Rex Krueger
patreon
The Tool Trap
🕑 Added 2020-12-28 19:53:05 +0000 UTC(Note: this article will appear as part of my newsletter Fabrication First. As a Patron, you already get all the Fab First content, and you get it early.)
I just finished reading Zachary Dillinger’s With Saw, Plane, and Chisel: How to Build Historic American Furniture with Hand Tools. The book is truly excellent. Dillinger builds exquisite reproduction furniture using tools that seem primitive to even die-hard Neanderthals. Not only does he dismiss machines, Dillinger does all his work with wooden planes, square-edged firmer chisels and shell-bits in a hand-cranked brace. The man doesn’t even use auger bits to drill holes!
Reading the book was pure pleasure...right up until the last chapter, where Dillinger drops these lines:
“One of the things that amazes tool-obsessed modern woodworkers is that most of an 18th-century cabinetmaker’s kit can fit in a box with less volume than a modern file cabinet. Far from being tool hoarders, or to be nicer, ‘collectors,’ historical woodworkers owned just enough to get the job done.” (160)
The words are polite, but Dillinger punched me right in gut with “tool obsessed” and “tool hoarder.” The man is talking directly to me and he’s got my number.
I own way too many tools.
I have my reasons. I’m obsessed with technology. Even as a child I was fascinated by forks. The forks in my house were almost identical to the ones at my friends’ houses. The design of the common table fork is just that good. They’re all equally perfect.
When I discovered woodwork, I loved the tools as much as the craft. Maybe more. There’s just no end to the fascinating variations between tools. Each one solves a particular set of problems, but each maker has their own solutions, clever hacks, and decorative flourishes. The tools themselves are art. No one can deny it.
Recently, I got really interested in antique infill planes. Not the pricey name-brand ones that command thousands of dollars at auction. No, I got obsessed with the early, user-made tools. Did you know that it was once common for British and Scottish cabinetmakers to purchase a casting, lever-cap, and blade and then lovingly fashion their own wooden parts to complete the tool? Once you’ve seen a few, you’ll understand why I love them. Each tool tells a story while being shrouded in unsolvable mysteries.
With each of these planes, the timbers and tool marks and design choices tell you about the maker. A rosewood infill spells money, while walnut suggests a more common workman. An iron casting probably came from a hardware store, while a brass body was likely cast at the railway or shipyard foundry where the carpenter worked. Set your hands on the plane and you immediately know the man. Some of these fellows had tiny hands and others must have been giants in their time. A few were left-handed. Most had a deft command of wood that would shock you. The infills fit the plane like a hand in a glove. The contours are glass-smooth. The transitions between body and tote are sharp and crisp like a part from a mill; everything folded exactly together without the slightest margin.
And even as I unravel the little details about each tool, so much is out of reach. Most of these planes don’t have owner’s marks, which should be standard. The castings are all lovely, but they’re also very different from each other. How many foundries were making these things? How many cabinet-makers and coach-makers sat at home squinting in dim candlelight while they slowly eased these parts together? What kind of work did these men do? How old are these tools really? I’ll never know the answers to these questions, but there’s a bigger problem with these tools.
They’re a massive waste of time.
I’ll get a lot of push-back for saying this, but even the loveliest and most graceful tool is just more stuff. Sure, you might buy one of these and use it, but probably not. Several of my lovely old infills are fine workers, but they don’t compare to a good Stanley smoothing plane. With its quick adjustments and lightweight body, the Stanley is faster, less tiring, and more versatile. It leaves an excellent surface. For all its humdrum looks, the Stanley is simply a better tool where most of these vintage infills are mere affectation.
And I know, many of us are Collectors. We’re historians. We’re keepers of valuable artifacts from the past. I get it. I’m one too. I own several genuine museum-quality tools and I expect them go into serious collections when I’m gone.
But is that what I really want to leave behind?
I know a few tool dealers and they make a lot of money by buying complete collections from aging woodworkers or their widows. A lifetime of hunting, restoring, and curating ends up parceled out and sold off to the highest bidder. It takes decades to lovingly assemble a collection but mere hours to tear it apart. So what has that collector really left?
For me, the problem is a little worse. I make my living producing videos about woodworking, mostly for beginners. My audience has an endless thirst for tool reviews, tool restoration, tool making, and tool history. These videos always perform well. They let me pay my mortgage.
