The Quest for Perfection

Frank and I are opposites. He seeks to be as accurate as possible. My goal is not perfection, it is to get things aesthetically correct.

This table is a great example of that. Frank designed and built it for an outdoor woodworking area for himself. (He later put a little roof over the top, which I am sure you will see in a later post.)

Frank knew EXACTLY what he wanted for this table, and he accomplished all of his goals. For one thing, he knew exactly what size he needed for the machinery he wants to bring out and work with on nice days. For another thing, he knew where in the yard he wanted to work - close to his lumber mill, in close proximity to the shop. And finally, he knew how much he wanted to spend to accomplish it - almost nothing. He used materials he had on hand, most of which the woods provided. I guess he had to buy the screws, but that was about it.

Alot of what we do around here is in the frugal mode of recycling old unused things to create useable new things. This thrifty lifestyle gives us a great sense of joy and accomplishment.

I don't know if this table looks perfect to you. But it is perfect for us, and that is who he built it for. It is big enough, sturdy enough, and has absolutely no wobble to it - something that would drive him crazy. Plus, it has absolutely the right aesthetic for woodworking at Kemper Cabin.