Well, I may be a day late, but I thought it would be worth posting up that this blog, with today’s post being the 490th, and the page view total getting dangerously close to 400,000, is three years old! what long strange trip it’s been, and I look forward to the 4th year with much enthusiasm and anticipation.
Compared to when I started, there are a lot more people blogging these days, however I’ve noticed that the vast majority of blogs never really get off the ground, and just sit static, and of those that are active, many seem to devolve into content consisting of little more than re-posting from other sites, video links, and other twitter-esque postings. It’s not easy doing anything steadily, especially when the projects have not been as steady as one might hope. So, I’m feeling good in what I have managed to achive and feel that I provide content no available elsewhere. When you boil it down, it’s all about content.
I’m thinking the same will hold true with the new study group that is forming and which will be getting underway in just a few days. I realize that there are other online sites where people can join study groups and work on projects but I think I will offer something unique with the Carpentry Way group. I’m not targeting the absolute beginner woodworker, as I don’t think most beginners have any awareness of what is involved in Japanese woodworking and joinery, and therefore no interest. So, instead of spending time working on spice racks, calendar frames and that sort of thing, this study group will just jump right in to some challenging material. The first project is a new take on a Japanese standard – the wooden tool box. Ours will be fully joined, not nailed, and will feature a wide range of joinery. Here’s a sneak peak:
So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the readership for coming by with regularity to this site over the past months and for giving me the encouragement to forge onwards and upwards. The next year is going to be a good one I’m sure and you can look forward to my ongoing commitment to posting up on a wide range of topics pertaining to traditional carpentry and woodworking, East and West. The ‘Cap and Boots’ and Gazebo series both have a few posts to go yet, and soon I’ll be starting a series on the Japanese plane’s chipbreaker, uraba, which should run several posts. I’ve actually manage to persuade Mike Laine, a former co-worker of mine in California, to contribute a post on the blog here. I think you’ll find his perspective invaluable – if there is anyone who is a Japanese plane guru, it is he.
Anyway, I hope where you are the shavings are coming off cleanly and the joints are light tight. Thanks for coming by and hope to see you again next time.
Happy Blogger Birthday Chris! I'm looking forward to reading what is in store for the next year.
Well Dale,
again I must thank you for encouraging me to start this blog. It was a good idea and has been rewarding to say the least.
~C
It has been rewarding to me as well, and for others who read here. Fantastic information, photos & inspiration. I've learned many new things, so I thank you for writing and sharing over these years.
Hola Chris:Vuelvo a felicitarlo por su pag.Web, su actividad, su preocupacion para que todo salga lo mas perfecto posible.Pero …siempre hay un pero, no estoy de acuerdo en lo referente al carpintero principiante. Que pasaria si nadie se dedicara a plantar arboles porque es una actividad monotona …no habria madera para que el Carpintero o Ebanista…tenga materia prima para sus trabajos.
Tengo 56 años siempre me intereso las tecnicas Japonesas pero antiguamente nadie compartia sus conocimientos antes de existir Internet. Nuevamente le agradezco por compartir sus experiencias con todos nosotros… Y quizas Yo sea un Principiante despues de 39 años de barrer el taller ???
Chris,
The blog is not good, it is sensational. You can be justifiably proud of all your work on the blog. The Carpentry Way institution has gone from strength to strength in my opinion and has been on my daily reading list since inception – it is simply some of the best reading on the web.
I've learnt so much and look forward to learning much more. Thanks for all the work you put into this and happy third birthday!
Warm Regards
Derek
Dale,
again, many thanks, and most generous of you.
Enrique,
thanks for your comment. I imagine you must read my blog using a translation service of some sort? I had to use the same to translate your comment, and I believe you *may* have misunderstood my blog entry in regards to 'beginners'. I do not criticize beginners at all – we all are beginners of one sort or another at something or another – I was stating that there are many blogs already serving that group, and I don't think there is much point in adding my voice to that crowd, any more than I would think it made sense for a small business to make the same products as Ikea. I also tend to think that until one has done a certain amount of woodworking one might not appreciate what is distinct and intriguing about Japanese woodworking methods – so I don't think a lot of woodworking beginners tend to visit, but I could be quite wrong about that of course. Glad you enjoy the blog.
Derek,
you're most kind to say that and I do appreciate having loyal readers like yourself and to hear that you are finding this blog to be getting better all the time is very nice to learn. I'll do my best to keep this a worthwhile place to drop by for the foreseeable future.
~C
Chris, congratulations! I, like many others I am sure, really appreciate the effort and insight you put into your posts. It is the most addictive writing on the web! Looking forward to the continuation of the OSG and new fundamentals group, some starter project 😉 Thank you.
Richard
Richard,
your comment is most appreciated.
Though the starter project is not the simplest thing I could have chosen, I will offer alternative methods here and there to simplify it for those who may be feeling overwhelmed. I think when we go step by step, and break it down into digestible pieces, study group members will find its going to be a fun project.
~Chris
Chris, the dedication and care you put into this blog and your work are remarkable. Thank you.
Marv
Hi Marv,
long time no hear – glad to read your words and hope you're doing well these days!
~C
Hi Chris … (;-D
First congratulations for your blog, is a true inspiration and comfort to those who work with wood, long life for her and for our profession …
I see throughout these three years, you've touched on the subject from different points on our planet, from three continents, the ancient culture and the old Eastern European culture but only from the standpoint of French and you are close America North deduce that as you are close.
I commented that my culture of this office is very homespun, northern Spain with their quirks and flaws, but I love you from the south, 1646 in Seville., The old 'Mudejar builders' and the teacher Diego Lopez de Arenas. To you who you love wood ceilings, that if it's something to remember the genius of this office 'which is to think and act', if the maximum does not remember “measure twice and cut once '.
Master Congratulations on your knowledge and thank you very much for being you.
A fan … (;-D
xuanxon
sorry for the improprieties, is the translator of google
Xuanxon,
thank you so much for your comment, and it is true that Google translate does mangle the job, so I'm not entirely sure what you were saying.
I'm glad to hear that you enjoy the blog and I hope you keep coming back!
~C
Por la retraducción que da es fatal … (;-D
No domino el Ingles, pero entiendo tu sentido de la vida y los conocimientos que trasmites a traves de tu blog, descuida que mientras mantengas esta llama encendida 'Mi sendero siempre se encontrara, con tu camino'.
Lo dejo en Español (para mi Castellano)… cuando termines tu curso retomaremos el dialogo … Salud Maestro
xuanxon
Xuanxon,
thank you so much for following up with another comment and your words are most kind. I hope you'll keep visiting.
~C