Think you're a pretty good woodworker? - Woodworking Talk

woodnthings · 08-29-2009, 05:35 AM

Watch this video of High School students work:
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/2009-f...ition/21472458

bill

cabinetman · 08-29-2009, 07:58 AM

Thanks for posting that video Bill. I really enjoy seeing good craftsmanship. That work is amazingly well done. Reminds me of the projects by students at The North Bennet Street School. What I want to know is where in the heck are those people when I needed to hire a craftsperson in the shop?

Are ya in the mood for a short story? I've got long ones as you know, but seems like people like the short ones. This one is titled Following Instructions.

Years ago a guy came to me and applied for a job as a woodworker. He claimed to have 20 years experience and he was only 26 years old. I found that fact pretty interesting. Anyway he did bring some pictures of his work, and they showed excellent skills.

How did he start at 6 yrs old? Well, he was born in one of the iron curtain countries, I think it was Czechoslovakia. Their educational standard was to enter school and begin your trade education. I doubt seriously that he had much experience as an employee, as he only lasted a few days with me.

Anyway, I had a project that was very difficult which was a type of drawer/pull-out/shelf thingy. I explained in detail how I wanted it made, and drew shop drawings for the details. His first attempt didn't work because he didn't follow my instructions. I gave him a second chance. Now mind you he is getting paid good money for his time, and using my material and tools.

When he finished his second try, it was obvious he still did it his own way. When I tried to have a discussion with him on why I wanted it done a certain way, he got all hot under the collar. He started yelling that he was professionally schooled from childhood, and learned the trade to become certified.

Well, at that point, I agreed that he did spend a lot of time learning the trade, but not how to follow directions. And with that, I threw his creation down on the floor, and stomped it into smithereens.

woodnthings · 08-29-2009, 08:54 AM

I love a story with a violent ending, the good guy winning of course.

bill

rrbrown · 08-29-2009, 01:33 PM

Nice work thanks for posting that Bill.

Good story Cabinetman. Only thing is you ask "Do we have time for a story?" Then you started telling the story, what if I didn't have the time? You didn't give me time to answer.

The woodsman · 08-29-2009, 10:55 PM

WOW,that was fantastic.

Thanks for sharing it.I DID think I was pretty good,BUT oh never mind,think I gotta go to walmart tomorrow and get me some knittin needles

rodland · 08-30-2009, 10:08 PM

Well sir, you just showed me that I know nothing at all about woodworking. What will those kids do when they have a little practice. Amazing work, and that is an under statement.

Allthumbs27 · 08-31-2009, 09:38 AM

WOW!!! I liked the fish table the most.