R
rickc
Guess I'll take my turn at this as well. A number of years ago, my father started sending some home made, wooden toys, toy chest and rocking horse to my daughter as gifts. I was intrigued and decided I would try some of this, myself. I used a bonus check to purchase some "starter tools" - mostly Craftsman brands as I remembered them having a good reputation. Included a 10" table saw, scroll saw, gelt sander, jointer - a couple others I have since forgot. Anyway I had some fun, and then started buying the "name brand$$$"! When I moved to Cary about 4 years ago, I found the TWA was meeting up the road from me in Cary High. I went and found a good group of folks. Joined, and then started trying all of sorts of things. I really am just a weekend woodworker, and figure now is the time to try the vast choices woodworking brings. While I still have a steady income and can aford the hobby! I have come to the conclusion that at this time, furniture making (and other large projects) will only result in producing material for smaller projects. As a result, you will see most of my stuff is on the smaller size - scroll saw pieces, birdhouses, wooden toys, jewelry boxes, etc. However, at this time, most of the things I make only go out the house as gifts. I am blessed with family members who are more impressed that I can do some of this stuff, rather than looking for artistic pieces. In the meantime, I have taken on a couple of jobs with the TWA and figure I am doing bartering - I will give them my "administrative skills and time" and take from them their "knowledge and experience". It has worked out quite well so far. No one has realized I am getting the better end of the deal! Well, enough rambling - hope to get the opportunity to learn from the rest of you as well.