On 11 Jun 99 at 11:37, David Sawyer wrote:

> Now what?  Do I encourage this?  I'm
> worried because she might start noticing tools appearing in the work shop if
> she spends time in it.  Although it could make the case for some tools
> easier.  I like the arrangement the lady we bought the wood from had.  Her
> husband built everything, and she finished everything.  I'm not big on
> finishing, so this sounds like a good plan.  I was wondering how much others
> get their SWMBOs involved in the work?

Yeah, this is a good thing. I showed my wife how to use a side bead a
while back, and explained about different shapes and sizes. It makes
it much easier to explain why I have more than 30 molding planes.
Also, she has a casual interest in carving, so I can come back from
tool hunting and say "Look, I found you some carving tools." While
she's checking them out, I can sneak my stuff into the shop without
her noticing. But if you are really concerned about her noticing new
tools, just remember the standard advice on not storing all your
tools in one place. A big shelf o'planes can be pretty obvious.

I'm with you on the finishing aspect. I've always found it to
be more of a pain than a pleasure. Maybe all this shellac will change
my mind, though.

-Ken, happily building a Krenov-style smoother these days

Ken Greenberg
IT #321; Blue Galoot #82
400 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos, CA 95032
http://www.calast.com/ken/Personal/wood.htm