Even Professionals Make Mistakes

[@SamsTopBarBees]

"Better more patient empathetic human beings" I like to see different ways to walk back from a mistake like this, it's part of the process. The only mistakes you can't take back are fingers. Thanks for sharing!

[@ENCurtis]

"The only mistakes you can't take back are fingers"... Man I wish I had used that line while I was teaching!

[@trholb]

Have to say this is my fave new woodworking channel to watch. Simple, straightforward and authentic but not dry. Good stuff!

[@martinkeith]

I couldn't agree more. This is perfect for me.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much!

[@KyleBruns]

"You'll never outgrow human error". That is going into my daily reminder. Thank you.

[@JimJamShimmyShatts]

The mark of a true craftsman is his ability to hide his mistakes

[@ENCurtis]

Agreed 1000%

[@tagg1080]

My dad always told me, the master plan is to make it look like you had a master plan.

[@robslifting4life]

They don't actually make them. Those are called hobbyists.

[@lawrencecurtis812]

Yep! I could do that next time, but what about the dents and dings it picked up flying across my workshop?

[@CameronLockey]

Thanks for making this video. I just went (nearly) full-time with my business and have been just crushed the many times in the past two months that I've made mistakes. It's gut-wrenching and, I'm not afraid to admin, sometimes tear-producing. Getting all the feels out before trying to move onto fixing things is crucial.

[@ENCurtis]

Gut wrenching is exactly right. That's precisely why I need to walk away for a spell so I don't make any rash decisions.

[@PoeticJusticeSC]

You nailed it! Giving yourself time to grieve before you attempt a fix is brilliant advice.

[@zacharyhealy9558]

I want to thank you, most of the time when I did something like this before I found your channel, I just tossed that piece and started over with another, you have opened up new avenues for me by making me think of this all differently

[@mikesims3111]

I really appreciate you sharing a mistake and more importantly how you thought about fixing it. You also modeled forgiving yourself for the mistake (something with which we perfectionists struggle) and thinking through what you could have done better to prevent it next time. Experience and practice hopefully REDUCE mistakes, but the true thing that separates the pro's is knowing how to most effectively hide them (apart from sharing them with 25K people on the internet!!😜). Well done, sir...

[@ENCurtis]

And I appreciate the thoughtful and well articulated comment, sir 🙏

[@MrsEarth-pf4cr]

Thank you, Captain for yet another informative recording! I just did something very similar. I just had a small production of 100 units of planters that I had to deliver to a retailer on yesterday and I had several errors I had to go back and re-do on half of them, it was super frustrating, and I was pulling my hair. Happy that wood is forgiving in some instances thanks to all of the redemptive solutions we have at our disposal. You are correct about a monotonous work flow, it can leave you open to error in some cases if you get too comfortable. On another note, I am thinking of a creative way that we can recycle all these beautiful wood shavings, I feel so guilty throwing them away. I have a few ideas dancing around in my mind. I also appreciate the therapeutic word in closing. Enjoy the rest of your week everyone. Cheers

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you :) I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@dennisdesabato6278]

Well done!!! When I was doing general construction I used to say, quite honestly, if I only make one mistake a day, that is a great day. Now that I am doing wood working full time I say, yup....the exact same thing!

[@danlynch1154]

So true. Woodworking can be overcoming problems, sometimes of our own making. Well done, thanks!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@robertjones5086]

Erik, I am sure you have heard it before…the difference between a master woodworker and a bad woodworker is his/her ability to hide their mistakes. You are a master.

[@jimrosson6702]

You are so very right mistakes happen all the time. Great tip on fixing that mistake thanks for sharing

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks for watching, amigo 🙏

[@christopherharrison6724]

A great philosophy which can be used in many situations in life thank you ,stay calm and think of a solution.

[@docwaring]

Really appreciated this. I've kind of jumped into the deep end, trying to figure out how to do professional work without enough background to know what I'm actually doing, largely because mental health stuff from the military made regular work hard. So screwing up has been really common and really difficult to cope with. Deeply appreciated you showing the mistake (after 15 years of professional work) and solution.

[@jimmcnett]

Excellent job. Your work is so beautiful. I know that everyone makes mistakes. It is comforting to see an accomplished wood worker humbly say Oops and show us how to move on. Hat's off to you sir.

[@jodam5882]

I love your choice of blues music in the background. Really gives this a badass touch.

[@jamesfrench8004]

I thoroughly enjoy your approach & presentation to working with wood.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you very much!

[@TheWeekendWoodshop]

Mistakes happen often. Great solution on this one. I truly appreciate KZbin creators that aren't afraid to show their mistakes. Great video 😁

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you 👊

[@garagemonkeysan]

Video was super hunky dory! There's no failure, only "happy little accidents." Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@ENCurtis]

Hahah thank you!

