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To hear Chris Schwarz describe it, writing for Popular Woodworking meant endless parties and very little “real” work. Now in my fourth year, I find it more similar to a vocational calling than a non-stop frat house party. Chris was joking of course. But many of my friends don’t seem to understand why I do what I do. “Doesn’t it make you feel good to see your name in print?” they ask. In a word, no. It doesn’t.
I think writing a column like Arts and Mysteries is more like teaching. You don’t do it for the money. And though you will become known, and may even become famous in some circles, you don’t do it for the fame.
But the job is not without it’s rewards. And last week, I got one of the biggest bonuses any teacher could hope for. I was contacted by a fellow in California who wanted to honor a fellow teacher’s 40 years of service. He thought my standing desk would be perfect, with a few small changes. He used the parametric plans to scale down the design to suit. I think he did a pretty good job.
Coach B with teacher Kathy King
Looks pretty comfortable to me. Nice job Coach!
Coach shows off his skills on the interior with beautiful Tiger Maple.
So why do I write? Because every now and again, I get an email like this one.
Adam
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
I am actually very impressed with Coach. I am struggling with parametrics even though I have to deal with much more complicated mathematics in my job.
I stick with Museum pieces and sometimes I ask to take measurements. Becoming a "friend of the museum" has its advantages. I rely too much on existing historical pieces and their dimensions. I need to sit down and study this more closely.
My compliments to the teacher who engendered the wonderful work by Coach to honor her. Well done to both.
Adam, no better gist to a teacher than to see the work furthered by another. Well done to you, too.
Take care, Mike