Best piece of advice from a toolmaking mentor?

[kbalch]

Most of us have been fortunate, over the years, to encounter a number of kindred spirits in the toolmaking arts. The luckiest of us have earned the friendship of those mentors and learned all sorts of neat and useful skills.

What's the single best piece of advice you've received from a toolmaking mentor?

[knoba]

Put the kettle on!

[DIYer]

knoba -

Seriously though, those lucky enough to have been apprentices to masters did start with tasks similar to what knoba said.

[knoba]

Funny as it seems, I'd still rate that as the best piece of advice! Having a cuppa provides a pause for quiet contemplation, re-assessment, evaluation, patience, alternatives, problem solving, enjoying the journey, and just possibly; a chuckle with friends.

What project doesn't benefit from all these things...

[kbalch]

One of my mentors (a very fine mechanic and machinist) always liked to say that "craftsmanship is found in how one finishes the areas that no one else will ever see". I took that to heart when I first heard it and it's never far from my thoughts when I'm working in the shop.

Ken

[DIYer]

I agree, guys! In simple terms, it's TLC.

[knoba]

I think you're right on the money there, DIYer!

Of course, My mentor could have just been thirsty...

[hardtail69]

mmmmm beer!

[DIYer]

mmmmm beer!

Yes! I wonder if there's someone here who does his own brew?

[kbalch]

Yes! I wonder if there's someone here who does his own brew?

I've done my share of homebrewing over the years…

Ken