41–50 of 128 posts
I'm into Astronomy and Star Gazing. Its very humbling to know that we're nothing but a tiny speck on the Universe, and there's gazillions of stars, galaxies and most probably life doing the same things that we do, and thats cool. Go figure.
Race weekend coming up, today is a practice day at the track ;)
Blacksmithing is cool because with enough experience, materials, a hammer, and an anvil, they can make basically all the tools they need for a huge number of projects. I've made gardening tools, bird feeder hangers, fireplace pokers, and some other miscellaneous tools. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to learn about propane burner design. Fun stuff!
Woodworking is nice because it's incredibly practical. Being able to make your own furniture (that doesn't look/feel terrible) is a great feeling.
Both blacksmithing and woodworking have low cost and experience barriers to entry, although woodworking is the cheaper/easier of the two to start with. Additionally, they both are moderately physical activities.
I feel like the motivation for doing both of these is the same as why I took up programming.
Woodworking, specifically with hand tools. I love everything about it. The history and tradition of the craft and seeing the work of craftsman around me, especially when travelling. Satisfaction from finishing a project or applying a newly learned technique. Not to mention that wood as a medium is both challenging and rewarding. This comment could never do it justice.
How did you get started with something like that? I can barely get a nail straight into a board
Woodworking, specifically with hand tools. I love everything about it. The history and tradition of the craft and seeing the work of craftsman around me, especially when travelling. Satisfaction from finishing a project or applying a newly learned technique. Not to mention that wood as a medium is both challenging and rewarding. This comment could never do it justice.
How did you get started with something like that? I can barely get a nail straight into a board
My dov tails still suck though so I may be off.
Cub scout leader for boys aged 7-11.
Woodworking, specifically with hand tools. I love everything about it. The history and tradition of the craft and seeing the work of craftsman around me, especially when travelling. Satisfaction from finishing a project or applying a newly learned technique. Not to mention that wood as a medium is both challenging and rewarding. This comment could never do it justice.
How did you get started with something like that? I can barely get a nail straight into a board
I grew up watching Norm Abram as a kid. Watching something come to life is so rewarding. Failing however is very painful (possibly expensive) as you can't take back cuts!
I'd suggest watching some Paul Sellers videos, hand tool oriented: https://www.youtube.com/user/PaulSellersWoodwork
Power tools are nice, and I have acquired plenty over the years, but if you aren't in some kinda shop just cranking out pieces for customers the hand tool way is very rewarding (and challenging)
Also like programming, you can always improve and learn more
As a nerd, I love analyzing my rides. I collect data on the power I deliver to the pedal, my heart rate, and precise GPS data. Everything connects to your phone or cyclocomputer via Bluetooth/ANT+. Services like Strava make it easy to compare your performance to those that you rode with and others that have ridden the same segments. It's just fun!