Whittling Down: My Journey with Preacher’s Pencils
So, there I was, sitting at my workbench in the garage, cup of black coffee in hand, that familiar smell of sawdust dancing around me, when it hit me—I’d finally bitten off more than I could chew. I’d gotten this wild idea to make a few preacher’s pencils, those classic church service tools you see, you know? Simple enough, right? Just a sharpened stick of wood? Well, let me tell you, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds.
The Inspiration Strikes
It all started last month. My buddy Tom, the local pastor, was lamenting that he couldn’t find a decent preacher’s pencil for his sermons. I mean, it’s not like you can just stroll into the store and pick one up, right? So, I thought, “How hard could it be to whip some of those up?”
I figured all I needed was some hardwood, a few tools, and a little elbow grease. I’ve been tinkering with woodworking since I could hold a hammer, so this should be a piece of cake, huh? I was feeling pretty optimistic about it, caffeinated and all.
The Miscalculations Begin
I went to the local lumberyard and picked up some red oak—figured it’d have a nice grain and be sturdy enough for use. Got a couple of nice boards, came home, and started thinking about the design. I mean, what is a preacher’s pencil but a sturdy stick with a sharpened end? I figured I couldn’t screw that up.
Oh boy, was I wrong. I pulled out my trusty jigsaw and started cutting these little dowels. But, you know, I didn’t account for the grain. I don’t know if you’ve ever worked with oak, but if you go against the grain while cutting, you can bet your bottom dollar things will go sideways—a real horror show, let me tell ya. Wood splintering everywhere, and I’m standing there, scratching my head like a fool, wondering why I didn’t take my time.
Those first attempts were disastrous. The pieces ended up looking more like weird toothpicks than the noble preacher’s pencils I envisioned. I almost gave up there and then, looking at the mess spread all over my garage floor.
Struggling Through It
But, instead of throwing in the towel, I decided to re-evaluate. I sat with that coffee, looking at my failure like it was an old friend. I’ve always believed that if something doesn’t work the first time, sometimes you just have to take a step back, breathe, and try to look at it from a different angle.
So, I switched my approach. This time, I grabbed my hand plane, a little vintage beauty I picked up at a flea market years ago. I love that tool. There’s something therapeutic about planing wood, the way it shaves off those thin curls and releases that fresh, woody smell—it’s one of the best scents in the world.
I started fresh, taking the time to really pay attention to the grain. Sanded down my mistakes, let the wood speak to me, if that makes sense. And, you know what? That’s when the magic started to happen. As I shaped the wood into a pencil, I could see it coming to life in my hands.
A Little Help Along the Way
Then there was that moment when I thought, “How do I make the tips?” I mean, I could sharpen them with a knife, but I wanted a nice fine point. Next thing I knew, I was on YouTube, watching videos until the wee hours of the night. Crazy what you can learn from folks on there.
I saw one guy using a small wood lathe. “That looks fun!” I thought, even though I’d never laid hands on one. That’s when I felt a bit lucky—my neighbor Sam had one sitting in his barn. After some awkward bargaining, I got my hands on it for a day.
Clamping the wood into that lathe, feeling the vibrations, the whirring sound drowning out my self-doubt—it was exhilarating. The first time I got that pencil tip just right, I laughed out loud. It was a simple victory, but it felt monumental.
The Finish Line
Fast forward several evenings of trial and error, and before I knew it, I had a small collection of preacher’s pencils—some with that beautiful oak grain showing off, a couple with a touch of stain for those extra aesthetics, and more than a few battle scars from my earlier blunders.
I finally brought them to Tom, and let me tell you, the look on his face when he saw them—pure gold! He picked one up, turned it over in his hands, and I could see it meant something to him. It wasn’t just a pencil; it was a little piece of craftsmanship, love, and oh, let’s be honest, a fair share of mistakes.
The Takeaway
Now, sitting here reflecting over my cup of coffee, I think about how easy it is to feel defeated in the face of failure. Those preacher’s pencils were born from mess-ups and perseverance. Woodworking isn’t just about the outcome; it’s about the journey, the learning, and the little surprises that come when you least expect them.
If you’re out there wondering whether to dive into a new project, whether it’s woodworking or something else entirely, let me tell you—just go for it. Don’t sweat the mistakes; they’re part of the fun. I wish someone had told me that long ago. So grab that piece of wood, make your own preacher’s pencil, or whatever speaks to you, and just swing that hammer. You might be surprised at what you create.
