Do you like WW solo or with others?

For me, working with someone else in the shop is distracting. If it's my workshop and they're using MY tools, I am legally liable for anything that happens so I'd be more intent on watching my friend that what I'm doing. Good recipe for mistakes and accidents.

I prefer to go it alone!

Vic

Both. It depends on my mood.

The same goes for cycling.

Barry

snip>

I like the solitude. However, I also enjoy it when either my father or my son wants to help.

Dave

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It's funny I like to have someone to show the result of the efforts prior to delivering to a client, but don't generally find working with someone else to be that great. It's nice to have someone in the same area to talk to occasionally, but I get uncomfortable with people using my sharp planes and chisels that don't know how to sharpen them, or how expensive they were. I think if I could work in a really large shared space where everyone had a studio with their own equipment I would get into it, but as it is I like working alone.

There are certain operations where two people can more than double the output: cutting up plywood on a panel saw, running stock through a planer or wide belt sander, ripping on a table saw, and some assembly tasks.

If the other person is safe, sober, and knows what he's doing, it's enjoyable for me to have someone else in the shop.

I've also worked in other's shops --- primarily making parts for Windsor chairs and settees.

Joel Jacobson

Bingo ... last week, with help, I cut parts (except for end panels, thanks again, Leon!) and put together 5 large wall cabinets in less than a day. working alone it took me another 4 days to do the remaining 9.

Actually, I enjoy working with another woodworker, whether they are skilled or not, as long as they enjoy it ... and it sure makes for easier assembly. Besides, SWMBO needs an occasional break. :)

Yeah I have a hard time getting SWMBO into the shop to help out. She just wants comlpeted project no dust or noise. W

======================== I am a LONG time hobbiest ....and to be blunt...Stay the hell out of my shop.... It is my little corner of the world

Bob Griffiths

Geez Swingman, it took me 4 days to build 7 cabinets. ;~( I did however totally sand and stain all of them. Now the raised panel doors. BTY you can rest assured that my cabinets went together just fine, although I had my doubts. LOL

I think it really depends on what I'm doing and how big the job is... For example, I sure wouldn't want help turning a bowl, but it's nice to have my wife doing the staining and stuff while I work..

Some of my best experiences in my shop have been helping a few neighbors with their small projects.. mainly the planning, cut out, etc...

A neighbor is refinishing an old chair and keeps it in the shop (the cats won't let him take it out) and he comes by on weekends to sand, strip, whatever... it's nice to be working on a project and have someone to talk to or help one another lift or carry stuff..

Other times, my garage/shop is my refuge, and I want to be alone...

I actually got back into wood turning last year when I was trying to find something to interest our 2 sons, that were visiting from out of state.. fired up the Shopsmith and put a thin branch on it.. sort of worked on it whenever they were nearby, and eventually all 3 of us were involved in turning, the 2 of them for the first time.. that was very cool..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

After you have worked with the same guy for over 20 years you start to have thoughts of bad things that can be done with power tools!

Damn I'm glad I'm on vacation next week!

Mike O.

I'd say 80% of what I do is alone, and I like it that way. Hard to carry on a meaningful conversation while you are subtracting 11/16 from 1 5/8. If a neighbor drops by, I'll just stop what I'm doing. OTOH, while screwing together a simple assembly or wiping on stain, I don't mind anyone being around. The radio is almost always on.

I've worked alone for over 30 years and enjoy it. Often I will listen to talk radio and that feels like I have company.

I actually got into the hobby via a friend who was patient and generous enough to work with me in his shop. He taught me a fair amount and I got interested enough to continue. Actually, I probably had the seed in me beforehand, but he helped get it growing.

There are times when it's nice to have help also (hanging cabinets, cutting ply, generally manhandling large objects)..

That said, there are other time where it's nice to work alone.

So, in answer to your question - a combination of both, ratio to be determined by your own wishes/needs.

Renata

I don't even like the wife in the same area when she's just watching. It's too distracting for me to worry about what someone else *might* be doing to my tools, which, aside from my house, are the largest investment I have.

Aut inveniam viam aut faciam