The Intangible Reasons Why

One thing I find very interesting about the craft of woodworking are the reasons behind people getting involved in the first place. The motivation and the discipline to stay with it. After all, there is plenty of competition. Sport, charity work, cooking etc. The reality is we are so far beyond needing to go to the forest, fell trees and make things out of necessity. The industrial revolution put pay to that. And despite what some people think, there are perfectly acceptable pieces of furniture you can buy. So much so that being a home woodworker is redundant in practical terms.

I can't even begin to understand why each woodworker chooses to get involved. But here's some of my reasons I'm here along with what I think I see in others. One thing I won't do is dismiss the reasons the average home woodworker does what they do or judge them. We're all different. 

I know I like to figure things out. The mechanics of woodworking are very practical. I always enjoy looking at books and seeing how stairs, doors, windows and furniture work. Looking at the drawings and seeing in my mind how the components interact helped unravel the “how”. I've also been lucky, I have the chance to make things and to put things I've researched into practice. It's highly satisfying when things fit together well and of course, equally frustrating when they don't!

I also like to feel I'm always learning. It might be information about a new tool, or just absorbing how furniture from a certain period looks. I'm not big on a formal study class situation. I get a handle on things by osmosis but I will put in the hard yards when needed. I’m learning CAD at the moment and it’s not exactly fun. One of the big things I learned was knowing I can't learn it all. This one realisation really helped me. At times I've felt I needed to be some high level black belt woodworker. Ultimately I'll get as good as I can with the time and recourses I have at hand. The craft is so absolutely massive that to become exceptional at something I believe you have to specialise. I don't want to do that. I have my focus but I don't want to make just one thing from one time period over and over again. Often the simple projects with nothing fancy are the most satisfying.

This is very touchy feely concept, but I do find home woodworking to be therapeutic. I think this is because it's on my terms. It's not a demand. There is no negotiating with clients, deadlines, pricing etc. I'm not trying to copy and paste someone's woodworking choices, not that there's anything wrong with that if it helps you find your way. The action of making and creating anything can be very beneficial. Spiritual? Maybe it is. As a species we become more and more removed from the process of making things with our hands. I can only speculate, but I'm sure people feel intangible benefits. I know I do. But for me it has to be woodworking. I like gardens but despise gardening. I like food and I'm a capable cook, but I don't get excited about or feel renewed after cooking a meal like I do after a good session at the bench.

I've certainly seen some people around me improve their mental health through the act of making and creating. Although strictly speaking it's not unique to any particular craft. Perhaps it's the opportunity to regulate, organise, practice and improve at something. The physical exercie, even if you like using machines for your woodworking, is a real boost. Physical activity is so good for us, I know it really benefits me.

Although woodworking isn’t a quiet pursuit there is some peace to be found. There is torment too. Let's think of it like this. I look at something each evening that I've made. Not by choice, I just have to sit and look at it due to it's placement. Luckily I'm satisfied with it. It's not perfect but I am happy to look at it. I'm not trying to be arrogant but I feel content, satisfied and at peace when I sit there looking at it. I know that because I've been responsible for projects that drive me mad. I failed to design a timeless kitchen for our home. It's been annoying me for near 15 years and I'm in the process of remaking it now.

I don't treat woodworking like a religion and I don't put unreasonable demands on myself. If I can get in the shop I do. Don't get me wrong, I'm at the bench regularly but I don't have a routine of daily worship. But I'm sure some do. Perhaps a daily bit of worship at the workbench allows them to funcion.

I like sharing what I know. Many choose to label themselves "teachers". Fine. I think sharing knowledge is very rewarding but it's also frustrating. I'm working towards something for later this year. No promises, this is a spare time venture. My frustration with sharing knowledge has been actually dealing with people who didn't really want to acquire it. The internet provides and option here. I can easily share information and people can find it and access it when they want it. But I do want to reach people in person, people who actually want to learn a couple of things. No time scale but it's a goal. 

A quick mention on the "teachers". I've mentioned this before, the hand wringers who promote concern for the craft and a feel they have a moral obligation to pass knowledge on are the ones that charge the highest prices. No problem, it's their choice. But I've said it before and I'll say it again. Videos on basic skills should be for free. So too a basic write up. Despite the alternative lifestyle rhetoric and and bravado of humble existence these people are in the global 1%. They want you to sign up for their sharpen that, monthly subscription, plans and if you can afford it, a course. I have no issue with this, working hard and being successful is something I admire greatly. But let's not pretend they are obsessed with paying it forward, your long term success and wellbeing, or frankly "the craft". As with most people, they are looking out for themselves. How could they not be! Look at their offering, the lifestyle they have earned and you'll find the true motivation. Buy my stuff and fund my lifestyle, plain and simple. They are no different from you and I.

So this evening I hope to get into the shop, enjoy the process and do my best. It's all very hard to put into words, but perhaps that's why we’re woodworkers.