Summer Hiatus?

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
Messages
5,703
Well it is summer again and between hot weather, work to do around the house, family activities, vacation, etc... there is usually not much time left for knifemaking. :( It is good in a way since, when I start back in September, I feel “renewed” with lots of ideas and wanting to get into the shop.


But on the down side, I feel it slows down my progress by making me forget some of the things I learned and skills I developed.
I also feel like I am letting people down by stopping ongoing projects. Weird in a way cause I know that as much as some of you might be a little interested in what I do (well maybe just a few of my closer friends on here), I am sure it doesn't bother anyone that I don't make anything for 3-4 months. Still feel weird about it. :(



Any other of you “hobbyist” in the same situation?
 
I have a lot more patience and stamina when it's cooler outside. During the summer, I tend to do smaller projects, fewer new things, and stuff with quicker results.

For example, for Father's Day, I decided to make my dad a draw knife (he is a woodworker).

Since I have no idea what he really wants in a draw knife, I decided to make one quickly and call it a prototype - so he can decide what he REALLY wants based on this quick knife.

Since I'm not worried about the finish, from deciding to do it until putting it in the kiln was about an hour.

I don't want to hang out a lot when it's more than 90 degrees in the shop BEFORE the kiln gets turned on...
 
I actually do more work in the summer since my shop doesnt have heat. I can only work for so long in the winter time before the cold gets to my fingers and I have to call it quits. In the summer time I can work later hours because of the light and I can just use sweat bands under my head cover hehe. Since I only use my oven for HT, I can do it outside and make sure I have a bunch to do all at once.
 
I live in Central/West Texas and don't have anything but a fan in my shop. I open the door, turn on the fans and keep a small dorm type fridge supplied with water and Gatorade. I usually don't go out there in the day b/c I am at the office, but it's not unusual for me to work out there during the 95 degree evenings and hot nights.

I guess it's all what you are acclimated to. Have a great summer!
Jason
 
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I'm sort of in the same boat nearly 24/7 365 days a year. It seems there's nearly always something or other to tend to 'round here. Have a great summer!
 
I was wondering what you were up to, come say hi in chat, we miss you there and of course miss all the great knives.

I'm like that with lapidary and rock collecting, I collect all summer and by the time winter kicks in I can't collect and lose interest in cutting also.

Good to hear from you Patrice.
 
Thanks guys, I'll try to make it to chat. I can at least find an hour for that.

Sorry to hear that Phil. Have a great summer yourself.

About the heat, I don't know how you guys do it. AC would be a must for me for anything above 80-82.
 
unfortunately for me I am too busy during the winter too much school, so I have to work in the heat. I find you just have to accept the fact that you will be drenched in sweat, its best to just go out there and spend a few solid hours then come in, and change clothes or shower. But if you go back and forth from the cool to unbearably hot, its uncomfortable. I treat it kinda like an intense exercise.
 
A moist towel draped around the neck does wonders for the heat. Try and remember that during the summer when the shop is calling you.
 
Well Dammit! That is all I have to say about that... Chat on Wed would still be nice Patrice.
 
Patrice,I'm a little like you except my time out of the shop occurs during the spring because of work,from the middle of Feb till now I have no shop time but work alot so I can spend a lot of time in the shop in the winter.Right now were getting into the 100's so I get up about 4 am and work in the shop till about noon,but I'm gonna get me some AC soon.
Ialso agree that it takes a little time to get back in the swing after the time off.
Stan
 
I actually get more done in the summer. Thursday was 107, but I was out in the shop. I work on a hunting ranch and put in way too many hours 7 days a week from September to March. I still work 7 days a week during the off months, but I don't get up at ridiculous hours and have more energy after work.
 
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