Motivation gap

[charley1968]

Hi folx
I'm having a bit of a motivation problem towards woodworking at the moment.
There's nothing to be done for our house, we got all the furniture we need/ can use and now i wonder: could you be so kind as to propose projects to me?

 

[Locks14]

Why not build something for your woodworking that would in turn motivate you to do more woodworking, like a fancy new workbench or a new storage solution?

Failing that, something for outdoors... like a barbecue station?

 

[Kev]

Wooden toys for kids, carts, bird houses, storage boxes, puzzles, hampers, jewellery boxes, dolls houses, miniatures.

Boats, timber surf boards, kayaks.

Tiny home projects (ironically a big project!)

 

[teocaf]

There's nothing to be done

Sell the tools and wait for death...

...or you can come over to my house and help me with my many projects.

 

[roblg3]

Go to your local VA or VFW and see if there's someone who could use your expertise!  Often there's a disabled or elderly vet that could use a handrail put up or some safety concern that provides opportunities to be of service to your community.  I like to to do this and expect nothing in return....i ALWAYS wind up being the winner in the exchange by learning some history, getting some self esteem boost or god forbid, new clients out of it...

 

[richy3333]

If you want a challenge, how about a wooden microwave oven? I don't think anyone's mastered that one yet

 

[clark_fork]

Top Ten Motivators

When staleness sets in, try the following:

1. http://www.rockler.com/wood-casket-plan

2. When you are green, you grow; when you are ripe, you rot…Learn Sketchup: http://www.sketchup.com/

3. Consider the alternative: Agree to take your wife to a dog show or ballet; you will soon find lots of reasons to go back to the shop

4. Go Jimmy Carter: https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=271&source_code=DHQOW1407W1GGP&iq_id=86202156-VQ6-42874363281-VQ16-c&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCxocBEiQAmcs-etx9HY5xh3NZCFxK4icfDbXj80aP6OqHDJz4AjMSxUoaAlaN8P8HAQ

5. Read a book: http://jameskrenov.com/Frameset.htm

6. Become a Patriot Woodworker serving our Veterans: http://www.thepatriotwoodworker.com/

7. Veterans Urn Project: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-Urn-Project/1400459686848389

8. Learn a new tool: The Festool Dominos, TS track saws and the MFT are game changing tools that will change everything known about woodworking processes. Once in hand, you will be inspired.

9. Kids: Surely there are children in your circle who would love to have a kids table, chair or the proverbial toy box.

10. Shift from leisure time woodworker to craft fair vendor. Just take the time to go to your local Saturday Farmer’s Market and look at the awful bird houses, crude rustic outdoor furniture and really bad cutting boards. Convinced you can do better, invent a line and try your hand at entrepreneurship benefiting from the people contact and the festive atmosphere.  Then your wife won’t threaten to make you take her to a dog show or ballet.

 

[b.hog]

Top Ten Motivators

When staleness sets in, try the following:

1. http://www.rockler.com/wood-casket-plan

2. When you are green, you grow; when you are ripe, you rot…Learn Sketchup: http://www.sketchup.com/

3. Consider the alternative: Agree to take your wife to a dog show or ballet; you will soon find lots of reasons to go back to the shop

4. Go Jimmy Carter: https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=271&source_code=DHQOW1407W1GGP&iq_id=86202156-VQ6-42874363281-VQ16-c&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCxocBEiQAmcs-etx9HY5xh3NZCFxK4icfDbXj80aP6OqHDJz4AjMSxUoaAlaN8P8HAQ

5. Read a book: http://jameskrenov.com/Frameset.htm

6. Become a Patriot Woodworker serving our Veterans: http://www.thepatriotwoodworker.com/

7. Veterans Urn Project: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-Urn-Project/1400459686848389

8. Learn a new tool: The Festool Dominos, TS track saws and the MFT are game changing tools that will change everything known about woodworking processes. Once in hand, you will be inspired.

9. Kids: Surely there are children in your circle who would love to have a kids table, chair or the proverbial toy box.

10. Shift from leisure time woodworker to craft fair vendor. Just take the time to go to your local Saturday Farmer’s Market and look at the awful bird houses, crude rustic outdoor furniture and really bad cutting boards. Convinced you can do better, invent a line and try your hand at entrepreneurship benefiting from the people contact and the festive atmosphere.  Then your wife won’t threaten to make you take her to a dog show or ballet.

Great post.

 

[Gary in Texas]

@clark - great post.  For #3, other wife alternatives could, God forbid, taking ballroom dancing lessons......  That alone would motivate me!

[member=23615]charley1968[/member] - sometimes you just get in a funk.  One of the best ways is to go out, get some tools in your hands, feel the power, and the desire will awaken (at least that helps me sometimes).

Is there anything you haven't mastered, or doodled with, think something perhaps small but intricate that will test your skills, patience, and learn from.  Did you ever turn pens?  That could lead to some time at a small lathe and learning process, and result in some nice presents throughout the year.  I bought all of the pen making stuff years ago when my son expressed an interest.  He made probably 30 or 40 pens, being young, lost interest.  I've been eyeing the lathe for a month or so thinking I might need to review a few books I have on the subject and venture off into making some pens this year myself as birthday and Christmas gifts.

You say you've built it all, but, there is always something to build, someone needing a box, a piece or pieces of furniture, or even as some have mentioned, educate someone less fortunate and give them some skills.  Ask your family or friends if there is something they want or need.  Someone might want something built and if they pick up the cost of materials (you don't always have to sell what you build) you can practice your skills and stay busy at minimum or no cost to you.

Some good replies above, no need to revisit them.

