Alan Graham gave us a new angle on a galoot's progress. . . .
- ferociously snipped per FAQ -

>Any of you "Stage 5" galoots out there want to tell me what lays ahead?

Alan raised a smile with his description of the stages he went through
in reaching the 4th degree of galootdom. I chuckled whilst at the same
time acknowledging the correctness of what he said.

There are other progress markers and revelations though:
1.  Making an edge tool sharp, and the revelation it brings.
2.  Discovering that every possible 'problem' has already been solved a
    hundred years ago.
3.  Discovering that almost every woodworking operation has a
    special tool.
4.  Trying to buy every special tool
5.  Realising that special tools aren't needed for 'hobby' levels
    of activity
6.  Refining the basic set of tools to better quality.
7.  Enjoying the making of your chosen items, in peace, quiet, and
    relative safety.
8.  Raising your personal standards of craftsmanship, item by item.
9.  Producing a piece that's flawless to everyone but yourself

And the final nirvana would be making a flawless piece that
satisfied yourself.

By Alan's standard though, I may have reached the 5th degree - where
cares are thrown away and enjoyment and increasing skill holds sway. I,
too, have 'enough' tools to achieve almost any result. My focus now is
on improving myself. Tools never made fine furniture unaided. Time now
to let go, and enjoy the doing.

One Yorkshireman's opinion..

Richard Wilson

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