Just a Cup of Coffee and Some Wood Shavings
Ah, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly cut wood, is there? I swear, the scent of oak or pine just puts a certain kind of peace in my soul. I’m sitting here at my little workbench, a cup of black coffee steaming at my side, thinking about all the ups and downs that come with my little operation — Eastvold Custom Woodworks.
Now, let me tell you, running a custom woodshop out of my garage in this small town has its challenges. You know, those days when you stumble upon a snag that makes you question your entire life choices? Yeah, I’ve had my fair share of those.
The Great Wood Off
So, picture this: I’m knee-deep in a project for a local coffee shop. They wanted this rustic, reclaimed wood table, something that screamed character. I was all in — excited, caffeinated, a bit too confident, if I’m being honest. I decided to use some barn wood I had picked up from a farm down the road. Folks, let me tell you, that barn wood looked like a gem at first glance, but boy, was I in for a surprise.
As I started sanding it down — I was using my trusty old belt sander and a palm sander, you know the ones that can take your skin off in a heartbeat if you’re not careful — I realized this wood had more hidden surprises than a magician’s hat. Nails, screws, you name it. It felt like I was playing a game of dodgeball with the rusty hardware. I nearly threw my hands up and walked away when my palm sander got a nasty little whiff of nail — I was sure I broke it. But no, I managed to squeeze out a couple more projects from that bear before I finally had to put it out to pasture.
When Things Go Awry
Okay, so let’s fast forward a few days. I finally had that table assembled in my garage, and it looked good — I was pretty proud, if I say so myself. But when I stood back to admire my handiwork, I noticed one leg was shorter than the others. I mean, not just a smidge — it was like that leg had taken a vacation while the rest of the table was working hard. Looking back, I probably should’ve double-checked the measurements before cutting, but you know how it goes. You’re in the zone, and you feel like you can conquer the world — or at least your workshop.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I yelled, half-laughing and half-cursing. I swear, sometimes you just have to have a good laugh to deal with the frustrations of messing things up. So, there I was, contemplating how I was going to fix this disaster. And after a bit of soul-searching, I decided to go the ol’ “shimming” route — grab a couple of scrap pieces of wood, and voilà! A temporary fix that bought me some time till a better solution came along.
The funny thing? During that process, I actually learned how to appreciate those little imperfections. Like, the way the table wobbled just a bit when you set your drink down on it felt authentic. It had character, you know? Kind of like us.
Finding My Groove
After finishing that table, I found myself more determined than ever to invest a little TLC into my setup. I dusted off my old miter saw, which, I swear, sounds like a chainsaw when it gets going. The hum of the blade, the way it cuts through the wood — it’s oddly soothing. I started keeping a sketchbook nearby where I’d scribble ideas, half-hearted dreams, and rough drawings of each brainstorm.
I started experimenting with different wood types, too. Maple for that buttery richness, walnut for the deep, dark tones that look perfect in a living room. At one point, I found a stash of cherry wood at a local lumberyard. Oh man, the first time I cut into that stuff, the grain was just mesmerizing. It oxidizes with age, turning into this stunning reddish-brown that feels warm and inviting, much like a cup of coffee on a rainy day.
A Lesson in Patience
I had one of those "aha" moments while working with the cherry wood. I was crafting a simple shelf — nothing too complex, just a nice floating piece for a home office. I had the idea all sorted out in my head, but as I started assembling, everything just seemed…off. I thought about giving up for a second, and you know how that goes.
But as I took a deep breath, I recalled a conversation I had with an older woodworker who once told me, "Patience is the heart of good craftsmanship." I laughed at the time, thinking it was just some old man’s rambling. But in that moment, it clicked. I took a step back, waited for the glue to set properly, and wouldn’t you know it? When I came back, everything lined up just right.
I left that shelf hanging in my own home — a little reminder always sitting there, saying “You can do this if you just hang on a minute longer.”
Bringing it All Together
So, here I am, with coffee in hand, reflecting on the lessons, the messes, and the moments of triumph. Starting Eastvold Custom Woodworks has been a wild ride, with its share of frustrations and surprises. But that’s the beauty of the process, right? My mishaps have turned into lessons that keep me coming back for more, grinding away at my craft, shaping wood into something useful and beautiful.
If you’re thinking about getting into woodworking or something you’ve always wanted to try, my advice? Just go for it. Embrace the mess, the mistakes, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Every little bit of effort adds character, just like that shortlisted table or the cherry shelf that took a little extra time.
You never know what you’re capable of until you take that first cut. So grab a cup of coffee, and get to it. You might just surprise yourself.
