Oh sure, I knew that.

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No, you don't need a router and router table, you don't need a bisket cutter, you don't need a table saw, band saw, drill or drill press. You really don't. I knew an Amish craftsmen who did everything by hand. Then again, he had tools for EVERYTHING. More than a modern woodcrafter could ever imagine. And, my guess is, his tools would have cost more to replace by several times over electric tools, if you could find some of them. Many were handed down or horse-traded, no doubt. It took six weeks to build a dresser though. Well, some of that time was making room for the item in his schedule by finishing off other orders. But the vast majority of that time was cutting, gluing, chiseling, planing, sanding, and varnish plus a top coat. How much do power tools cut out of that? I would guess 30% to possibly 60%, depending on the size and other particulars. Even keeping in rabbets and the other good joinery.

So, as I look over my tools, I realize I need more. For this job I could probably get away with a router, with the right bits. I don't need to make rabbets, and certainly nothing more complicated than box joints. Still, I need a jig for it. The good news is the jig will work for the whole of my various boxes and door. I suppose I could just tap a few nails in, or wood screws, and glue. I know I can't cut everything on 45 degree angles and try that. I simply don't have the skill and don't want to mess up that much wood!

I guess I thought you could do things a bit more easily. And, while you can, the assumption is you have done these things before (or close enough) and you have a serious woodworkers set of tools. I know, maybe people just grab a box of inexpensive nails they happen to have on hand, and what wood they can salvage, and call it good. I probably should too. I suppose the only reason I am thinking about trying to do it correctly is because I am considering building my own cabinets. From what I have seen of cabinets, they either aren't worth any money or they cost more than I could afford by as much as what I am paying for my house as is! It is insane. Solid wood will cost you. Good craftsmanship will cost you. Truly solid wood and superior quality are out of your budget. So, I might as well gear up a bit and get some practice in.

You do know, this is probably all bunk. I know it might be too. My capacity is limited. I guess I do believe I can expand my capacity. The bike is the key, most likely, to start with. Do you realize you can burn upwards of 8k calories on a bike in a three hour tour? Oh, not you, not pedaling like that. But that is the capacity. Of course, if doing that on a standard style of multi-geared bike, it would mean pedaling 25-28 mph on a flat surface, 21-25 mph in the mountains (which means taking as many "enhancement" drugs when and where you can though too, let's be honest here). I do think, if I can't get to that level, I could get to half of that... if I can ever get it going, (speed reduced due to it being a mountain bike, of course). I do things compulsively, once I get started. And I HATE going slow. On a bike, since I am the engine, I am thinking I would seriously lean into the task. You should see me walk. I would guess most of you couldn't keep up without jogging.

I am not sure if getting in shape will help, as I don't think my physical condition is the problem, only another symptom. But I do have hope. And not the hope that comes to the truly desperate or those about to die. There is still real potential. My ups and downs are not as severe, my outlook is improving just by knowing what the problem is, and I am in the right place to do more, to expand. You know, if I actually did make my own cabinets, someone else might want some made. They buy the wood and, say, do other work I need done in trade, plus a little cash? I wouldn't want to do it full time or professionally. I would get lost and overwhelmed. But a few jobs a year would pay for the tools. Who knows.

Good night.