My videos about actual furniture projects are often disappointing. Of course, my core viewers love to see me build a stool, a chair, or a table. They’re builders, too and they’re on the path to producing real, hand-made furniture. But my wider audience (who I value just as much) might build very little, or perhaps nothing at all. Many of these people watch me for entertainment or just out of curiosity, and that’s delightful, but many of these viewers aren’t really interested in seeing me build a linen chest.
On top of all this, tool-specific videos are quick and easy to make. I’ve crammed my head with so much trivia about old tools that I can point the camera at my face and just start talking. I bet I can review inexpensive saws and tell the stories of rare socket-chisels for the rest of my career.
But is even that what I want to leave behind?
No, it isn’t. I’m an artist and I get my thrills from producing creative work. I’m known as a woodworker, but I’m just as much a filmmaker and a writer. Before all this, I was a serious musician and a scholar of literature. When I’m gone, I’m not content to leave behind a stack of tools and a list of videos about them. I want to leave a house and a world filled with my pieces.
Sometimes, my furniture work is just reproduction. Sometimes, my designs are original and have few precedents in traditional furniture. Either way, the pieces are the real work.
And as much as I love my work producing videos, I can’t let the viewership statistics push me around. If the actual furniture-building videos don’t do well, I need to make better videos. If I have a knack for telling the stories of old tools, well, the stories of old furniture are just as good. I just need to get better at spinning the tale. And if my viewers aren’t that interested in building things, I’m a pretty convincing fellow and I’m going to have to give them a nudge.
Even if they don’t follow me into more furniture projects, it doesn’t matter, because that’s where I’m headed anyway. I’m still going to discuss and build and review tools, but I think I’m going to start doing a lot less of it. I know everything I need to about saws and planes and chisels, but my joinery could use work. I’m great at rabbets and dadoes, adequate at the mortise and tenon, and fairly awful at dovetails. I don’t practice enough. I don’t build enough. I’m too busy screwing around with yet another smoothing plane.
But that’s all going to change. It’s a whole new year and I know exactly what I’m going to do with it.
Comments
Derek Geer
Thanks for the insight into your background. Quite a breadth you have. You already have accrued a great library of good tool videos. Cheers! Looking forward to the new stuff!
Todd Maurer
Rex, maybe I'm not listening right when I hear you compare the popularity of tool videos vs furniture videos. First I hear you say tool video and think you mean tool review video. I look at your greatest hits and actually see few straight up tool review, so you must be talking about the making, fixing and improving tool videos. Maybe you also include your technique videos like Perfect Edge No Jointer as in the tool category. But I have to point out, that a work bench is not simply a tool, it is a piece of furniture. $30 Workbench and its sequel Dead Flat One Tool are also as in your top ten list and are as much about making furniture as they are about tools. As a whole I see your channel as more about making things and learning along the way, than I see it as just a "tool" channel.
Rick Doby
Yes, I am a tool junkie. I find tools in my workshop that I had forgotten I had. I've worked with wood all my life. One grandfather was a carpenter the other had a sawmill on his farm. I was raised on a farm and we were building stuff all the time. For a couple of years I worked in a commercial furniture factory that had more woodworking machines than Quaker's got oats. I actually watched Roy Underhill when he first started over thirty years ago and that's what I miss in todays woodworking videos. The "Why". I think it is great that you are going to make project videos. Seeing you build your own designs is going to tell us a lot more about you. Just don't forget to tell us the "why" you decided to build it that way.
Jason Sherman
I am pretty new to woodworking. I started almost exactly one year ago, though looking back, I realize I have been building stuff my whole life. Your channel is one of the few (of all content types) that I will watch as soon as the notification appears and you are the only handtool channel that I follow. I have learned so much about handtools and you have inspired me to reach for them as often as I reach for electrons; to the point where I have built a few shop fixtures purely with handtools (and an ROS, I'm not a masochist). This (and patreon) is my way of saying thank you so much for the work you do. It truly has a massive impact. One of the things I love seeing on YouTube is way the in which makers go through transformations on their channels. I suspect it has been going on for some time, but I have recently taken notice on my favorite channels. They are growing up, taking detours, diving deep and sometimes completely changing their style: Steve and his lockdown woodworking, four eyes focusing on longer form plans, Wintergaten Wednesday...everything (if you haven't seen Wintergaten Wednesday, do it now, I'll wait). Some of the changes I love more than others. I think what I've noticed most on channels is the general bucking of analytics and getting back to the core audience and true passions. Forgetting about YouTube tricks to get more views because frankly, woodworking channels are not cat videos. It's not about views, it's about content and passion. Your videos will never, and should never, go viral. So, making videos that get the most views does not ensure those viewers are now hooked and will support you. It's just a passing view which has no inherent value. One thing I've learned about you is that you don't half-ass anything. I think what I like about your channel is you. So, getting back to project videos is welcome and I have no doubt they will be just as awesome as anything else you've done, analytics be damned. Keep up the good work and thank you for being my shopmate and sensei.
