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Sometimes the dragon wins!!!

So I took the day off of work because I was not feeling up to par this morning, so I started working on figuring out how to carve necks with the CNC. No matter what I tried I could not get the CAM program to do what I wanted (I have the neck modeled already), I finally concluded that I have the 'low-end' version and need to upgrade to the 'Pro' version so I can get some of the features I need. So after lots of grumbling about that I went out to the shop to start working on some necks, I needed to cut up some neck blanks. The first blade I used in the bandsaw actually kinked in the machine !!!

So I grabbed a second one and discovered it was an old blade and would barely cut butter... I finally grabbed one that I knew was too big but saved me a long drive to woodcraft (I should have stopped there), after lots of tinkering I got the neck cut out. But the whole time this one stupid fly kept buzzing me, and he was too dang fast to catch so that just made me more irritated.....

I shaved down the headstock with my trusty plane and started on the foot (it's a classical) and discovered I didn't line up the template right and the foot was cut too short

By this time I was pretty mad, so I called John Watkins to get details on his necks because after a day like today I'd love to just get SOMETHING done. Even my wife thought that it was a good idea , John was very gracious and I will be ordering two necks from him to spare me the pain of screwing more of them up until I can order some more bandsaw blades in and get some patience back into my hands.

But I finally gave up, grabbed my Kayak and headed to the local roll class for some practice time on the water, I feel much better now . I'm going to take a day off tomorrow from the shop and start back on thursday, I have 6 guitars planned for Healdsburg, 1 customer order and my youngest son who wants to start on his for college. Like I told John on the phone, healdsburg is closer than we think for those of us going, I learned that lesson last time so I'm starting now.

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

You guys don't have Tim Horton's donuts huh?

Does it solve any problems from a bad day? No, of course not, but it sure helps with tha moooood!

Sorry about your having a bad day Paul, good decision to come back later, the power tools is another good reason to stay far right now!

Take care friend

Serge

Man, Paul, a day at work would have been less stressful! I think Lillian soaked up all your good luck. It's all her fault!

Huh??? Me?? Granted Paul is just next door, but there is a whole mountain range between us. Besides, I would have gotten Pat in Spokane before Paul.

Paul, I'm sorry you were having such a bad day. It felt like a bad Monday at work here. Could have been something in the air. Who knows, maybe there was a reason for it and today will be fabulous because you aren't in the shop. Or something like that.

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Aoibeann

Lillian:

Where are you at? I'm thinking we might have enough folks for a "Rocky Mountain West/Inland Empire" OLF gathering...

-Mark

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Pullman, WA

The more I know, the more I know I don't know.

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Paul, I can certainly sympathize. Usually, when I sense that a day like that is coming on, I just try to keep out of trouble. Brew a pot of strong coffee and settle down with a good book or something.

Robert Pirsig called it "losing your gumption" when everything starts going wrong. You got to stop, take some deep breaths, take a break, whatever, and break the downward spiral.

Hope you feel better soon!

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

[QUOTE=SteveCourtright]   Brew a pot of strong coffee and settle down with a good book or something.
[/QUOTE]


Ahh, you've just planned my evening. I've had "one of those days" too. Thanks!!!!!!

Lillian I take it your in the Washington State area?? or higher??

I almost moved to Spokane, we have family there. Nice place :)

I orderd some special blades today and decided to not work on guitars but instead spend a little time doing setup checks on all my machines, it always makes me feel better when I know everything is clean and setup properly.

I guess you can call it woodworker therapy

Cheers

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

I am between Seattle and Tacoma. We plan on being here for about two, maybe three years and then we'll see where we end up. We keep talking about running for the border. We'll see.

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Aoibeann

I lived in Olympia for 17 years, grew up north of Seattle. May actually be moving back to Oly soon - got a call from a head hunter the other day...

-Mark

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Pullman, WA

The more I know, the more I know I don't know.

trippguitars.com
OR
Find me on Facebook

[QUOTE=Sam Price] [QUOTE=SteveCourtright]   Brew a pot of strong coffee and settle down with a good book or something.
[/QUOTE]


Ahh, you've just planned my evening. I've had "one of those days" too. Thanks!!!!!![/QUOTE]

Sam: So, what are you reading? (Sorry for the thread hijack)

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Paul, I sympathise, no, empathise with you. Most days are like that for me. Not sure why. Must have been born on a bad day or something.

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

[QUOTE=Aoibeann] I am between Seattle and Tacoma. We plan on being here for about two, maybe three years and then we'll see where we end up. We keep talking about running for the border. We'll see.[/QUOTE]

Well next time I head that way maybe I'll have to drop in and visit, I just have to make it across Oregon without getting arrested!! Last time I was there I waited 5 minutes for the attendant to fill my gas tank and finally just gave up and did it himself. He threatened to call the cops, I was so frustrated I told him go ahead!! I have a Rhino Class in seattle next month and will be traveling that way...

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

[QUOTE=SteveCourtright]

Sam: So, what are you reading? [/QUOTE]

What am I reading? I'm going through LOTR..some excellent escapism and I love Tolkein's sumptuous writing style..

I'm also a bit of a stickler for the odd autobiography or two...

I'm also partial to Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams...


.....now we can ALL be guilty of threadjacking!!!!

If I told you how many times I have reread LOTR you might guess my age, so I won't - except to offer, just for fun, that 1958 was a very good year for Gibson guitars.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Mark, is that a good thing or a bad thing? We have friends that were headhunted out to Olympia from MD. Was great for about 9 months. Then they realized that Mike was a man of integrity and had to let him go. So he ended up working for the client of the company he had been working for.

Paul, that would be wonderful, BUT.... I was told today that we have a boat load of work heading in my direction and its bigger than a dingy. Figures, the good weather finally breaks and everyone and their dog needs work done and wants it done yesterday. With that said, I'll cross my fingers. It would be wonderful to meet you.

Don, I so understand what you are saying, which is exactly why I had to share my Saturday with all ya'll. One great day in, oh well, forever. Yup, needed to share.


Sam, I had to ask Sweetie about your authors and was informed that you have excellent taste. I read, but there are usually pictures and numbers involved.    But I have to say that I have read LoTR and loved it. Aoibeann38974.9988541667

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Aoibeann