[@GregsGarage]

I have really enjoyed watching your videos over the past few months. I like the point of view from someone who is quite obviously working a few levels above the masses. This vid was a masterclass in what separates pro level work from everything else... Thanks for sharing your skill and knowledge with the universe!

[@simonmills2375]

Thanks for that, today just went and bought an old Stanley 5 and 6 after watching your Plane vids. Wanted a 4 but this was all that was available in my localility. I dumped my corporate job and hoping to make my way as a handyman that also makes indusrtial style furniture. Your vids are great and really helping. Cheers

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear it.

[@ga5743]

Oh yea we all make mistakes for sure and great advice to keep off cuts around till completion of project. Enjoy the day Eric thanks for sharing.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you my dude!

[@paulmichal]

Thanks for sharing, love the honesty and matter of fact approach. After all, we all are only human.

[@ENCurtis]

It is an inescapable truth. Thank you 🙂

[@gudwinag]

Thanks for showing your mistakes and your fixes. BTW are you going to show the final project?

[@ENCurtis]

Sure will! Hopefully in the next couple weeks!

[@Balanced_Grain]

You couldn't have dropped this gem at a better time. I was working on my first big commission today and came into a problematic situation. I walked away and came to a solution that will look great in the end.

[@ENCurtis]

Glad it could be timely for you!

[@ryanm2214]

Love when I am watching a vid and learn something new unexpectedly. I had a couple clamp marks on recent project and never dawned on me to use another strip of wood in between the clamp and my piece. Gotta love the no-brainer hind sight lol.

[@bobmartin6055]

Outstanding! Sage advice that we all need to hear!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@norm_olsen]

Thanks for showing the imperfect side! It's nice to know that even the experienced can stumble from time to time! In my short amount of time wood working thus far, if there's one thing it taught me, it's that it's easy to make mistakes! Bizarrely, if there's a 50-50 chance of me getting something wrong (say doing something like adding a groove or dado to the wrong face of a board due to not slowing down and really paying attention to what I'm doing), the odds are usually 100% that it ends up wrong! Quality wood working is hard! Thanks for sharing this! Reminds everyone that mistakes happen. I feel less bad about my woodworking now!

[@GeorgeLowrey]

I have cut off the pins when I meant to cut off the tales!!! A learning experience for sure.....

[@henrysboy2]

So timely and so true. Great video and spot on to my current project. Great video. Well presented. TY.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@johnplusquellic7963]

Really appreciate you showing the mistakes and the repair. Thanks. When you ran the piece through the planner did flip the piece or just take It down to size from one side?

[@ENCurtis]

Glad it helped! Just took it down on the face as I have joinery cut in the back.

[@TWC6724]

Strong work brother. Ended up looking great.

[@ENCurtis]

Much obliged my man 👊

[@chrisl7621]

Just found your channel a few days ago and it’s quickly become one of my favorites!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks so much!

[@JeffFontecchio]

I appreciate the time you took to share this with us, keep up the beautiful work!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much, Jeff!

[@donesry2902]

That was great! I thought you were going to cut out a patch. I greatly admire your work.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@fidgetshouse]

Thank you for sharing your mistakes and giving yourself some grace. I have some college students that need to see this!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.

[@ZX9RDan]

I like mistake fixes. Probably because I screw up a lot. But these are inspiring and help a lot, even though every situation is different. How about a mistake-fixing compilation video?

[@shaunwilliams6649]

I'd have perhaps added a small bevel/chamfer both side, of both ends, of both top rails... This would have totally hidden the end grain of the newly laminated piece of timber to the original rail... Table top will hide it anyway, and it did look good! but it's still there unless you can't see it at all... The bevel would have fooled the eye! I've 50 years experience of hiding my mistakes and you get quite good at it...! I absolutely love this channel and all it content. 👍🏻 😁

[@benfrank]

great problem solving. i'm loving your channel

[@ENCurtis]

Awesome, thank you!

[@williamshaffer2562]

Nice work young man. Enjoy your videos and the way you solve any problems. Keep them coming sir.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you, sir!

[@cds957]

Eric, I love your vid's and your great projects but I was wondering why do you guys sometimes use a hand plane on a fairly large piece when you have a beautiful big jointer to use that will fit the piece...just asking?

[@ENCurtis]

Nothing more than the joy of using hand tools. It’s the reason I started woodworking and it’s a thing I still very much enjoy 🙂

[@helderlage]

helpful,... educational... and... entertaining :D... as always, fantastic video!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@hancock1066]

Great video. I came in from the shop after having made a mistake and sat down and saw that your video had dropped. Great advice to just take a break and think it through.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidmeyer9204]

Thank You!

