Posted 3/17/2013 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
InTheShop
I've had many days like you describe, but only when I was working for the man--which was for way too many of my adult years. I'm embarrassed to admit that I managed to stay employed until I retired two years ago. Now I build stringed instruments, volunteer as an officer of a local conservation land trust, and struggle to maintain a 110 year old house.
But, I've got a drawer full of sandpaper in my shop -- 60, 80, 120, 220, 320, 400, 800, etc., and we haven't even got down the micro-grits and polishing compounds.
A couple of hours in the shop for me are like a field trip to Eden before the apple. If sandpaper, compound, or a friendly chat with a fellow builder would make your day better, any and all are yours for the asking.
I taught a 'Playing Ukulele 101" workshop a couple of months ago and I now have a commission to build a Hawaiian koa tenor ukulele. There's no actual money in it; what I am paid will just go into buying better wood to cure in my shop's humidity and to buy better tools. But, having the right sandpaper, good wood, and the right tools are just the cost going to the shop to do what needs to be done. Going to the shop, turning on the radio, and sharpening my tools are what make getting out of bed worth getting out of bed.