Recently I saw some very nice bowls on display for sale in a local eatery, and also got the website particulars for the turner. Arrgh! I see his shop and his work and I wanted to eat my liver! Waitaminnit, this ain't a real healthy reaction, what to do? Well, He commented on having made an urn for a friend's cremain, and how he was not really set up for that kind of project and did not want to ackle it again. Hm... here's my way out. I am a generalist and a tinkerer, not particularly skilled or excellent in any one thing, but I guess my niche is no niche. I do not make any money with my woodwork, I just like doing what I do.
So, my salve for turning jealousy is that I am willing to try different things within the capabilities I think I have. I will not consider turning a monstrous chunk of wood on my lathe, but will willingly work to the machine's limits. I know that with the space I have, some projects will be generally out of my range or scope - but I am willing to explore what I *can* do in the space I have. I can and do make many of my own specialized tools for things like vases or urns - and am willing to study up on buying a chuck for expanding my repertoire further. (am a bit reluctant to part with any of my dollars, each one is a close friend)
I'm more peaceful, now, and have a better outlook on other very excellent work done by others, that I may never emulate. I will just try to do the very best I can, in the projects that I *can* take on.
end of sermonette for this week in late December. Best wishes to all of you sawdust eatin' turners out there. tom koehler