The fall semester is coming to a close but all my students want to continue their education.  I stated the quest for more woodworking skill and knowledge is never-ending!  Learning is not completed at a specific date or event on a calendar or after the final coat of finish on a time-consuming project.  I informed them that a good student will always learn more than the instructor because the student will also seek other avenues of information.  This is especially true in today’s environment of the internet.  For me personally, I enjoy listening to some of the “older” woodworkers and pick up small pieces of information that they learned the hard way many years ago.  Although I have been working with wood since the ’70s and have earned an AAS in fine woodworking, I still learn from a friendly, elderly gentleman I truly admire.  When he speaks, I pay close attention because he has first hand knowledge that goes way back before my time.  Fortunately, my students will get to continue their education next semester and add to their collection of earned skills.  But, for the youth of today, who will be the elders who inspire and guide the ones thirsting for tidbits of woodworking knowledge?  The internet, although entertaining, is like an impersonal WalMart but some people (like me) still prefer to shop at the local helpful “Mom and Pop” store.  See ya next semester!

Enjoy your shop time!