New year’s resolutions come and go, and that doesn’t mean setting goals for the year
ahead is a bad idea, but why not set a goal that will continue to give back? Many
of us feel comfortable with many aspects of our progress in the woodworking world,
and that’s as it should be as we continue to learn and progress. But even accomplished
woodworkers have areas that are still to be investigated, explored and learned.



Popular
Woodworking Magazine‘s editors also have skills they’d like to learn or improve
during 2011. Editor Christopher Schwarz says, “My turning skills have never kept up
with my other woodworking skills. I can turn a few legs, but it’s always a struggle.
And faceplate turning is still something I’ve not tried. My goal for the year is to
turn some traditional treenware for our family — plates, goblets and the like. I’ve
got the lathe and the tools, now I just need some time and training.”

Glen
Huey would like to take his carving skills to a new level, “I’ve always been fascinated
by larger birds. I enjoy predator birds, but think some of the duck species are extremely
intriguing and beautiful. Sometime during 2011 I would like to carve a great-looking duck
decoy.”

I’ve recently moved into new shop space that is smaller than what I’m used to. Even
though I’ve happily spent much of my life as a power-tool woodworker, I think my space
is better suited to more hand-tool woodworking than power woodworking. And to be honest,
I’m a little tired of the dust and noise. So I’ve decided that my hand
tool skills could be a lot better.

Whether it’s learning to be a better tool sharpener, turner, pyrographer, or carver,
it’s never too late to pick up a new skill. This might just be the year for you, too!
We’re pleased to offer a library of choices to cover almost any new skill at shopwoodworking.com.
Happy New Year!

–
David Thiel

Popular Woodworking

Filed under: Category Woodworking | Tags: Skills,Year by Admin