Separating Wood Shop from Other Tools

 I decided to separate my tools, and dedicate my detached building to wood related tools and projects, and move my other stuff to my attached garage. Maybe not such a big deal, but I think this is going to work out better for me.

Doing this has allowed me to be much more organized, and it also gets my other tools, such as auto related tools, out of the way. It's frustrating to have to move things around every time I want to use my table saw, for example. 

Another benefit, is not having these tools coated in saw dust.

I've experimented with several different ways of laying everything out, and still keeping plenty of room to park my automobiles inside the garage.

One of the most important priorities in the garage, is to keep related items together. Auto wash/detail tools all together, wrenches, sockets, etc. together. You get the idea.

I also took the time to hang some of the many signs I've collected over the years. Two purposes were served in doing so... they're no longer stacked on a shelf, taking up space .....and now I can see and enjoy them.

This is very much a work in progress, but that's fine. Just as my wood shop is always a work in progress. Everything seems to evolve. My interests evolve, my tools evolve, and what I place my attention on evolves.

Scrap Wood and Craft Paint Projects

The Christmas season is in full swing. Rather than digging out our old Christmas decorations, my little boy and I are making some for inside the house. Here's a sample:

It's nice to have something to do with some of these wood scraps that pile up. He and I both like to get out the craft paint, so this works out good for us. #MerryChristmas

Western Boots Refurb | Clean & Polish

Last year, my father-n-law was cleaning and clearing out things he no longer used or wanted. In his purge were these Dan Post western boots. During conversation, we discovered that we wear the same size shoe. As a result, he thought of me when he came across these boots, and gave them to me. 

Here, I'll describe my process of cleaning and polishing this once nice pair of western boots. Or, as I always called them growing up.... cowboy boots.

As you can see in the above photo, these boots have been neglected for many years. Approximately 25 according to him. Thankfully, the sole was still in good shape. They were very dirty, and had what looked like mold on part of the shaft. Absolutely neglected. I don't say that as a dig to him at all, it happens.

Set Up Shop - WWMM Courses Testimonial

I've mentioned a number of times on this website how much I enjoy all the video content from WWMM(Woodworking for Mere Mortals) and Steve Ramsey. I received an email some time ago asking me to fill out a survey and share my thoughts on the Weekend Workshop course. I'm sure everyone who purchased the course received the same email. I generally tend to ignore these types of emails, but because I'm such a "fanboy", I decided to take the survey and share some thoughts. I noticed today that an excerpt from my review is posted on the homepage of WWMM.

I guess they really do read these responses, huh?

So I will say it here, not that Steve needs any help from me. Whether you're experienced  in woodworking or not, log in to Youtube and search for Steve Ramsey - Woodworking for Mere Mortals. You'll learn a lot by spending some time scrolling through the many videos there, AND you will find yourself smiling and snickering at many of the entertaining things he does. Even if you're a seasoned woodworker, I can assure you that you'll enjoy it. If you want a much faster approach to setting up a shop and getting started building, his courses - such as The Weekend Workshop are a great place to start (imho).

I'm not including links, but it's all easy to find..

Fresh Deer Meat in the Freezer

Thankfully, I was able to kill a buck this year. I say thankfully, because I don't hunt all that often. I know many people who do, but I don't enjoy sitting out in cold weather that much. This particular day, the weather wasn't all that cold, and I was able to go with my friend Robby who has an enclosed stand built. He refers to it as his "shootin' house".

Once I shot and killed the deer, Robby's brother Andy hauled it out of the muddy field with his Kawasaki Mule. You can't tell by this photo, but it's a 7-point. 
This is a good reason to reserve a little room in the deep freeze.

New House and Shop Space

I've moved to a new house. While I was trying to manage 1/2 of a garage for my workspace, I'll now have a full detached outside building behind the house, with a separate drive. Here's a view of the shop from the patio (I know, I've got to trim those plants). From this view, the shop has a garage door on the right side.

GRR-Ripper for Christmas

My dear wife knows how much I like watching woodworking videos on Youtube. Especially, Woodworking for Mere Mortals and The Carmichael Workshop. I really like both of these channels because I find them entertaining, and they don't take it so seriously. They don't present woodworking as a way to make money, but as a way to be creative and enjoy time in the shop. She bought me several things for the shop for Christmas, most notably, the GRR-Ripper.

I say this is most notably, because it communicates to me that she loves me. I don't tell her about everything that interests me in the shop. But she knows I love WWMM, and she knows Steve is sponsored by Microjig. She also knows I've been using a homemade push stick with my table saw. 

She took the time to find something that she thought I'd really like, instead of buying me a tie or sweater. This along with that new strap clamp will be nice additions.

*Now don't misunderstand, she may have ulterior motives. She does keep me busy fixing her antique furniture pieces and making things for her to sell. But, that's ok. It's what I'm here for.

2013 F150 Ecoboost

 I purchased this F150, and I'm pretty excited to have a vehicle that can haul both lumber, and our family. 

Having Trees Cut Close to the House

I've always liked the trees in our yard. Unfortunately, they don't last forever. Especially pines trees. We had two trees cut this weekend. I've known several guys over the years from work who cut trees as a side hustle. I think very highly of these guys, however one of the trees, which was very tall and mature, was within 6 feet to the house. My gut told me I probably want to get someone who cuts trees for a living. I found the right guy.

Conceal Carry Class

The world is getting more and more crazy. I have no intention of toting a gun around everywhere I go, however there are times and places where I need the boost of confidence and level of security a firearm provides. Yes, it's a warm feeling.

Merry Christmas

I want to wish all who may read this a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We tried to get a picture of our family. It proved impossible to get both boys smiling at once. They were NOT into this idea, so this will have to do!

New Shingles on Our House

After a huge storm, we had several shingles blown off the roof. I replaced the shingles, but was told by someone else that my roof looked like it may have some damage that the insurance would likely fix. So, I decided that if not, all they could say was no. They came and took a look and decided there was some hail damage, and that they would pay for new shingles. 

I had a couple of problem areas where they decided a thick rubber mat would be more likely not to leak. They didn't tell me when they did this. So I had to call them upon discovering this to find out what's up. They said this thick rubber was guaranteed for 25 years, and that it was the best solution for these low spots where leaves tend to pile up if I don't keep them swept off.

Not super sure how I feel about this, but they assured me that was the way to go. So, I guess they're the experts, not me. I'll stay in my lane and hope for the best. I've just never seen this before or heard of it.

White River - Mountain View Getaway

Lisa and I spent the weekend in Mountain View, Arkansas. This would be our last free weekend to "up and go" before I started my new position as a Worship Leader the following weekend. We went there primarily to fish on the White River for trout. An added bonus was all the great bluegrass music being  played outdoors around the downtown area the night before we hit the river. Wow! Not my favorite type of music, but I truly enjoyed it. The skill of the local's musicianship was something to take note of. These folks do what they do for the love of the music. They aren't getting paid, just socializing and having fun. And what really got my attention were the amount of children that could play so well. Really, something neat to see. Why didn't I take pictures? Ugh.

So.......on to the river.