjoy. Perhaps a new species of wood that takes way less time to get it the way you want. Perhaps a new finish that offers more sheen with less work.
Here are a few tips I like to focus on when pushing myself as a craftsman:
START SMALL – This one’s a no brainer. If you want to get into epoxy resin pieces, pick a small scale item to try it with. Don’t attempt to make a 37ft long conference room table with 18 different layers and shades of epoxy as your first go out. Practice small and hone those skills!
BE BOLD – Okay this might sound contrary to the one above but hang with me. Be bold with your wood selections, color selections, finish selections and design selections. Do something that YOU think kicks butt. Don’t build it because it might sell – do it because you think it’s friggin’ awesome. Seriously.
IMPROVEMENTS – Pick three projects from a woodworker you admire or look up to. Take a good hard look as those projects and think about what you would do differently – then go and do it! Change up in the contrasting wood? Different dowels? An alternative finish? Go for it! It’s a project that should excite you for it’s creativity.
What are you doing to shake up your wood craft work? What ways are you adding variety into the mix?