A1BASE
It's a common problem, (the financing, not the hoarding, that's just weird ;) ) you find something you love and resolve to do it for a job, then you find out that nobody wants to buy what you love making, so you've got a choice, make stuff that DOES sell so you can pay your mortgage and buy yet another smoothing plane, or make what you love and go slowly bankrupt. I'd hate to see you go that way. Maybe keep making the videos that the numbers show sell well and use those to finance the unprofitable ones, but make the building videos an extravaganza. Make them an infrequent but an hour long 'Build along with Rex' series. Have collaborations with your patrons. Do it as a song and dance number… Something that you couldn’t afford to do if the easy tool videos wasn’t supporting them.
Rex Krueger
Everyone's first dovetail is terrible.
Rex Krueger
Thank you!
Rex Krueger
I used to be an English teacher. It's just practice.
Rex Krueger
Often when I'm watching TV at night, I just sit and hold one. Really.
Rex Krueger
Harvey Pekar often wrote about he exact same thing. (I own a couple hundred records, too.)
Rex Krueger
A lot of what I do is taking work from people like Paul and making it more accessible. He's a Master, but sometimes he doesn't realize how advanced his projects really are.
Rex Krueger
Man, you really wrapped up the whole issue!
Rex Krueger
well said!
Rex Krueger
I own a business. There is no real time off.
Rex Krueger
I've built a few guitars. They're good, but just good. Now what? I feel your pain.
Rex Krueger
GAS is the plague of my life.
Rex Krueger
The last time I cleaned my shop, I put so much stuff on the curb that my neighbors thought we were moving.
Rex Krueger
The function is the only thing that matters.
Rex Krueger
Giving them away is a real public service!
Rex Krueger
I admit, the guitar collection is not small, either.
Rex Krueger
David, I read your email with great interest. I only wish I had the time to respond in kind. It was a wonderful piece of writing.
Rex Krueger
You too! Thank you!
God of Ramblers
Hey Rex! Happy new year! You should maybe combine your talents! “Welsh Dresser, the musical!” 😁 Don’t underestimate the value of yourself in these videos! Alex Steele gets high numbers on videos of him sweeping his shop! 😅 Have you tried SLO-mo close ups of plane shavings being produced with EDM backing music? :-) Time lapse stump shaping with led zeppelin? Look forward to all your work in 2021 and beyond!
Kevin S Thomas
Rex, would have to agree with Michael, and others. It's the inspiration to create that makes people watch. I've learned many things through your video's, but most importantly I've been inspired to do things. It takes courage to change course in your life, but it's worth it. Go for it. We'll keep watching.
David Coxon
I have not been bitten by the collector bug, except for timber (hoarding my wife would say) but I do enjoy your forensic analysis of tools and old furniture as well as the build projects, which I admit are my favourites. However I watch and enjoy it all. i also take a lot away from your builds for my own ideas, and love getting your plans, although I never seem to be able to build something without modifying it to fit my stock and my needs. - which is sometimes a learning experience itself. Produce videos you have a passion for - it is that passion that keeps most people watching.
Michael Bragg
Rex, I enjoy all of your videos. I love to see and learn about a tool I didn't know anything about. But what really grabs me is when you show me something I can almost do and might with a little more work. I have already spent good money buying tools not to collect , but that will help me do better work but the real pleasure comes in doing. I can now sharpen a chisel or a plane, lay a few bricks, and build a trellis, a table and other odds and ends. I even made the worst dovetail in history and was proud of the attempt. Thanks for the inspiration.
michael J Ezell
Rex....seriously? If, God forbid, you were gone tomorrow, but you already have a legacy of providing tens of thousands of viewers enjoyment and education of the wood working craft. You say you are "not content to leave behind a stack of tools and a list of videos", but remember that what goes on the internet never disappears. These videos will outlast you by many decades.
Zachery Bir
This… hit me hard the day I took possession of both my Stanley No. 45 and No. 55 in ridiculously good shape with huge collection of cutters and manuals (and a box - in tatters).
