I don’t like doing mechanical work but since I live on a farm and maintain most of my farm equipment I do know how.  However, when I have to perform mechanical work on my woodworking equipment, I enjoy it.  It does not matter if you use only hand tools or motorized equipment you need to learn how to work on your equipment.  I am not referring to repairs only but also to fine tuning.  What good is a hand plane that has a newly sharpened blade if you don’t know how to adjust it for maximum performance?  How frustrating is a band saw when the blade does not track correctly?  When you become familiar with your equipment you learn to expect specific results.  Hearing odd sounds emanating from your machinery makes you cringe until you can identify the reason.  Taking the time to maintain your equipment not only enhances your knowledge of the tools but ensures you get the best possible cut.  If your owner’s manual recommends changing the oil in your prized planer perhaps you should schedule time for the task or after using your best dovetail hand saw you should take a few seconds to wipe it clean before putting it back in the tool chest.  If you take pride in your tools, as well as, your craftsmanship then most of this comes natural to you.

Enjoy your shop time!

Jerill