Gary

 

[unityroad]

How about the neighbors? work out from there. Put a note on the church bulletin board. Ad in the local paper, lonely man with tools and nothing to do etc....

 

[teocaf]

I understand we all get into a funk.  What I find puzzling is why people ask the committee-at-large things like this: what tool should I buy next?, what project should I work on next?  The obvious answer, to me anyway, is that "it all depends".  It depends on so many things that are not disclosed by the poster and unknown to the "committee".  There were a whole lot of great suggestions by the way, but are the ones asking these questions really that lacking in imagination that they could not have come up with the same answers after just a bit of introspection?  I just find it odd... 

It's possible that this could be something deeper--perhaps burnout with the whole woodworking thing.  Or depression.  Or midlife crisis, etc...    Question for the committee:  Why am I speculating about all this, when I should be back in my own shop?

 

[Locks14]

Not intended as a criticism, more so just a bit of background info/cultural knowledge for the US members.

But, the OP is based in Sweden and in Europe the whole church community and good deeds for veterans just really isn't a "thing" over here.

Religion (at least in church-going form) is much less prevalent in Europe and whilst I wouldn't like to open the can of worms as to why we don't hold our veterans or "ex-serviceman" (as we call them) in such high regard as the US does, it's just a fact that the whole "thank you for your service" attitude doesn't really exist in Europe to anywhere close to the same extent as in the US.

 

[Holmz]

Go to your local VA or VFW and see if there's someone who could use your expertise!  Often there's a disabled or elderly vet that could use a handrail put up or some safety concern that provides opportunities to be of service to your community.  I like to to do this and expect nothing in return....i ALWAYS wind up being the winner in the exchange by learning some history, getting some self esteem boost or god forbid, new clients out of it...

My coffee just shot out the nostrils.
I am pretty sure that there are not a lot of veterans in Sweden, certainly they gave the Russians some grief over the ages.
Maybe the Swiss are more neutral?
It is a good idea though.

I suppose one could do some work in Nepal? (if they were the helping type)
On the other hand maybe taking a break might make the most sense?

 

[Gary in Texas]

I understand we all get into a funk.  What I find puzzling is why people ask the committee-at-large things like this: what tool should I buy next?, what project should I work on next?  The obvious answer, to me anyway, is that "it all depends".  It depends on so many things that are not disclosed by the poster and unknown to the "committee".  There were a whole lot of great suggestions by the way, but are the ones asking these questions really that lacking in imagination that they could not have come up with the same answers after just a bit of introspection?  I just find it odd... 

It's possible that this could be something deeper--perhaps burnout with the whole woodworking thing.  Or depression.  Or midlife crisis, etc...    Question for the committee:  Why am I speculating about all this, when I should be back in my own shop?

First off, I understand Charley's question and/or predicament.  You sometimes need some inspiration.

Secondly, I too sometimes wonder about some of the "what should I buy" related posts and I have to remind myself that in the majority of these cases, most likely the poster is new to woodworking and either needs to validate his decision, or have help steering him/her in the right direction.  There are many on the FOG that have a lot of years woodworking either as a professional or as a hobbiest/semi-pro that can offer advice to the fledglings....  We were all newbies once!

Today, I've gotten on the FOG a few times when I needed to rest my weary legs, but must admit I'm most pleased with myself that I did get motivated this morning and have had a busy and productive day in the shop!!  I've always found the hobby side of woodworking more relaxing and rewarding than building something on commission.

Gary

 

[Staniam]

I understand we all get into a funk.  What I find puzzling is why people ask the committee-at-large things like this: what tool should I buy next?, what project should I work on next?  The obvious answer, to me anyway, is that "it all depends".  It depends on so many things that are not disclosed by the poster and unknown to the "committee".  There were a whole lot of great suggestions by the way, but are the ones asking these questions really that lacking in imagination that they could not have come up with the same answers after just a bit of introspection?  I just find it odd... 

It's possible that this could be something deeper--perhaps burnout with the whole woodworking thing.  Or depression.  Or midlife crisis, etc...    Question for the committee:  Why am I speculating about all this, when I should be back in my own shop?

I think you're putting way too much thought into this. Dude just asked for ideas from his fellow Foggers. That doesn't mean he's lacking in imagination or going through a mid-life crisis.

And to the OP, I haven't been in my garage/shop in a few weeks either. Been wanting to but have giving in to the couch and the rest that it brings. May have something to do with work being stressful lately trying to secure my promotion. Maybe that's why you are in a funk?

My recommendation... Go out to your shop and cut something, or take a drill and drive a long screw. Just find something quick and pointless to do with a tool and you'll use your IMAGINATION to come up with your next project. Its worked for me countless times.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Build a dog house.

 

[flair woodworks]

Or a better mousetrap?

I just couldn't resist!

 

[mouppe]

I can't say motivation is ever a problem but when I'm out of ideas, I build stuff for the workshop such as a clamp rack or shelves, and I also make little filler projects like birdhouses. Plus there's always some tools in need of maintenance such as blade cleaning, saw sharpening, throwing out unwanted scraps etc.

 

[sancho57]

Since I'm in a rental and I don't want to build anything I have to ship home as I'm buying antiques here, I've been building picture frames, and when I travel I get the photos developed and build frames for them. I also build jigs, make my shop more organised if that possible as its a rental.

I build things for my friends as gifts, that paper towel roll holder is a good example.

It's the time I use to develope my techniques and learning my tools like the domino.

 

[Holmz]

... could you be so kind as to propose projects to me?

Do you have any list or picture of what you have done?

Are you looking for small things or big?