A step forward

Posted By on October 8, 2008 at 9:48 pm

Since the beginning of the Recent Neurological Unpleasantness*, one of the (several) activities that I’ve really missed being able to do is woodworking. I have a garage full of power tools — table saw, lathe, drill press, jointer, and so on — and I simply haven’t been able to use them.
Until today.
After I got up today, I slammed a couple cups of coffee, fed the cats, and headed out to the garage. Backed the truck into the driveway, and got to work. The task I assigned myself today: assemble the mobile base I bought for my lathe.
Not a big deal, you might think. All I had to do was cut a two-by-four into four pieces (two crosscuts and two rip cuts), drill 20 holes, and turn a wrench. Not a big deal at all… unless you can’t stand up and walk around easily.
It took me all afternoon, and into the evening. But I got it done.
By the time I put away all the tools and parked the truck, I was exhausted, and completely sweat-soaked; I hadn’t actually had anything to eat all day. Man, I love being “in the groove.”
Next week, I’ll spend my days off rearranging the tools in the garage. Right now, getting to the lathe is a bit of a challenge and moving the table saw away from the wall to the spot where it is best used is extremely awkward, so I’ll swap the places where they are stored when not in use, which will make them a lot easier to use.
I never used to have to worry about a little extra effort. Now, and for as far out as I can see, extra effort is a major hurdle to be avoided.
But I am going to be doing woodworking again. I can hear the lathe calling my name.
* I think that’s how I’m going to refer to the whole hydrocephalus kerfuffle, henceforth.

Comments

3 Responses to “A step forward”

  1. Heather P. says:

    Be sure that you drink plenty water to lubricate your muscles and prevent soreness.

  2. mom says:

    Sounds like you had a good day – a fun one for you. And be sure you take a water bottle into the garage with you. Heather is so right!

  3. brad says:

    Pretty sweet