Japavao97
How is he such a funny and relatable writer on top of everything else he does? I almost want to buy his book just to read more of his writing
Bruce Rose
Rex...Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year for you and your family. I think, that like me, you are a 'Tool Appreciator', rather than a Tool Hoarder. Those infill planes you show are quite amazing, actually, as objects of appreciation and beauty, form and function. The Stanley (and clones) planes are indeed easier to use and deliver, on balance, better results....but hey, those infills...!
e.d.
This is a true statement.
Thomas Danaher
On your recommendation, mine are coming today.
Michael McLean
Rex, I'm in! I don't care what you make your videos about. You have a talent for teaching while entertaining at the same time. You are the very best "woodworking guy" on the internet. I found your video about a better mallet 8 months ago. I watched it at least three times and them built myself one. Then I built a workbench to go with it. You keep making videos and I will keep supporting. And looking at your discourse site filled with woodworking Monty Python Star wars nerds like me, I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.
John Griswold
Yeah, but ,but. but, the tools are PRETTY...I've now bought more planes and chisels than I need and I get so much satisfaction out of taking a rusted and rundown piece of steel and bringing it back to life. I think I have a way to justify this season's obsession. I'm giving a restored smoother and simple socket chisel set to my old partners and eventually the carpenters still with the partnership. They have to make do with circular saws and sliding miters and nail guns most of the time but there's always a job that calls for a hand tool.
Stephen Cannon
Rex, your preoccupation with tools reminds me of a 2000 film called VINYL, which was just made by one man, Alan Zweig, when he noticed in the 1990s that he was spending all of his time and money purchasing records, and that his predilection to buy new records stopped being very much about the love of music and much more about simply accumulating records that he didn't have. In the movie, he interviews several other collectors of with massive record collections and it becomes a meditation on people's everyday obsessions. It's a highly regarded documentary and is free to view on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkCMSrvOTAo).
Rick Prosser
Looking forward to the journey!
Robert Horn
Go for it. I will enjoy your presentations of whatever.
Clint
Rex, I will start by saying I watch mainly because you are a good teacher. Be it tools or projects I enjoy the videos and find the content relevant to where I am as a woodworker. I look forward to more videos focused on furniture making and hope you will continue to bring practical insights to help us beginners. I love the idea of making furniture but I am not advanced enough to imitate the masters, so hopefully you can figure out more attainable ways to make great stuff for us mere mortals. Keep up the great work and know that a bunch of us are with you all the way.
Thomas Danaher
I found it hard to stay awake during a Sellers video...
Tommy Hunter
Hi Rex, history is full of artists who wanted to be remembered for something more "worthy" than that which they were famous for. I don't think we really get to choose what we are famous for (if anything) and while it is great that you want to try other things, don't make the mistake of rejecting what you currently do so well. We want whatever you give us.
Matthew First
All I can say is.... about time! I am one of those minimal tool guys... and I want to learn about building things... history and stories are great entertainment, but they don't cut a dovetail. Thanks for this and I will look forward to your new stories and videos.
bityard
Hi Rex, I really enjoy your videos and your enthusiasm for the tools and the craft of woodworking. At the end of the day, tools are made for building things but I think your channel (and books!) put together with your no-BS style of presentation and education are extremely valuable for beginning woodworkers, especially those who are slightly intimidated by hand tools. My 2/5 of a nickel: I think there is room in your channel for _both_ furniture projects _and_ affordable tool reviews, restorations, and tutorials. p.s.: If you are looking to downsize on your smoothing planes, I'm in the market for one... :)
Marty Ford
Rex, I enjoy all of your videos. I started with your 3 legged stool with a hatchet video, then became a Patreon supporter when I built the Joiner's Bench along side you. You were there with me every step of the way. I don't build every project you make. I learn from them and take those things and apply them to the projects I decide to take on. Last week, I made a Crokinole Board for my family as a Christmas gift. It is a project that a year ago, I would never have attempted. I completed the project, I am proud of this project and it gave me something back, valuable time with my kids as we play this crazy new game every evening. Thank you for continuing to share your talents, your gifts, your knowledge and your passion with us.
Stephen Ellis
Well said as always Rex.
Bevan Awai
I love this! Good reminder for perspective. I have a similar love of design and can easily get caught up trying to acquire obscure tools in the name of it being interesting but not functional. Being a beginner, it’s good to examine my own motivation and where to place my efforts. Thanks Rex!
Rex Krueger
Still going strong! No problems.
