Gene Howe

The consumer is fickle. For that reason, I don't attempt to keep up with them. By the time I realize the emergence of a fad, it's too late, anyway. Like kmmcrafts, I make what is requested (sometimes) but, more often, what I like. I'm more process oriented than result driven. So what leaves the bench is often a crap shoot. Right now, I'm in the midst of making 4 Limbert style tables. Repetitive work drives me bonkers. The only thing saving my sanity is that the tops are Resin coated mesquite round slabs. There's enough variation in the process of prepping and finishing the tops to ease the angst of the mundane table leg builds. Once these are done and delivered, I hope never to be asked to make another. I hate saying NO!

You could remove the fish and replace it with an Aardvark or, Armadillo.

Me likes it. Good job!

Rustoleum clear enamel has replaced the Minwax spray products in my shop.

As anyone who who even slightly knows me will attest, I am far from the sharpest knife in the drawer. That's why I am so grateful for this forum full of experienced and, smart folks. I think I understand the stacked ring concept of bowl and, box building. But I Can't seem to be able to wrap my head around how to design a similarily constructed vase, with a bulbous bottom, slender neck and flared top. Sorta like they stereotyped Alladan's Lamp, without the handle. It seems to me to require differently angled cuts with nearly every ring. I am aware that the angles change depending on the stock thickness. But, that's where my awareness ends. If smeone could point me to a relevent resource, I'd be most appreciative. Thanks. Oops, looks like I may have posted this in the wrong location. Sorry.

Love your humor. Keep it up!

Many thanks, friend.

Thank you all for the kind words of welcome. I've yet to affix a blade to my gifted DeWalt 788. But it is in it's place on the bench, with a nice comfy adjustable height chair and a foot operated switch. There's three small furniture projects in the shop, awaiting completion. They have a deadline. Then, I'll try my first practice scroll saw cuts. I'm really anxious to start scrolling again.

ABSOLUTELY! Other than my insulated thermos of water or coffee, all beverages are banned from my shop. Canned ones leave rings on the saw tables and, invariably, some one will set one on a saw table. Alcohol is just plain VERBOTEN! Shiny spinning things and, other types of blades and, booze don't mix.

Other than for cuts on my fingers, my main use is putting a dab in unglued spots for small panel glue ups and, the like. Used correctly, it'll hold the parts together without the need for clamps.

+1!

Thanks John and, Dan.

Is there a chart or spread sheet for angles relative to wood thickness for inlay work? I've seen a video of cutting circles with increased angles. Is that what I should do for each of the different usually used thicknesses? Thanks.

My introductional first post. Hello fellow wood butchers, A little about me: My name is Gene Howe. I'm a retired speech pathologist living the dream, for the past 50 years in rural southern AZ. Close to Tucson but, too close. We're transplants from IL. Married to Phyllis (Phyl) whose been putting up with me for 51 years. We have twin sons, and 3 grandkids. I've been a wood butcher for 50 years. In April, I'll be 81 years young. My motto is "You must grow old but, there's no reason to grow up." Consequently, If it ain't fun, I avoid it. Life's too short to be bored. My tools include two Shopsmiths with their bandsaws, A DeWalt 13" planer, various hand planes, lots of Japanese hand saws, and a plethora of clamps. In my younger years, I used to build cabinets, desks, beds and tables on commission. I learned that to earn a small fortune in woodworking, you must first start with a large fortune. Unfortunately, I had neither. So, for the past 25 years + or -, I've only built what I wanted to. Mostly boxes, small tables and, toys. No more big stuff! Living here, we have ready access to, what has become my favorite wood, Mesquite. Although, In our trips back to IL, I manage to load the pickup with walnut and maple. I will have a DeWalt scroll saw this June. My BIL is giving it to me as his interests have changed. He's in IL. Long trip. Gotta take out a second mtg to buy the gas. In the distant past, before I retired, I owned a little Delta scroll saw and really enjoyed using it. I understand that the DeWalt is a much better saw. If it's build quality is anything like their Planer, I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I'm really anxious to start scrolling again. I'm really happy I found y'all and hope to be a regular poster, here. Probably with lots of questions.