Neat and clean?

Recently I came across this: “Today while I was doing a little work in the shop I achieved a great milestone in my woodworking. I got a tool out, used…

Recently I came across this:

"Today while I was doing a little work in the shop I achieved a great milestone in my woodworking. I got a tool out, used it to do the job and then put it back were it belonged. Not on the bench, not on the TS, but back in the drawer where I keep it. WOW ... what a day. Then, to top that off, when I glued things up I didn't wipe the glue off my fingers on my jeans or shirt, I used a rag … I guess maybe there is hope for me yet."

My reply:

Dear "Neat and Clean"

See, that just goes to show you how different we all are. For me it was just the opposite. When I started out, I always put my tools away. I always used a rag. But as the years went on, I began to realize the folly of putting a tool back in "its place" only to have to go and get it out again later. I discovered that while my rag might be anywhere in the shop depending on where I was working the last time I used it, my pants were always right there with me when I needed them.

D.D.

David DeCristoforo possesses an extensive resume as designer/maker of fine furniture, high-end cabinetry and architectural woodwork. His experience in professional woodworking spans a period of 35 years. For the past 20 years David DeCristoforo Design has been located in Woodland, California. During this time David's shop has ranged in scope from a "full on" cabinet production shop with as many as 15 employees to a small fine furniture and custom millwork shop, working with his son, David RBJ, a highly skilled maker in his own right.