Rob Lovett
More furniture projects.....yes, please!
William Allen
“whither thou goeth”. I think your patreon’s have made a commitment to you, Rex Krueger, as an explorer. We want to watch you explore the world through Rex Kruegr’s eyes, not our own. Don’t be swayed by YouTube analytics, the world has a way of changing. Analytics also only capture where you’ve been, they can’t capture where you are going, and where you are going, is where we want to see, wherever that takes you, we’re keen to follow. (BTW: The Ruth quote is about faith, and faithfulness and love)
William Allen
Please, share away.
William Allen
Henry Petroski, an engineering failure analyst and prolific author. Also “the design of everyday things” by Donald Norman, a failure of design analyst, and certainly James Burke “Connections”, if you want go go all the way down that rabbit hole.
Jason Trujillo
I just recently became a patron and have only scratched the surface of your library of content. People like me have to play catchup and don't need more new tool content. I totally get that tool reviews "perform" better if your metric is current/live views, this as you acknowledge, is how you measure your base and your base is paying. BUT assuming you chose patreon as your revenue platform in part because you need patrons to have the freedom to be a creator, then don't fall into the trap of just serving your base. You have to follow your path. I became a patron to support your ability to do just that. I don't support in order for you to meet my demands, that wouldn't be support that would be a transaction. You've just told your tribe where you're going, I'm yet to see anyone balk. I think your tribe will follow you, I will for sure. Sprinkle references back to your tool reviews during your builds, when you pick up the tool or consider which tool to use, and that will keep the watchers interested. Keep a running list of filler videos to do between projects, etc. Make those your occasional indulgences (a recreational user, as opposed to a junkie - speaking from experience I get the collector's addiction.) Lastly, have you ever read Petroski? I think you'd like him, "The Pencil" is a great place to start. Looking forward to the journey.
Laurie Savage
I tried uploading a shot of the Roman bench but it didn't go through.
Ben Ericson
Rex, your video on making your own lathe is what initially got my attention. The Woodwork for Humans series is what got my patronage. I'll put it this way: You can learn a lot by watching Paul Sellers's Woodworking Masterclasses. Then you can end up very, super frustrated when you go to the shop and can't even sharpen and set your plane. You can also watch a Rex Krueger vid, then go knock out a rustic stool in an afternoon and be pretty damn pleased. Even if there's blood on it and the legs are uneven. It's because your method is very accessible to the layman, beginner, hobbyist, or n00b. I've personally found value in all of your videos, whether you're making something, geeking out over an old table, or reviewing hand saws.
Henrik Ubbe
Don't beat yourself up on the "Oh, he had only one plane and I have a hundred" thing. He was a worker and would have lined up for a Stanley and kept just the one, if he had the money. For him it was the work, not the collection. Those people are still around today, but they own a Stanley and are doing work. Your kind of people was around back then as well, and had a bunch of different planes just lying around on display. Only because of history of economics, there was just fewer around. What I am trying to say is : Find what you love to do. If you show it to the world, the world might find people who love to watch you do it. Tool porn and all that.
Nic Beurskens
Hey Laurie. I haven't seen your builds over on the discourse forum yet. Come share with us!
Nic Beurskens
We have the whole discourse forum for you to write to if you like. We have wide variety of experience and areas of interest. Im sure your work would be appreciated by is!
Bartek Bulzak
Do it!
Tony McAllister
I look forward to the building of something. Thanks to your videos I am actually doing just that. My stuff may not be big and grand but it's mine and I put my whole self in it. I know you got to "pay the bills" but you still have to do the things that feed your soul as well.
e.d.
That's all well and good bro but you owe us an update on the GREBSTK chisels. How are they working for you?
Thom Edds
I am new at the hand tool refurbishing / repair, but enjoy reading and listening to your blog. I hope I don't go into the hoarder camp. I have enjoyed taking old abused tools and turn them into good usable tools. I am getting a sense of newfound happiness using hand tools vs. power tools. Even when taking a break it is good to spend time reading and looking at the future. Looking forward to getting to read and listen to you next year. Peace, Thom,
Vasileios
I would more than welcome the addition of new builds. Making pieces is what I’m all about. Started woodworking with you and Paul Sellers this February when I lost my job. And now, 3 time zones later, a new job, and an actual garage woodshop, I am starting to built pieces that I find in the net. But I miss Rex builds! I’ve made the bench, I’ve made the stools and the such. Let’s build something together! Take us in a long, boring, build! That’s what we want!
