Day 4: Words between the Work.

We got terrible news today when I looked at the deposit of our last checks. Both Val and I were $3000 lower than what was told to us. That means we built a budget around a figure that was $6000 higher than what it really is. I was so specific when I asked for these numbers back in April when we began the budget and planning of the next six months. How could someone make such a mistake? They apologized for it, the mistake. I want to write a nasty email or yell at someone, but what will that do, really? Not much. Val was so upset, so I have to keep positive. We have a rule that only one of us can be upset, or sad, or whatever at a time.

Today we really got down to it. I learned to set up the bandsaw, used the joiner, and cut wood using the bandsaw and a bow saw.

Our task is to build from a large piece of lumber a mountain dulcimer of superb beauty, projection, voice and action. Dwain had this 12'x10"x8"piece of black walnut that he says may be his last big piece of wood, which is a bit sad to me because I've only just found him. So I got to experience how to judge a piece of wood and what stuff to be on the lookout for.

But lets talk tools and such. Apprenticeships are more than learning to make a thing. I can learn to do that at home from YouTube. What makes being in a master craftsman's shop special is the stuff you learn between the moments learning the mechanics of making the whatever you're learning to make. Like how to judge wood. Or tools.

There are so many tools in Dwain's shop, and in just a few days he's used so many. I asked what is the first major tool that I should invest in, and he didn't even hesitate before nodding to his bandsaw. I have a small table-top one, but I will need a sturdier one, for sure. And that ain't cheap.




Some things, though, I can make and for cheap. Like these sanding blocks, for example. I have plenty of wood and screws and can find some thin metal to make these. I'll just need to invest the time to do so. But I'll learn more about my craft in making the tools I need to practice my craft.

So we lugged this massive, wonderful piece of wood out of its place, and put it on the saw horses--and the two machines that can be used in a variety of ways. These were hand built and used rolling pins as rollers. Crazy and wonderful.

Quarter sawn log.

Rift sawn log.

Dwain explained the different ways to cut wood and the differences between kiln and air dried lumber. We went over the piece of wood with a flashlight looking at its properties and potentials. Wood is a risk, in that you never really know what you've got until you get inside. So this log was a $700 risk for Dwain. If anyone knows of cheap quarter sawn black walnut in big lumber flavor let me know.

And then we got to it. We measured out the log to get the most out of it that was possible around the imperfections that were present. I'm guessing there are a variety of ways to cut such a mass piece of wood, but Dwain said after using various tools that the bow saw was the best. So I got to use the bow saw again and again and again and again.

I almost cut a straight line! Not really.

We used the joiner and the bandsaw to get the pieces down to the rough dimensions necessary for the dulcimers. It is important, I think, that I come to this training with a solid foundation of 3D and the ability to visualize geometry pretty easily.

Our finished cutting of one piece of the lumber.

Moose

We took a watermelon break at some point, and I got to pout a bit about the loss of $6000. And then we went on our first work-related field trip. We went to a secret lumber company (I cannot remember the name.), where Moose was sheepishly baby-sitting the counter.

It was good to practice some of my newly learned skills in the real world. It will sure help me to develop and hone them because I'm definitely a bodily-kinesthetic learner who needs to be able to smell a math problem to get it right. There was no math at the shop, but there was so much pretty wood. I'm going to have to find a place around Maryville for my wood needs.

Then we went to dinner, where I had a turkey burger with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese with fries and a piece of key lime pie for dessert. It was all so good that I forgot to take a picture until this moment.

We had another important conversation about the business of selling dulcimers. Dwain has been around the dulcimer circuit, and he has so much to impart. It is hard for me to keep quiet sometimes and listen to what he is offering because I have so many other questions. But we have plenty of time to talk about such things, and I'm privileged and amazed at how open Dwain is with me.

Walt Martin 

One story that he told me is really funny and speaks to the character of Dwain and Walt Martin (There is a nice article about Walt on page 29 of this magazine.). Walt is the guy from whom Dwain learned lutherie and Walt's successor. And it also reinforces the idea that I am the right guy to carry on the mantle of these great builders.

Walt is a world-famous builder of Appalachian dulcimers. He made a thousand of them before retiring at age 80. And Dwain, well you'll have to get that as I give it to you because even after reading all of the information on this page you'll still not get the full picture of Dwain.

Dwain's carved scroll peg head.

Well, Walt was apparently an individual whom some others found a challenge with which to deal. A dulcimer player was upset at Walt because Walt would not make a flat head dulcimer for the guy--Walt only carved scroll heads. Well this same guy related that story to Dwain, and the guy finished with this question to Dwain: But you would make me one, wouldn't you?

An example of a flat style head. 

Of course Dwain did not. And I will not. Dwain didn't even have to ask me what I'd say.