Pre-cut Jitters.... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

WNYcarpenter · 10-30-2009, 06:35 PM

I was wondering how you guys handle the moments leading up to a 'do or die' cut....

there's many variations to this, but for me, it's cutting down a Mahogany door, power planing a cabinet, cutting a custom built railing...etc. Any time you have one shot to get it right, and time is on the line!

I normally pace around for a minute, tidy up so there's nothing to distract me, then finally say F it and go for it!...

The feeling you get the INSTANT you realize you just screwed up is the worst!!! I've come a long way, but I still get the jitters before a big cut.

Opposite of that....when I'm successful, the high is what keeps me coming back for more

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 06:40 PM

I have a scary variation of that. I have tremors before cutting gem boxes into a new island. I am always worried about the jigsaw scratching the wood. Even with 4 layers of blue tape, scratches happen.
I know the feeling!

HSConstruction · 10-30-2009, 06:43 PM

I do the same thing, measure it again, back up for a minute and visualize and make sure its right, then have at it.

HSConstruction · 10-30-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rselectric1

I have a scary variation of that. I have tremors before cutting gem boxes into a new island. I am always worried about the jigsaw scratching the wood. Even with 4 layers of blue tape, scratches happen.
I know the feeling!

I let the cabinet maker do it not the electrician.

katoman · 10-30-2009, 06:46 PM

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the " I just screwed up feeling " What does it feel like? Can you describe this feeling for us?

Seriously though, I clear my mind, measure three times, take my time, and now, after 40yrs, rarely make a wrong cut.etc.

But I have had some doozies! Did I just say that? Can I take that back?

DaVinciRemodel · 10-30-2009, 06:55 PM

I get that same feeling every 2 x 4 I cut!

An old time cabinet maker once told me that in 50 years he had never seen a piece of wood that couldn't be fixed

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSConstruction

I let the cabinet maker do it not the electrician.

I would love it if that were realistic. The trim carpenters always seem to "forget", even when I ask them and leave a gem box for them.

Tinstaafl · 10-30-2009, 06:58 PM

Measure three times, poise... and measure again. And then maybe ask my buddy to double-check me.

Or, just measure once, plow into it and sure enough get to enjoy being drenched with that feeling. Humbled once again, for a month or so.

WNYcarpenter · 10-30-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaVinciRemodel

I get that same feeling every 2 x 4 I cut!

An old time cabinet maker once told me that in 50 years he had never seen a piece of wood that couldn't be fixed

One of the guys I work with says...they make wood everyday, just cut it!...

There's a fine line between being awesome and A$$hole...

My confidence is better now that I've made enough mistakes to know the fixes.

Meetre · 10-30-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WNYcarpenter

My confidence is better now that I've made enough mistakes to know the fixes.

The really important part!!

katoman · 10-30-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WNYcarpenter

One of the guys I work with says...they make wood everyday, just cut it!...

There's a fine line between being awesome and A$$hole...

My confidence is better now that I've made enough mistakes to know the fixes.

I like your attitude, you won't shy away from the job, and want it right. There is stuff that I simply won't let anyone but myself do.

And it is always faster and cheaper to take your time, cut it once, than it is to fix it. And you don't look like a hack. That's a bonus.

WarnerConstInc. · 10-30-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WNYcarpenter

I was wondering how you guys handle the moments leading up to a 'do or die' cut....

there's many variations to this, but for me, it's cutting down a Mahogany door, power planing a cabinet, cutting a custom built railing...etc. Any time you have one shot to get it right, and time is on the line!

I normally pace around for a minute, tidy up so there's nothing to distract me, then finally say F it and go for it!...

The feeling you get the INSTANT you realize you just screwed up is the worst!!! I've come a long way, but I still get the jitters before a big cut.

Opposite of that....when I'm successful, the high is what keeps me coming back for more

My answer for you is Festool. Perfect results everytime and super quick, oh, no mess to clean up afterwards.

jkfox624 · 10-30-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarnerConstInc.

My answer for you is Festool. Perfect results everytime and super quick, oh, no mess to clean up afterwards.

Did they ever finalize the design on that board stretcher? Cuz no matter how pretty of a cut i always seem to cut things short. That damn inch always gets me. Or the famous measure short point but cut long point.

katoman · 10-30-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkfox624

Did they ever finalize the design on that board stretcher? Cuz no matter how pretty of a cut i always seem to cut things short. That damn inch always gets me. Or the famous measure short point but cut long point.

Just cut everything 1/8" long and beat it into place!

ampman · 10-30-2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rselectric1

I have a scary variation of that. I have tremors before cutting gem boxes into a new island. I am always worried about the jigsaw scratching the wood. Even with 4 layers of blue tape, scratches happen.
I know the feeling!

never heard of a gem box what is it a cut in

Rio · 10-30-2009, 07:36 PM

It brings to mind the old saying "I cut it twice and it's still too short".

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 07:36 PM

Walmart sells board stretchers and blinker fluid now.
They are so in tune to what we need it amazes me.

WarnerConstInc. · 10-30-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkfox624

Did they ever finalize the design on that board stretcher? Cuz no matter how pretty of a cut i always seem to cut things short. That damn inch always gets me. Or the famous measure short point but cut long point.

It's hard to eliminate user error.

rselectric1 · 10-30-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampman

never heard of a gem box what is it a cut in

Kind of a remodel box. Has the ears, but only on the front edges. There is probably a more proper name for it but I am unaware of it.

WNYcarpenter · 10-30-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rselectric1

Kind of a remodel box. Has the ears, but only on the front edges. There is probably a more proper name for it but I am unaware of it.

Our electricians won't cut out a box in a finished cabinet....I could be on the roof when the forman tells me at break I have to cut this box in....

actually, now that I was reminded.....setting vanities and sink bases are a real PITA!...2 supplies and a drain to lay out.

Nothing like an uneven tile floor with the rough in stubs crooked as hell and praying the escutcheon will cover!