Just Chatting About Woodworking Wonders of 2020
You know, there’s just something about the smell of sawdust and freshly cut wood that gets me every time. It’s like a little piece of heaven right here in my garage. I’ve spent countless evenings out there, tools scattered about, trying to bring to life some idea that popped into my head, usually fueled by a late-night scroll through Pinterest. And let me tell you, some projects go beautifully, while others… well, they leave you wondering what on earth you were thinking.
The Great Coffee Table Quest
So, a while back, I decided it was high time to replace that old coffee table we’ve had since… gosh, I don’t even know. It was wobbly, had a bunch of scratches, and I’m pretty sure a couple of kids had spilled juice on it more times than I could count. I thought, “Why not make my own?” I pictured a stunning live edge walnut table, shiny and smooth, drawing all the compliments when guests come over. I could practically see my friends’ jaws dropping in awe.
Well, fast forward to the point where I’ve literally got slabs of walnut staring back at me. And then it hit me: I need some good tools—and quick. Turns out, 2020 had quite a lineup of new woodworking tools that made me rethink my entire approach.
A Whirlwind of New Tools
I waddled into my local hardware store—well, waddled is a bit dramatic, but you get the picture—and I stumbled across this new router from Bosch. Afternoon light streaming through that dusty window framed the rows of shining tools, but there it was, practically glowing like a beacon. The Bosch 1617EVSPK, a fixed-base router with both fixed and plunge bases, had my name written all over it.
I had never used a router before—can you believe it? I know, it seems like a rite of passage for woodworkers. Anyway, I stared at it, and my heart raced a bit. So, I dropped the cash. It felt like a gamble, but deep inside, I thought, “This will make my life so much easier.”
That night, I plopped down in my garage, closing my eyes and envisioning the smooth edges of my coffee table. The hum of the router filled the air as I finally turned it on. And wow, did I feel mighty proud of myself! But, let me tell you, the very first time I used it… I may have carved out a good chunk of wood that wasn’t meant to be carved. Almost ruined the whole tabletop. I laughed at myself—just a little sigh of frustration mixed with the exhilaration of learning something new.
Tackling the Finish
Now, once I finally got the shape I wanted, I thought, “I’m a woodworking genius!” Well, not quite yet. The finish was the next hurdle, and that caught me off guard too. I decided on an oil finish to show off that gorgeous walnut grain. But, and here’s the kicker, no one told me about the drying times! I just wanted to bring it inside, to set it down and admire it while sipping my evening coffee. Instead, it just sat there, smelling of tung oil for what felt like days.
Finding the Right Fit
Also, while I was exploring the new tools, I came across some Kreg pocket hole jigs that were just—man, oh man—insanely easy to use. It felt like magic! Drilling those little pocket holes? It brought a goofy grin to my face, and I started thinking about building more than just a coffee table.
You know, wood and tools have a language of their own that sometimes you just have to listen to. There’s a moment when you know it’s gonna work and other times when you’re just staring at a jumbled mess of wood and a tool that looks way more complicated than it should be. I guess it’s all part of the learning curve, eh?
The Big Reveal
Finally, after more foam cups of coffee than I can count, it was done. I walked into the living room, dragging that coffee table behind me. The top was a rich brown, glistening in the light, and the legs were sturdy. There was a moment where I almost gave up, thinking it wouldn’t come together at all. Yet, there it stood—my trophy of persistence.
As I sat down, coffee mug in hand, I couldn’t help but think that maybe this whole woodworking thing wasn’t just about the tools or the right techniques. It was about finding your way through those messy moments until you created something beautiful, all while learning a ton along the way.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re sitting there wondering if you should dive into woodworking and possibly invest in some of those shiny new tools, just go for it. Whether it’s a fancy Bosch router or a simple Kreg jig, they all have something to teach you. Sure, you might mess up a time or two—and let’s be honest, that’s half the fun.
Building something with your hands, no matter how flawed it might turn out initially, gives you a sense of accomplishment that you just can’t find anywhere else. I wish someone had told me that earlier. So, grab that wood, make those mistakes, and let the sawdust settle—it’s all part of the journey. Cheers to that!
