What I learned from returning to a woodshop
For my latest woodworking project, I finally found studio space to work in. I’ve mostly done woodworking in school and thus not needed to worry about finding space since the provided facilities were terrific. I really took them for granted. After college, I found myself doing minor projects in my own living room. I took pride in how frugal and resourceful I could be, but the process wasn’t enjoyable or sustainable at all. For this recent project, I found a shop that allows people to book studio time by the hour. It felt like a huge relief being back in a woodshop studio environment after over two years. Not only were the power tools and equipment lifesaving, but the energy from the other crafters in the space reminded me the power of a creative space.
Here are some takeaways that I had from returning to a woodshop studio:
I have a greater appreciation for moving and storing things
In school, everyone got their own dedicated workbench and storage. It was easy to put things away for the night. If I ever had an hour between classes, I could swing by the studio and instantly pick up where I left off because I had great storage right in the shop. Living in New York is a different story where you need to pay for every square foot you occupy. Storage in my shop came with an additional monthly fee, but even so, there were no vacancies when I began my project meaning I would need to lug my materials to and from every trip. Rather than swinging by at will, I now needed to meticulously plan my trips, schedule in at least 30 minutes to take the subway, and find clever ways to carry lumber on the subway.
Although this huge hassle made me go to the shop less, I pleasantly found that I was more intentional with my time. I would only bring what I needed and think more critically about what I need to get done in my 2 hr blocks
Less things are handed to you than in school
Similarly in college, minor things like sand paper, tape, glue, and screws were provided (sometimes with a light fee). The only material we were required to purchase on our own was lumber, allowing us to fully focus on the crafting process. We also shared everything; leaving the double sided tape by the machines that would need it, leaving the best sanding blocks on the sanding table, and casually borrowing each other’s tape measures and small tools. Now in the New York shop, I need to bring my own masking tape, glue, screws and other small tools. Although masking tape seems menial, the minor things really add up in wood working. There have been so many times in my new shop where I wish I had tape to quickly mark things up and put things together.
Yet again, I find this more realistic environment forces me to be more intentional. Although inconvenient, I find thrill in intentionally managing everything I need to bring. In my three years outside of college, I’ve reflected on how school was a great environment to learn, but in so many ways, it was never able to fully replicate the real world.
The creative energy being around others
It can be tricky booking time. For weekends I need to book at least 5 days in advance as only 5 people are allowed at a time in the studio space. Surprisingly, the online jostling to grab studio time doesn’t translate to the physical space which never feels crowded with a 5 person limit. But it always feels lively enough that I get a lot of energy being in the space (even if I don’t directly talk with anyone). Working in consulting where I don’t have a dedicated desk and with work from home over the last two years has made more sorely miss the studio environment where you can see other’s creative progression.
The most satisfying things isn’t making the perfect cut, but learning where everything is
Don’t get me wrong, making the perfect cut can be hugely satisfying, especially since some cuts can take nearly 30 minutes just to set up. But given this is a new shop to me, I found learning where all the little things were to be most satisfying because it made the space slow start to feel like my space. While at first I needed to ask where throat plates and the router bits were, I quickly learned where everything was, making me feel more at home. In my initial trips, it would take me a while to get started after walking in through the door, but in my later trips, I would instantly jump back in.
In closing: looking forward to the next project
I was happy to be wrapping up my current project; a set of stools inspired by a design that I made in college. Having access to the shop increased my accuracy and enabled me to make more several stools at the same time. Not only did I find that I was able to elevate my craft, but I enjoyed the creative process more when I was in a shop space. I’m thoroughly looking forward to my next project.