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Wood Gloat

1K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  HalDougherty 
#1 ·
Wood Gloat

I have been having problems with my Craftsman lathe (which is to be expected, due to its age). Still not experienced, I've been practicing making goblets out of mesquite logs that I get for free when they fall on my wifes grandparents property. I have made a little less than a dozen, pushing myself a little further each time. I finally made a goblet with a beautiful hint of sap wood, a long deep top portion and two captive rings in the stem. I was proud of my accomplishment even though it is still novice work. I showed several people my new goblet and everyone seemed to like it. (I SHOULD HAVE, I SHOULD HAVE, I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A PICTURE OF IT).

So my wife calls me and tells me that there is a Jet 1236 Lathe on "the list" for $425. Thinking this a good deal, I call the guy (Chuck). Chuck tells me the it has the stand, two face plates, an eight piece "Craftsman" lathe tools, etc etc, etc. The more he tells me about the features that this thing has, the more excited I am getting.

I go to the ATM and draw out $440 and head to Chucks house. Chuck shows me the lathe. He turns it on and it just purrrrrrs. through the years, I have learned to keep my excitement to myself. I inspect the Lathe and ask a few questions before I just hand over money.

Long story short, I buy the Lathe. Chuck tells me that he will also sell me a 3/4hp "Craftsman" dust collector with the Lathe dust collector hood attachment for $125. OOOOH I WANT IT but I explain that if I draw out anymore money than I did, my wife would not be very happy with me and I thank him for the offer.

During small talk Chuck asks me what I turn, to which I explained that I am still new at turning but I'm working on goblets right now. He asks me if I have one (which I do because I have been looking for reasons to show people). I go to my truck and grab my newly made goblet. Now I'm getting a bit apprehensive, this guy has been turning for years. This is gonna be a real critic of my work. He's not a friend that gonna say its nice so he doesn't hurt my feelings. But I want to hear the truth, don't I? Well… here goes nothing.

Chuck inspects the Goblet as he turns it in his hand. He runs his hand along the side, He pinches his fingers along the walls. He nods his head and says "thats nice". Chuck than throws me a curve ball. Chuck shows me my goblet and says "I'll tell you what. I'll trade you this goblet and the remaining $15 you have for the Dust Collector". I am officially blown away by this offer BUT I keep my excitement comtained. I fake thinking about it for a second and take his offer.

I traded a Goblet for a dust collector. A goblet that used to be a log from a fallen tree that I cut up. A log that was just sitting in the back of my truck, rolling around. This guy that actually liked my goblet.

I don't normally gloat, however this is a deal that I had to tell others. Thanks for reading. Thank you for the boost in self confidence chuck.
 
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#4 ·
Nice score! I like to hear that good tool deals that go to folks that really appreciate them, you are one of them. Let us see some pictures of your new tool when you get it set up and ready to go.

Thanks for sharing your happy story.
 
#6 ·
You need to give yourself more credit, if a seasoned wood turner trades your goblet for a dust collector. He is passing on the baton to someone he feels will be making wonderful wood turnings. I know, I always find fault with any project I create. We look forward to seeing your future projects.
-Don
 
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