I remember when Grandma and Mom first let me help peel potatoes.  I was given a knife and instructions on how to peel them.  Both Grandma and Mom watched me as they continued to work in the kitchen on other items.  Grandma told me I was doing good but my mom informed me I was cutting too deeply, therefore wasting much of the potato.  Please understand Grandma and Grandpa raised seven kids on a farm and wasting anything was a sin.  Now I can relate!  I am working on a piece using spalted maple and have just enough material.  Prior to each cut, I take time to ensure I am not wasting any valuable stock.  A mistake could mean completing the project would be  impossible without design changes.  This confirms the first stage of any project (the selection phase) is necessary.  So take a lesson from Grandma’s cooking – cut away the waste and only the waste.  Leave the rest for the precious design that will make a great woodworking statement.  Like Grandma’s cooking everyone will enjoy the effort.

Enjoy your shop time,

Jerill