Today, I'm doing whatever I please so I set up my horses under the trees. My workpiece is happy, content in the shade - these perfect conditions I wouldn't dare trade. Finish goes on easily. I'm in no rush; I make slow, deliberate strokes with my brush. The urethane flows nicely and quickly dries before … Continue reading A Relaxing Day Off on Canada Day
The Designer at Work
I sit upright, eyes open, mouth a straight line. For just a moment, I close my eyes while I retrieve a file from my memory. My eyes open again and I look up ever so slightly as I review the contents of the file. Some say they can hear, or even see the wheels inside my head … Continue reading The Designer at Work
Knotty Issues
The New York Times staff has developed a computer program that searches for haikus (three lines with 5, 7 and 5 syllables) disguised as sentences in the articles they publish. Those haikus are then sorted and the best ones are published on a blog just for that purpose. I think that I might put this one up … Continue reading Knotty Issues
Jumping out of a Plane
I am about to jump out of a plane. All the preparations have been made for my jump to go smoothly. Yet there's a chance That things could go horribly wrong. I don't feel ready And I don't think I ever will. I can only prepare so much. Then I have to take action. I j … Continue reading Jumping out of a Plane
Aiming for Perfection
When should you aim for perfection? I recently found a quote around which I wrote a poem. Of this, take note: I read a great quote. Remember this if you need direction: "Strive for excellence, not perfection." H. Jackson Brown Jr. said it And I will not soon forget.
The Midnight Craftsman
My plane sings as I guide it along the large timber. The wood yields without complaint. With my left hand, I flick shavings from the plane's mouth And they drift down to the ground. They feel warm under my bare feet.
Hand Planes
First, some more woodworking poetry. Pretty soon, I'll have enough to fill a book! One plane, two planes, Three planes, four. I work until My arms are sore. Today, I spent a good part of the day at Coquitlam Lee Valley showroom (where I work part-time) for their Plane Days event. I talked to lots … Continue reading Hand Planes
What I Want For Christmas (More Woodworking Poetry)
I'd like some more Jet parallel bar clamps and a dust collector that will draw some amps. A couple more screwdrivers and a froe to split wood fibers. A sliding tail vise on my bench would be nice. A trammel to draw round things and a rip handsaw that sings. Some steel-toes with better soles … Continue reading What I Want For Christmas (More Woodworking Poetry)
Inspired (Woodworking) Poetry
I wrote this after cutting myself on a plane blade that jumped out of a wooden plane due to a poorly set wedge (my fault). Only a minor injury requiring no more than a band-aid to remedy.With the planes I played My love never swayed 'Til I took the pass That was my last For … Continue reading Inspired (Woodworking) Poetry
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 