Michael Bennett
I also take a gut punch when I hear the words "tool obsessed" and "hoarder". I'm not a hoarder (yet) But lately, I found myself buying tools instead of using my meager woodworking budget to get my shop in working condition. For most of my life, I've either had the tools or access to the tools I needed to complete just about any woodworking project. but a series of unfortunate events left me with just about nothing. Now that I have a minuscule workspace, I find myself "putting the cart before the horse". Even before I read this essay, I today decided to redouble my efforts to get the shop done by the end of January. I've also told myself that I'm not going to buy any more tools unless absolutely necessary for my project and making it is beyond my capabilities.
Charles Hampton
As an old man who has a bit of success in a lot of different endeavors, I can attest to the truth of the hack, "jack of all trades and master of none." I won't saw it's impossible for you to become a master furniture builder while running a YouTube channel, but I will say it's going to be difficult. When you are faced with conflicting demands on your time and energy, what will you choose, videography or furniture building? I think I know the answer: do what pays the bills, and you have already seen (I think) that it's not furniture making. I like you, and I like your videos so I say this with the kindest of intentions. ETA: As to the tools beyond those you need plus the ones that are truly collector's items, sell them and get them out of your way and out of your mind.
John Morrison
The most fascinating video - I thought - that you did this year was the old table your neighbour was throwing out that you analyzed. Seeing the decisions that a woodworker has made - expert or novice users - is fascinating. To be honest the most useful for us to see would to see the messups that our novice peers have made. Here's my messup - I'm finishing off a cutlery tray for a friend - sliding insert inside of outer tray. My big messup was choosing to do this in 0.25" regular plywood. I learned that this stuff is just poor quality wood and splits way too easily and requires a large amount of patching and filling. It would be great to see other examples of people making poor choices of lumber, of joints, of finishes, etc. Or make a "correct" and a "shortcut/incorrect" version of something so we can see the difference. Show us your lousy dovetails. Trust me, my ones on the tool tray are way worse! Cheers
Billy Schwake
I think there’s an important place in buying a bunch of different tools and experimenting when you’re just starting out because you got a learn your style and you got a learn what works but keeping them around I don’t know, I think there may be a place to balance collecting and use or a set to pass along to someone else.
Curtis Lee Zeitelhack
I am one of the hoarders who hardly ever uses the antique tools I've collected. Those tools fascinate me and I treat them as the small treasures they are. That said, now that I am retired, I will begin to use the modern hand tools and power tools I have also acquired over time. I doubt that I will ever become a really skilled maker of furniture, but I can construct utilitarian pieces that will please me. I have exhausted my penchant for collecting tools. Now it's time to exhaust myself actually working with tools.
Tom Weinstein
In my opinion, your tool videos do well because they have a narrative path. You tell a story about what choices a tool maker faced, or the different ways they could have done things. You also explore the history of the tool. Your most popular video is the Joiner's Bench. It also has a narrative and history. It might be considered a tool video, but it's also in some ways furniture. I think you could make very successful videos about furniture making. For example, the 19th Century Table video also did fairly well.
Bill Brisky
I do enjoy your tool based videos. I can tell you enjoy the history and the connection you get to the original craftsman. I also could tell that you really got into dissecting the old thrown away table even more. Speaking for myself, I enjoyed your videos where you create something even more. I got sucked into this vortex by the desire to create something with my hands. I blame you for throwing gas onto this fire and now I'm mixing my metaphors. I am look forward to seeing what you will create. I understand that this is a business and, to some extent you have to follow the money. Sometimes, you can make the path to the money by doing what you actually love to do. With enthusiasm, honesty, and integrity you can show the path and the money can follow. I'm glad for your decision. Congratulations.
Fred Gosbee
Rex, I thought you were taking time off!
Fred Gosbee
Legacy - what a loaded word. I don't have any boutique tools but I have a lot of tone wood that I planned to make into harps and guitars but then what do I do with more harps and guitars (we currently have five harps and about ten guitars) Our kids aren't interested and my instruments, while pretty good, certainly don't rise to the level of being collectible. So what do we want to leave behind? Stuff becomes anonymous - like your infill planes; detached from the people who made them. Art, music, literature, maybe videos, can remain associated with the creator longer. Maybe the best legacy is the effect you have on people, many of whom you will never know about.
revkph
You are a tremendous source of knowledge, resourcefulness, and skills. I need all of that. Hoever, my interest is all about building (the more basic the better) and how the tools relate to that. Historical relevance is an interesting by-product, What collectors are interested in has no attraction for me. I would say build and teach. Teach and build.
