This weekend, I took on the challenge of using up all my scrap wood to build three coffee tables. I ended up with more wood than I started with, but that's a story for another time. It was too hot to work during the peak afternoon hours, so I did a morning session, took a break, then worked a couple of hours in the evening. However, I found myself totally wiped out by the end of each day and achy the next morning. Am I doing something wrong? The same issue occurred last fall while making a cabinet for my closet. My woodworking sessions are few and far between, but I'm keeping fit with gym workouts, swimming, and running in between. Any advice?
4 Answers
What type of flooring do you have in your shop? I’m 62 and I found that working on concrete floors made me really sore. I invested in some rubber gym mats, and it made a world of difference! A little cushion can go a long way in making your workspace more comfortable.
Woodworking can be more strenuous than people realize. I've been running a cabinet shop since 2011, and trust me, the heat can really wear you out fast! I used to work in a garage with no AC and would sweat a ton within minutes. Now I've got a cooler setup with AC and dehumidifiers. If you're not used to the physical side of woodworking, it can definitely take a toll on your body, especially when lifting heavy pieces. Just make sure you take breaks, so you don’t overdo it!
Making furniture is definitely hard work! You're engaging different muscles compared to your regular gym sessions. Plus, when you're at the gym, you're usually wearing shoes that are designed for working out, while that perfect shoe for woodworking doesn’t exist. And lifting long boards and muscle them into the planer can be tough. By the way, how did you end up with more wood than you started with? That's impressive!
Make sure you're listening to your body. If you're that tired, it’s a good idea to stop. Fatigue can lead to accidents, so better safe than sorry!
I thought we were supposed to wear flip flops while woodworking...