I'm Going to a Woodworking Class!

The Schwarzmeister

I didn't think I was going to get to go this year.  It turns out that there are a couple days this summer where work perhaps won't interfere, and that lines up perfectly with Chris Schwarz' class at Dictum on building a bowsaw.

I have been extremely fortunate.  Last year I had the opportunity to build a Roubo workbench in his class, and the year before I built an Anarchist's Tool Chest and a layout square.

I didn't think I needed a tool chest, but I find it is awesome for keeping my tools and my shop in some sense of order.  Well worth it.

I definitely didn't need a new workbench, but find my Roubo with a 5 1/2" thick French oak top is totally badass, and is no comparison to the bench I had before.

Badass

Jonas from Mulesaw gave me a bowsaw last year.  It might look a little plain, but it works fabulously.  I don't really need another one.

So why do I do this?  It is difficult to explain, but it is just so great to be in a big honking workshop with a bunch of cool people working wood, trading stories, trying out tools, drinking adult beverages, and basically indulging in an opportunity to get my hand tool fix for the year.  Oh, I almost forgot, also so I can learn something.

As much fun as it all is, learning something - no matter what the end product is, is worth twice the price.  And in this case I will hopefully wind up with a smokin' bow saw.

I highly recommend Chris' classes.  If you ever get the opportunity to take one, do it.