Geoffrey Wilson
Woooo! More project videos! Rex, you may have the analytics on this, but is it possible that you've got more views on your non-build videos, because they were later and you've acquired more audience since the earlier build focused ones? We're all Patrons, so we're probably not a good sample of your general audience, I guess. Anyway, *I* love the big build videos like that Joiner's Bench, Leg Vise, 2x4 stool, and the kitchen cabinet. I'd love to see more furniture build videos, or "big tool" (bench, treadle lathe, etc) series. Also, I still need to make a chair for my day job, working from home on the computer. I should get it done as soon as I have to return to the office...
Andrew Waddington
Great article Rex. I think it’s a case of feeling that you have lost direction. I think though that a mix of different content will keep everyone entertained, informed and motivated to do more. After all, every day is a school day. Do what you love, do what you think is right and above all. Love what you do. Whether it’s a video about a specific tool or one based on the use of a specific tool or tools to make something. All are equally valuable to the viewer. Whatever direction you take, we are eagerly waiting to join in on your continuing journey. Best wishes!
Sean McGown
I'm confident that your knack for storytelling will keep me coming back whether the story be about historic furniture, historic homebuilding (a fave of mine) or how to build a partscaster guitar. Gonna be hard to drive me away either way. Oh and by the way, my day job is digital marketing and analytics are just one piece. Views are one thing but seeing you make stuff or tune up tools (in each case you're making something) is way more interesting to me because that's what I want to do. I've had bad cases of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) with trumpets, tools, cameras and fishing equipment. Each time I was literally getting in the way of what I should have been doing which was playing, building, photographing and fishing. Go get 'em mister.
Mark Strayer
This is something that I've thought about in my own life as well. Because of my current circumstances, it's very hard to actually make, to create, but all too easy to instead become a collector, both of physical things, and also of plans and ideas. I get concerned about the value of my time, and what I'll inevitably leave behind. It's funny - visiting antique shops early on to dig around and find old tools is interesting, but so sad. That's not what i want my legacy to be. I don't know what all my thoughts are on it, but I'm glad to know it's something you struggle with as well, and I am thrilled that you're set on doing something about it.
Robert A Carbo
I am much more of a user than collector, but I do enjoy seeing and learning about cool hand tools. I am very intrigued by your last sentence - can't wait to see what the new year brings.
Larry
I bet your viewers/followers would love to buy some of these “extra” tools taking up too much room in your shop. Auction them to us! I’m first in line, haha. Looking forward to the new builds!
Amy Holderness
I have learned so much about tools from you. Actually, you're the only person I really go to for information. How to set up a plane, how to sharpen a saw - really??? me?? sharpen a saw?????? I look forward to your future creations and I appreciate all that you have done in the past. You are an excellent teacher and I appreciate that you are there creating videos for "humans." I am not a machine and don't want to be one. Stay humble and keep them coming. All of them.
Howard Tuckey
I tend toward collecting too much junk as well. No, I know it's not *all* junk, but I've been too lazy to dig for the value in the stuff I've collected. Now I don't have enough room left in a 10x16 shop building (a converted Amish-built shed) to start really building things. Gotta change my ways!
Clive Vella
I would say that I have learned from all of your videos. Heck that is why I am here. To learn more and to show my appreciation. Your content has been engaging no matter the topic. Off the top of my head I can think of the "forensic" dumpster dive table, or the handsaw restoration video, or the making handles for tools videos. They are varied in content but nonetheless helpful and I often go back to different videos because you tackle so much. Looking forward to more content... no matter what it is.
Mike Kelley
Full support. Go for it!
Evan Askins
Your kitchen cupboard project was a wonderful set of videos, I look forward to more series like that!
manicmarauder
Looking forward to the new build videos and the history :)
Mark D. Heckendorn
Rex, thanks for a wonderful New Year’s letter.
