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It’s generally around this time of year that the pace of work seems to pick up a bit, in my case this has gone from flat out to borderline frantic. Everyone seems to be very keen to have their cupboards, wardrobes, etc. finished ‘this week’ or even sooner. I don’t know why this should be, perhaps it’s a deeply ingrained primeval urge to make a safe and secure dwelling for the winter months ahead, a need that still resonates with us after hundreds of thousands of years.

Battleships in action
I guess it’s not such a bad thing to be busy though, it’s all too easy to forget those times when you’re scratching around for work and generally feeling under-employed and surplus to requirements. This is a very good time of the year for woodworkers, however – not only is there the encouraging atmosphere of like-minded souls beavering away in their sheds and workshops, but there’s usually a show or two around and all manner of offers and deals on new and used kit to be taken advantage of.
This reminds me that I took part in a Mini Maker Faire the other week; mostly for kids, it was a whole load of entertaining demonstrations and workshops to encourage young people into the wonderful world of making. A lot of it was hi-techery and computer-based, like 3D printing, interactive electronic games and such, but on my stand I was proudly flying the flag for the lo-tech world of woodworking. It was the first outing for my battleship and submarine (see page 28) duo, and proved to be universally popular with both kids and adults. Between them they kept me busy all day long loading up the sub’s torpedo and rebuilding the doomed destroyer. I was pleased (and very relieved) that both vessels kept on working the whole time, something of a tribute to the original WW designs I followed to make them.

Social woodworking
Yes, there’s little as satisfying as completing a job successfully, and then witnessing the favourable reactions of others, preferably complete strangers. There’s also the opportunity for some good feedback to help you improve your own work and to make things even better next time. Any opportunity to meet and mix with other woodworkers is an opportunity worth taking, and I’d encourage everyone to be on the lookout for the chance to discuss their work with their peers either at a club or even just at a local trade outlet. While we all know people who would rather talk about work than actually do any, just remember – listen to your inner caveman and make sure you join in the making and preparation for the colder months ahead.