Friday 10 May 2013

(some) People asked....

You know don't you that my biggest life skill is making any situation all about me.  And you know that having done that, I'm going to write about it here so that you can reinforce my skill by being lovely about me. You didn't know that?  You'll notice it a lot now I've pointed it out.  Lots of you have been incredibly kind about my decision to become an Apprentice in my husband's Joinery.  Yep.  Me and him and lots of work.  

First you plane rough sawn planks till they're smoooooth.  I wear gloves..the edges become pretty sharp.
These are smooth, five metres long and very heavy.....
Then you use the spindle moulder to add a profile to another 5m length that you've previously cut and planed. Not so heavy, but bendy.....
150 metres of the two 'things' produces 8 bags of sawdust from the extractor.  These are 4 feet high and when full, I cannot carry them.  Told you there was a lot of dust!  
So then you have metres and metres of moulding and you join them to the metres and metres of smooth planks.  With glue and a bench vice.  
 I hold the end and take the weight and we feed it into the vice about a foot at a time.  He clamps it tight to the count of three and we move to the next section.  So you see what I mean when I say some of this is repetitive!

Now in the best traditions, I need you to understand that this Apprenticeship is entirely an  act of selfishness.  We are lucky enough to have a lot of work.  When this happens, Mr Dunnit gets a panic on and works seven days a week.  I don't see him, he's shattered all the time and there seems no end to it.  So I figure if I can help with it, I'll see more of him in the day time, and he'll be able to have at least one day off each weekend.  So far so good.  Win win. For ME.  See?  I rest MY case.  And feel free to ask me if you need advice to manipulate the attention in any situation.  As I said, it's my best skill. 

31 comments:

Helen said...

You have many skills, learning a whole new lingo being one of them, but surely there must be something you can use some of that sawdust for... there speaks a crafter!
The wood looks gorgeous, but then I do love a nice chunk of wood! Hope you have a great weekend - and can spend some of it doing something fun as opposed to work!

Annie said...

One two three.....I will do the counting for you :-)
I am so impressed at your new life challenge Julia and it's so lovely to think of you two working so well together. Keep up the good work and enjoy every back breaking minute of it :-)
Biggest hugs,
Annie x

Karen K said...

Hi

I didn't know you had a joinery company - snap ! I sometimes go out on the shop floor but most of the time now I work in the office doing everything from the admin through to the payroll, legal, marketing, sales and everything else that goes with it.

All this time and I didn't know.

K xxx

Twiglet said...

Like I often say to Annie - "Do you wear your knickers on the outside and twirl about a lot??" Wonder woman! I hope it all works out for you - it's a brilliant idea. x Jo

Jaki Morris said...

Would love to take that sawdust off your hand for you! For my guinea pigs and rabbit!

Well done you

Jakix

Angie said...

I really dont know where you get the energy from ....aren't you now too tired to enjoy OH not being so tired.????
I think the biggest talent a woman can have is to manipulate a situation to her benifit....you rock xx

BJ said...

Wow what a lovely work to be involved in. I'm sure the dust is a problem but the end product well worth it. Are those skirting boards you are making perchance. We have big old ornate ones in our house. My DH had to make up a few pieces to sort things out when he was decorating. Love it. BJ

Carole said...

Very interesting...so much saw dust. Can it be recycled? I love the smell.
Anyway good for you. Helping out and making it work.

ria gall said...

Hi Julia
I wish I could be there helping as I love wood, I used to do wood turning with my then husband and I enjoyed it so much.
Well done you I am sure you are both winners from this arrangement
Ria

Di said...

Holy moly woman - I needed to lie down and rest after reading this! Beautiful work I must say - bet if you could bottle the smell of freshly sawn wood you'd make a fortune.

Hugs, Di xx

Krisha said...

I am WOMAN hear me ROAR!! LOL

fairy thoughts said...

wow hidden talents eh.... or maybe not so hidden now, Ok how do i get my handyman to take me away for a holiday? answers on a post card please
janet

Deb said...

wow, I am very impressed and the end product is fabulous! I need some of that for my basement, put some on a ship for me will you?
Debxx

Redanne said...

I so admire you for what you are doing Julia! It must be lovely to see more of Mr D too. Hugs, Anne x

Queenie Jeannie said...

Sorry, not buying it!! You love your husband and could obviously see he needed your help. So you are helping! And I'm sure he appreciates you even more now!!! Win/Win for everyone!

Monica said...

What a woman but you know you need a break from all the cozy togetherness when he reminds you when you are in the loo about your next task!

Kim said...

Good for you!! As long as you can work together, go for it!

Craftychris said...

That is so cool! I am impressed! xx

Elizabeth said...

I just second everything everyone else has said. Julia, you rock :) Elizabeth xx

Julie Lee said...

Wow! Julia, you are amazing! I am speechless with admiration! Are you going to have time to swap ATCs with me for the anniversary 'cos I'd really like that, if you're not too busy being an apprentice that is! Can you email your address some time? Thanks so much. Julie xxx

Lynn Holland said...

Haha love it ! Perhaps I could do a blog on welding boilers hee hee. I do get some fabulous photo shots.

KatzElbows said...

Oh yeah, it's all ant you. Hubby doesn't get anything out of the deal, not more time with the woman he loves, or help with work or time off. All about you? Dream on!

d said...

Oooooh I would have LOVED to do this when I was able bodied! My favourite place is the lumber section of B&Q..lol. I also love my small selection of power tool, just hand held ones as I cannot stand up anymore but I still love me a bit of wood..HA! I wish you all the best in you helping your hubby...have fun!

Ginny Maxam said...

Julia I loved your post, especially since it was all bout you!! My husband read it and liked it too, he understands me better now!! Cheers for you working with your Hubs!! When I have a big sewing contract my husband will help me too and I love him being there and helping me and it is as you said time together!! Good Luck!!
Ginny M

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Julia,

I see you have another skill to add to your resume! So glad that this joint effort is working out for both of you. I'm sure he appreciates the help.

I'm finally going to be visit WOYWW desks today! Yay

Peace,
Kay

fairyrocks said...

Way to jump in and do it Julia. I too love the smell of wood and all that goes with the woodworking craft.{sorry bit about me...} But, I do understand the lure of working with your hands, the patience the sense of accomplishment when you get a project done . Keep smiling and creating.

Cardarian said...

Very clever getting involved with your mans work - you really know how to manipulate the situation! Love it!
:-) Should have taken lessons from you years ago!
Lots of hugs,
Cardarian

Unknown said...

wow! respect... looks great and made me want to smell fresh cut wood ( I LOVE that fragrance...)
good luck to both of you. hopefully this brings more spare time for your hubby and more time together (well, for sure if you're around to help with the work ;))
thanks for visiting my desk!!! always appreciated :)
Jana (41)

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i am still in awe of this new job you have!

Nan G said...

I can certainly appreciate the hard work you doing, having worked in machine shops for 15 years. Do take care my dear. So glad it seems to being working well for you both.

scrappymo! said...

What a wonderful decision...I love the logic in it!