[@ENCurtis]

No, thank you!

[@tedfriesen9466]

Had much the same happen last week when I cut dominos on the wrong face of a leg. My repair was exactly like yours and it's almost invisible. Thanks for the video.

[@ENCurtis]

It's a great little technique. Glad it worked out for you as well!

[@hodgy33]

Just come across your channel and love it. Great content and really enjoy watching the videos.

[@jimkerr9199]

As a fellow professional woodworker I attest this isb100% true. I feel sometimes all I do is fix mistakes

[@ENCurtis]

Unfortunately that is absolutely true hahaha

[@BrittaDuffy]

Came for the woodworking. Left with emotional intelligence.

[@ENCurtis]

Hahaha glad you took something away from it :)

[@mikeyates1450]

I have been woodworking for 60 years and I was taught woodworking was the art of covering your mistakes. Most times I am the only knows where it is.

[@Georgesvangansen]

Very nice fix!!

[@gunthermertens7504]

Hello sir, Is the small width of the extra veneer noticable when oiled?

[@ENCurtis]

Barely. It largely disappears into the end grain. Would see it unless you’re looking for it.

[@bubbytrucker8485]

Completely understand making mistakes. Sometimes I wonder if my brain just turns itself off.

[@Shadowveil26]

I have a question for you. Seeing how highly you speak of hand planes, maybe you can help me. How do you keep it flat, especially on thinner surfaces? I’m sadly learning everything on the go through error, as no one is willing to teach me. I was given 2 planes my grandfather used before he passed away. After 2 years, I still haven’t gotten the hang of it. I don’t know what I am doing wrong

[@michaelbauer7023]

Well done... a simple fix to an otherwise sickening mistake. New subscriber here... I appreciate your content and production quality. So many folks are getting away from actual builds/techniques in favor of sponsored reviews or they go into mind-numbing detail on a 60-minute build video. Keep up the good work... If I am not alone in what I appreciate, you should hit 1m subscribers soon!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much! And welcome!

[@cloudspinwoodworks4813]

Very helpful!

[@barryomahony4983]

I don't know if we've all done it, but I have. I put a few square holes for a Greene-and-Green style plugs in a kind of involved piece that I had already spent a few hours on. The shallow holes were the last step and easiest. But I put one of them, the biggest one, in the wrong place. ☹ A patch would have stood out like a sore thumb in the QS White Oak. So I filled the hole for structural integrity, jointed 1/32" off the face, glued on a "veneer" piece, and then put it to through the planer to get the proper thickness. The long grain to long grain joint on the side only 1/32" from the edge is not noticeable.

[@woodcraft_cz]

Ah man I was so quietly hoping that on the reveal you look down and realise you glued it on the wrong side 😂😅 nice work bud and great thought process to fixes

[@ENCurtis]

😂😂😂

[@anthonydtobias]

Yeeaaaahhhhh I've screwed up a time or two 😅. Great fix.

[@ENCurtis]

hahaha as we all have!

[@andydaoust2030]

Firstly, those legs are beautifully designed. Mostly I make art glass. Large scale fused pieces. When either I make a mistake or the kiln makes one for me, it is much harder to recover from that. (It is much more difficult to plane down a 1" thick piece of glass). Sometimes though, the error results in discovering a good method to fix it or hide it, and sometimes the disaster results in what I like to call a disaster-piece.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I'm a little jealous. Would love to try glass work one day!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you .

[@JanHilt]

We are true magicians. 😅 I spend the better part of today fixing a mistake I only noticed yesterday, 4 days after. Shame on me. 😇 Good show. Keep it up. 👍🎈

[@ENCurtis]

haha magicians is accurate. And thank you!

[@ChrisHornberger]

I just slotted 2 out of... ugh... 36? door rails and stiles on the wrong side, and of course it was the last of my 4/4 white oak and had to go get more. :\

[@jimlefor9851]

Well said! 👍🏻

[@anthonyseiver7000]

Nodded in furious agreement throughout this video. Now if only veneering could fox the faults in my face...

[@ENCurtis]

😂 🙏

[@roadtriplover.]

This is awesome. Im just learning and I feel like every other move is a mistake. Maybe, just maybe, the story in the mistake is worth more than the perfection without a story? For now, I think I’ll stick with that thought process. 😁✌️

[@theacousticpoet]

Great tip! I never would have thought to just veneer the whole face.

