I built four Krenov-style sawhorses about ten years ago and they have served me well. I made them from softwood lumber (pine, I think) using through mortise and tenon joinery. I wedged the tenons of the stretcher, but elected not to reinforce the leg-to-foot joints. Recently, on a couple of the horses, those leg-to-foot joints … Continue reading We Learn More Through Our Failures Than Our Successes
I think that we try too hard to succeed. Because of that, our learning is impeded. Here's an example.Let's say that I want to build a simple stool for my workshop - a utilitarian piece and one where I am free to experiment because I am the only user of the piece. I could use … Continue reading Do You Really Want to Learn? Then Set Yourself Up for Failure
Guaranteed Success Can Be Bad Being scared of failing can steer us towards taking extra precautions to better the odds of success. It makes perfect sense, but it’s a shame because when things are over-designed and over-built, we often do not have the opportunity to observe the actual strengths of the components involved. Understand the Materials, … Continue reading Understanding Material and Joint Strength
Well, for starters, I’m not sure what failure really is. I’m always experimenting and learning and, to me, what others may perceive as failure is really just an indication that something can be improved. I am always looking for ways to improve things, and constantly analyzing things for weaknesses. Developing a solid design on paper (or … Continue reading What is there to be Afraid of About Failure?
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 