In my column a few weeks ago (“An Accountant Buys a Tool”) a sentence in the last paragraph was “Tools have a lot of potential.” I’ve been thinking about that sentence.

Even hardware is addictive

The other day I experienced this feeling of wanting something even though I didn’t need it while planning a trip to the hardware store. All I needed were some #4 x 5/8″ flat head screws. Even though I needed them to complete a job over the next few days, I thought a trip to buy a couple bucks worth of tiny screws would make more sense if I had more things to buy. Why not check my inventory and see what else I could stock up on? Seems logical, at first, but I have a pretty good selection of screws, nails and miscellaneous hardware already. I also drive by the hardware store daily. I found myself making a list of screws and hardware I’d likely not use for years. I mean, how often does a woodworker need 6″ lag bolts? I don’t think I’ve ever used one, but because I happened to use a 3″ lag bolt on a unique project the other week, I thought I better stock up on every length under the sun. That was the first time I’d used a lag bolt in a year or more. But if the situation arose, I wanted to be prepared. I ended up crossing off a bunch of items on my list, but a big part of me wishes I had a small collection of 6″ lag bolts to comfort me.

So many tasks can be accomplished with multiple tools. You don’t necessarily need a track saw to cut a sheet of plywood. A table saw could work. A router, pattern bit and long straightedge will also do the trick. But I remember back to when I didn’t have a track saw. I wanted one quite a bit, even though I could accomplish most tasks that a track saw could complete with other tools. Thankfully, now I have one that I can reach for when the need arises. I really enjoy using it and it’s usually a lot faster than using a router and straightedge. It can also be a lot handier than using a table saw in many situations.

A track saw might not truly be needed in my shop, but it sure does make working wood more enjoyable and efficient. I’m not saying everyone should go out and buy a track saw (though you all should). I’m saying it’s nice to have a track saw for when that tool makes the most sense for the job. It just adds potential to my furniture-making approach, and that puts a smile on my face.

Ask an Artist

Earlier this year I started a pyramid scheme, of sorts. The plan was to ask one woodworking artist three questions: What’s their favourite piece they’ve made?; What’s their favourite piece another Canadian made? and What’s their favourite piece an international maker has made? Then I’d ask the two artists they mentioned the same three questions. The hope was this would go on and on and we would be exposed to a wide range of makers. I had the chance to connect with some furniture-making heavyweights around Canada and the world and we got to see some cool work by some great artists, but I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock. The artists I contact don’t always reply or send me answers to the three questions.

I’d like to continue this approach, but with a small tweak. I’ll now start asking makers for two or three of their favourite Canadian-made pieces of furniture. This will give me a wider pool to work with and hopefully be able to continue it more easily.

The question now goes out to all of you. What Canadian maker should I contact to get this ball rolling again? I’m looking for someone who’s not only a skilled maker, but someone with a lot of connections and strong opinions on furniture making. Maybe someone who has been around for a while, too. Post your answer below or send me an email. I might even approach all the folks that get mentioned.