Mark Bittrolff
Rex there’s a reason I opted for the leader membership. I enjoy all your videos but I will say being a tool junkie I really enjoy your tool videos and I especially liked your forensic analysis of the table, I found that very interesting. That being said I am really looking forward to seeing what you’re going to be building this year. Maybe we can learn to perfect the dovetail together. I made the $30 bench to give me something to get started with. Not as nice as yours but functional
Mark Thornton
I think the problem you're describing in terms of content is one that was largely solved in the TV domain decades ago. Particularly in public service broadcasting in the way it exists in Europe. However, the solution requires a team of researchers, producers, editors. It also probably requires new platforms that go beyond what YouTube currently offers, in terms of content segmentation and linking. Anyhow, thanks for being philosophical about this and taking the time to really think about what you want. In addition to all the woodworking and historical education and entertainment I get from your videos, it's your personality that keeps me coming back and that encouraged me to chip in on patreon. I want to see more people like you in the world, Rex. It doesn't matter too much to me what your next video is about. What matters to me is that *you* care what it's about.
Michael Nix
Rex - follow your passion, it shows in the videos. I also suffer from too many tools (and multiple workshops - long story) but I came to roughly the same conclusions when I retired. I don't do a lot of new builds but do a lot of refinishing/repurposing, which is what I enjoy. I also enjoy bringing old tools back to life but for the last couple of years I only keep a very small percentage. I get a kick out of restoring the tools then giving them away to someone who can/will use and appreciate them. I know the path you are on, follow your gut! Thank you for the great videos. You are a super teacher and even better, a great story teller. Focus on the topics you are passionate about and I will be one of many very happy Patrons and viewers!!
Laurie Savage
I made your Roman bench, and next I'll put together the English bench, then I'll make the kitchen cabinet - you get the drift. Keep building things and do the historical stuff. I taught history of science once, long ago and it's all fascinating.
Robert Bullock
Rex, Don’t forget to follow your passion. If the projects continue to excite and interest you then go for it. But don’t eliminate the tools and the history of the tools and the teaching of that history because this obviously excites you AND your audience. I really enjoyed your post and your sharing your thought process. Keep it up.
John Laudun
I like the phrase "tool trap." It applies to almost any vocation/avocation. I'm sure as a musician you encountered people who had more guitars than you knew existed. Some of them were great guitarists and many made a good living. The tool trap isn't, as you note, a failing of amateurs or wannabes. The collector is not opposite, nor opposed to, the craftsman. The two can, and often do, co-exist. But recognizing that they are different orientations is incredibly important and not letting the collector impulse sidetrack or delay the maker impulse is critical. I say this as someone who has collected his fair share of software for getting organized.
Devin Fisher
As a new woodworker, I’m very excited to see more build videos!
David Alvarez
Just read your latest post, "Tool Trap", and as a former professional woodworker I definitely have some thoughts to share with you. You may recall that we corresponded in the past and I still have your email address, but in the interest of NOT filling up the comments section, I'll write them down, send them to you via email and, if you feel them worthy and of possible interest to your readers/viewers you can post them here. Stay tuned, this may take a few minutes...
Barbara Schulz
Great essay, and a perfect plan! I’m all for it!! I will definitely enjoy watching. The sitting and reclining and storing stuff history of furniture and culture ought to give you a deep source for data. I know you can make a chair more than a chair! Have at it!! Blessings for the new year for you and your family!!
James Smith
I am super looking forward to more build videos. Do what your passion compels you to Rex. We'll be here enjoying watching a man pursue that passion and benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Bill Smithem
I'm looking forward to sharing the journey. Lead on!
Bill Smithem
It's good to know I'm not alone. I'm annoyingly picky about cutlery. :)
Richard Young
I have watched every "Joy of Oil Painting" with Bob Ross, and I don't paint. It's somehow fulfilling to see him complete each masterpiece with ease, and I suspect it may be the same for some of your viewers. I have no interest in building a Low Roman Work Bench because of my knees, back, shoulders, neck.......etc. will not tolerate that posture, but it was entertaining and informative to watch your video on that subject. Go where your heart leads with your videos....we'll keep watching.
Evan Van Dyke
Sounds awesome - let's make some things!
Daddykirbs
I'm excited to see you build more :)
Matthew Leigh
It's funny you should mention forks, because I have a deep frustration with the weight balance of cutlery. I don't know if it's possible to solve it. It's easier to see with a table knife because they're chunkier, but it applies to forks too. If you put the weight mostly in the handle, it's easier to use. It feels more natural in your hand and it acts more like an extension of your body. It's just a more comfortable tool. However, with that weight in the handle, it's unstable when resting on the plate! I get immensely frustrated when table knives just slither around on a carried plate because they're not held properly. Either you get the handle dirty because it slides into the food, or it slides off and lands on the floor. Either one is incredibly annoying. So there's a design choice there and either way it's going to be bad for something. This rant is brought to you by the letters a, d, h, and d, and the number 4 am
