Last year, my New Year’s resolution was to not make any more New Year’s resolutions. And I’m sticking with that this year. But for those who still feel obligated to…
Last year, my New Year's resolution was to not make any more New Year's resolutions. And I'm sticking with that this year. But for those who still feel obligated to make them, here's a few just in case you can't think of any good ones.
Build more drawers. In the shop that is. Most of us just stick things wherever they fit. In my shop, there are a lot of things that should be stored in drawers but end up being put on shelves instead. This is OK right after the shop has been cleaned up and everything is organized. But after a while, things get jumbled up again and I end up spending a lot of time looking for stuff that would be much easier to find if it was stored in a drawer with a label on it.
Spend more time sharpening. I tend to use my cutting tools way past the point where they are dull enough to merit sharpening. Then, it takes twice as long to get them sharp again whereas if I stopped to touch up tools as I work, the total gain in time would not be insignificant.
Put your tools away. One of the first rules of organization is "Don't put it down, put it away." Sounds easy.
Keep the belt sander from eating the cord. OK, I admit it. My belt sander cord has at least three "patches" in it necessitated by the fact that I was in too much of a hurry or was not paying enough attention and let the cord get caught in the belt. What? This has never happened to you?
Improve the dust collection system. Well, at least I have one. It's actually a "pretty good" system but I really need to add a floor sweep and upgrade the blast gates. I have an EcoGate system but I'm still using the "low end" gates which are always getting stuck.
Put all the guards back on your power tools. I keep telling myself I'm going to do this but it seems like every time I do, I just have to take them off again because they are in the way of some oddball cut I need to make.
Build a clamp rack (and actually put your clamps on it). Actually, I have already done this. At least the first part. It's the second part I need to work on.
Buy more routers. No explanation needed ...
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.