Conservation involves creative thinking, but mainly in a problem solving sense; how to accomplish a clearly defined goal when dealing with a unique object. Respecting the object, not self expression, is a guiding principal. Even with bookbinding type projects, which I sometimes do, they often involve working with a designer or art director. I do have some input, but more often am hired to realize a preexisting idea.
So I am an amateur woodworker to satisfy a creative urge. Tools for working wood (link on the right hand side bar) sells the metal hardware and blade to make a turning saw. They also supply free plans, all you need to do is supply the wood. Did I follow the plans? Of course not! As I spent a sunday afternoon spokeshaving the three main pieces, I became more and more interested in emphasizing their thin curves, thinking how elegant looking they were becoming and not thinking about how much tension they would be under when I tightened the toggle.
Did I loosen the tension when I was storing the saw? Of course not! I wanted to be able to grab it and use it. I did use a natural hemp to twist the toggle, which I was hoping would counter act some of the changes in humidity and keep the tension even, however it is apparent there was simply too much tension for the extreme curve. The wood was a clear quarter sawn white oak, that I air dried myself.
About 2 months after I finished the saw, I picked it up to use it and noticed that the wood had split right along the grain. Looking at it now, the weakness in the curved area seems obvious. I didn’t give it a thought when I was involved in the act of spokeshaving.
Often, the most common mistake beginners in any craft make is to overbuild, and they end up with a clumsy, heavy, wasteful and amateur looking product. I went the opposite direction. Lesson learned. Time to make another one, this time a little straighter and thicker. Will I follow the plans?
Peachey Conservation 