Glue up

Re: Glue up

Darrin

>Stephen,

If it is fellow workers, just have a little meeting and suggest that unless it is a matter of life or death, they not bother you during a glue up. Or something along those lines. However, with visitors it might be best to put up a sign or signs suggesting, firmly but politely, they hold comments or questions until you are finished.

Darrin

Loved one

Jim in Burlington On

>If it's the main loved one in your life just use english. Other people can simply be ignored. Couple of signs might be nice like supervisors need not apply etc etc

Re: Glue up

Dean Lapinel

>Hey Shepherd,

Try being social and invite the person to help with the glue-up. Then you can still have a conversation!

Re: Glue up

Paul in NJ

>I am pretty isolated in my shop, no phone, so only my wife coming in or the dog keeping someone at bay in the driveway. When I warn her that I am going to assemble and glue, she knows not to disturb me unless she is bleeding or worse.

Paul Dzioba

Athletes talk about 'the zone'

Glenn Madsen near San Francisco

>I can get there, pretty easily, actually. That's one of the reasons I enjoy hand tool woodworking. Shut out the world, and go to work. Or in my case, goofing off, because it's a hobby for me.

Glueups however, mean no interruptions, unless the world is turning to worms right now. Anything else can wait 20 minutes.

Being able to shut out the 21st century for a while is one of the joys of woodworking. I have to pay attention to taking a break at the lathe some days, because 4 to 6 hours without a break is often hard on my body. It's really good for my state of mind, though.

Re: Glue up

Matt Prusik

>Steve:

I hit upon the idea of a red light bulb set into a socket with a flasher.

Tell those that co-habit your shop space that when the red light is on, it's the equivalent of HOLD MY CALLS or DO NOT DISTURB in the office. A Mars (revolving light) will also do nicely.

You can just tell your co-inhabitants to think of it as you being in the bathroom when the light is on. If that thought doesn't stop you from being disturbed, nothing will!

Actually, that's where I got the idea. But that is indeed another story.

Just make sure that whatever light you choose is out of sight. That "strobe" effect can do funky things to colors and any moving machinery.

Best of luck!

Matt Prusik

opposite approach

Adam Cherubini

>Stephen,

I find glue-ups or complicated marking and layout work serve as a sort of homing signal.

So when I'm feeling lonely, and would like visitors, I start some complicated project and then they come! Works like a charm.

When we were kids it worked with the electric guitars. We'd finally get them all working, found wires, everybody was plugged in, and it would be time for dinner.

Same thing.

Embrace it!

Adam

P.S. This was the biggest shocker of working at Pennsbury Manor for me. When I started there several years ago, my goal was to complete projects in a timely manner. I thought this would improve interpretation and give folks a better sense for the work. But the constant interruptions, even if I am not speaking (which happens occasionally) makes everything I do take 5 times longer than usual.

I've since learned to appreciate the important job of interpretation thanks to my friend Dave. He really does a great job. That said, its also fun to work quietly with Paul Dzioba.

The woodworking most of us do is a strange and solitary activity. So I'm changing my mind. Visitors can pose a challenge, but its a challenge worth overcoming. Chalk up working quietly with a fine craftsman like Paul, as another benefit of working with hand tools. No way those afternoons would be as enjoyable with a bench top mortiser.

Adam

I thought I was the only one cursed

Bill Tindal, E.TN

>Every time I spread glue the phone rings. I'm sure that those that have never faced an assembly with drying glue don't understand.

Defensive Positioning ! . . .

s.mackay@worldnet.att.net

>Claymores and concertina wire are frowned on so position and communications security are key. Shop located in furthest corner from the house with observation ports ( window ) providing early warning of advancing troops. In-coming Bogies avoided by radio silence ( answering machine after two rings ). When personel exit the rear enterance of the house all are warned the marshal law has been declaired . . . and . . . I'M THE MARSHAL.

Re: Defensive Positioning ! . . .

David Charlesworth

>I have skilled friends with a professional shop where they consider it good sport to hunt the clamps after the glue has been applied.....or so they say.

This would reduce me to a gibbering wreck. This is not a good time to find you lent the vital clamp to a friend.

David

Re: Defensive Positioning ! . . .

Sgian Dubh

>David, are you saying you actually know a woodworker that lends tools?

I've never met one myself: not even the loan of a tape measure, ha, ha. Slainte.

Re: Glue up

Ernie Miller

>DO them at night after every one elas has gone to bed. phone never rings after 8:30 unless it is an emergancy or before 10:00 on the weekends Set rules early in life and make all obay them We never answer the phone during meals either. leave a message we may get back to you or not.

Rottweilers on steroids

Scott Burr in Ben Lomond CA

>

Re: Glue up

James Watriss

>My first instinct was to say that I thought this was a bad idea, what if their "help" goes awry... But then I remembered what it was like at school. Glue-ups were pretty much a quiet clarion call, and if I wasn't doing anything, I walked right over and asked what I could do to help. And glue-ups were pretty much the only time when pride went unnoticed, out the window, and I asked whoever was around for help if I needed it.