Woodworking Resolutions for 2013: Lee Laird

I’m sure most of you don’t know I had major back surgery in March. I’ll at least toss that out there, so you can have a reason to potentially give me mercy, when assessing my last year’s resolutions.

1. I have been working slowly on building a replica of a Gibson Les Paul guitar for quite a bit longer than is truly needed. I resolve to have it in playing shape by the end of March 2012 2013, at the latest. **I’m sure the year in my last resolution must have been a typo! 😉 Alright, it’s presently in some level of playing shape, but the March date is my expectation on having a completed/finished guitar. Just wait, I’m sure I’ll make this one!

2. It’s high time that I really learned how to spray a good finish on a project! I’ll practice with my brand new Earlex 5500 for the next week or so, and finally move up from 99% rag-applied oils to the big-boy finishes. You probably picked up on the fact that my guitar is waiting for a finish, huh? Ok, ok, right now that is the pressing issue as to why I need to learn to spray a great finish. But, once learned, I’ll never go back, unless I have a commission that demands that warm, friendly and refreshable finish. 😉

3. I’m planning to build a hanging tool cabinet, so I can both be more efficient, having my most-used tools close at hand and also getting my hand planes and other tools away from some dust. I plan to build this before the Lie-Nielsen Open House in July.

4. This last one is just barely on the fringe of woodworking. I will continue my physical training, to strengthen my body and to primarily regain my old walking gait. At first, it was an impossibility to do any woodworking, as I had to completely re-learn how to walk. I’m finally back to the point where I am spending multiple hours in my shop at a time, hand-planing, sharpening, building…you get the idea. With the continued treadmill and BowFlex work, it won’t be long until you mostly won’t be able to tell I even had surgery.

5. Ok, I know, I know, I said #4 was the last one, but I want to include one more from last year. I will continue to strive for progress in my writings (Blog articles, both Highland and personal), and hopefully provide valuable information and entertainment.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

To read more woodworking resolutions for 2013, CLICK HERE

Lee Laird has enjoyed woodworking for over 20 years. He is retired from the U.S.P.S. and works for Lie-Nielsen Toolworks as a show staff member, demonstrating tools and training customers. You can email him at lee@lie-nielsen.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/is9582