If you’re a regular eZine reader, I’m sure you’re familiar with our rather dubious but always proudly delivered “April Fool’s” edition. We staffers look forward to putting that together every year, even if some of you wish we didn’t! Last time around, I poked fun at what I’ll call our collective penchant for hoarding scraps—and I’m definitely including myself in that roast. Maybe you missed my announcement for a new support group for “stick” savers, so here’s a link:
https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/Ezine/
Public/Articles/Scrappers_Anonymous_4478.aspx
I hate to throw those little offcuts away, just as much as you probably do. And, these days, I’ll wager my next paycheck (thankfully I’m still getting one…) that we’re all keeping a bigger pile of them around the shop than ever before. The corollary problem to keeping too many bits and pieces, however, is not using enough of them. I suffer from this one, too. My pile under the miter saw just keeps on growing.
So, here’s the question for you: How are you turning scraps into useful projects?
Lay it on me—I could sure use some creative ideas to “thin the heard,” and I can’t be the only one out there. Fill us in on the many and various ways you are getting more mileage out of your scraps. Are you turning your own chop sticks? Tell us about them. Are you taking your tidbits to new heights by embellishing with intarsia? How about fun puzzles, duck calls, jewelry boxes, and so forth? Are miniatures your thing? Give it up folks, ‘cause Christmas is just a couple calendar flips away. Maybe you can help all of us shop elves actually get ahead of the game this year…hey, miracles can happen, even in a recession!
Either I start digging deeper into the scrap bin, or I’m going to have to organize it…and that’s about the only job that would force me out of the shop on a Saturday morning.
Come on scrap wizards, speak up!
Catch you in the shop,
Chris Marshall, Field Editor
