Kit and caboodle

It’s been a long time since I last bought a kit of any kind – certainly a woodworking kit – but I’ve just done exactly that.

A few weeks ago I discussed building a storage shed so I could get all the nonwoodworking stuff out of my shop. My two ways to go were to buy all the materials and build it from scratch, something I’m perfectly capable of doing, or to just buy a complete kit. The kit was a bit more expensive than individual components and materials, but a huge savings in time. After checking out the various offerings at the two flavors of big-box stores in my area, I found pretty much what I was looking for and decided that the first store that put them on sale would get my money.

That happened this week and I bought my kit. It weighs about 800 lbs., plus a few hundred more for shingles, treated 10’ 4x4 skids and other materials, so I didn’t just toss it into the back of my car. Instead, the whole pile of stuff will be delivered next week.

I’m pleased and excited about building this shed, because it will enable me to really lay out my shop properly for the first time in the four years we’ve lived in this house, but I can’t help but admit to a bit of guilt. The last woodworking kit I bought was probably more than 20 years ago, back at a time when my tools were minimal and my skills still developing. At the risk of sounding immodest, I think I can honestly say that my skills and shop equipment are far beyond the need to do woodworking from a kit. Kind of like Rachel Ray picking up a “Suddenly Salad” mix at the grocery store.

And yet, here I am. We’ll see how it goes. Expect a report on the kit experience in the next few weeks.

Till next time,

A.J.