[@ENCurtis]

It was the path of least resistance 😂

[@murphymmc]

He who does no work makes no mistakes. So we learn how to fix, how to avoid mistakes, making them less often. When they still happen and because of the infrequency, we can either become highly aggravated or shift immediately into "fix it mode". Most of us do the latter as there is a sense of accomplishment in doing the fix. Though on occasion, one starts over with a new piece.

[@ENCurtis]

He who does no work makes no mistakes. True. I would much rather risk the mistake and do the work.

[@adamgossett2711]

You mentioned school, where or what kind of school did you go to?

[@ENCurtis]

I went to CFC in Maine in 2012 for the 9-month program. Have been back dozens of times since to teach and for fellowships.

[@dpmeyer4867]

nice fix

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks!

[@garycope5332]

Just an observation, but professionalism is about being able to successfully correct a mistake, not about never making one. Well done on a very well-engineered correction.

[@ENCurtis]

Agreed 1000%

[@dekim631]

I have been using the "accent your mistakes" method for a while now. Maybe it's just me but hiding your mistakes makes them easily forgettable, and forget why we made that mistake. So hopefully highlighting the mistake will make us not make future mistakes. Fuck that shit was deep....

[@ENCurtis]

hahaha that's some kintsugi philosophy right there!

[@disklamer]

Cut a panel out of a board sideways the other day, have you ever tried to fix grain orientation, it’s a ride.

[@Monkey_Snot]

I have those same clamps, and if you wrap the handles like the top of a hockey stick with hockey tape, you get far better grip. Just sayin

[@PoggieMiranda1]

Riddled with the capacity for error. Need a t-shirt of that..

[@ENCurtis]

Not a bad idea

[@blackraven8805]

Maybe a brass plaque with your signature...

[@josekunhardt]

Why not veneer the back side of the piece, that way the front stays being from the same tree or board?

[@mikegrier2829]

“You idiot”, I sometimes say to myself. “Idioso!” Sigh. There are times when I’m working along in a nice flow state and I discover I just cut something or assembled something backwards. I was thoroughly enjoying the effort until that moment. A chuckle or two later and I’m fixing and flowing again. Oh, well. Crap happens. You’re right. Don’t beat yourself up too much. Just be glad you didn’t choose to be an airplane pilot instead of a woodworker.

[@bobthomas4514]

To Err is human, to never make a mistake is impossible. Embrace the possible.

[@ENCurtis]

There's a tshirt in there...

[@0330Scooter]

Love life always an adventure

[@ENCurtis]

Hahaha accurate!

[@daviddio3876]

Good to see even Wood Wizards make goofs now/then. Ha- great video man, thanks for acknowledging and sharing. 👍🏻work!

[@ENCurtis]

Haha wood wizards are just as prone to mistakes as anyone else. Wood ninjas, on the other hand... 😂

[@daviddio3876]

@@ENCurtis I hear ya!- only the craziest and stealthiest of wood pros can escape wood-slip ups! Ha 😜

[@musharioh]

Dropping a comment down there

[@danferguson4004]

I've been saying it for years. Everyone makes mistakes it's how you fix them that counts

[@z4zuse]

5:10 at least the mug was saved

[@velvettedelaney]

Beautiful legs! And that curve on the underside of the foot 😍. Appreciate the advice and demo on how to fix an f-up

[@NelsvanToor]

"It's not a bug; It's a FEATURE" Applies to all crafts-work in any stripe....

[@ENCurtis]

Absolutely!

[@elessary2k1]

I've never been there... I live there 😅

[@ENCurtis]

😂😂😂

[@ericpetitclerc5519]

Why do you pease so much to my ADHD side? Oh yeah, all the little quotes you put around in your videos... Makes the watching longer with all the pause/rewind I have to do, but hey I learn stuff too, thank you Sir!

[@ENCurtis]

Haha glad you're enjoying them!

[@sergeyivanov5733]

Красавчег👍 капитан америка!

[@stevepeyton9073]

We don't make mistakes We have happy accidents 😂

[@heruvey87]

every time i bust out my handplane i endup tearing up the piece QQ

[@alessandrosuppini943]

Have you thought about using the mistake to create a secret compartment?

[@ENCurtis]

ooooh that would've been fun. But alas, not enough time for such a rabbit trail on this project.

[@mrmoto7682]

Great fix but couldn’t you have just turned the mistake towards the wall? 😁

[@ENCurtis]

Sure could have... but I couldn't have lived with myself if I did 😂

[@masoodamg6633]

👏👏👍👍

[@ENCurtis]

🙏

[@lessilies2048]

While in pursuit of perfection I sometimes forget I am human. Now I am more relaxed and better understand my errors and other imperfections. Thanks for the reminder and a bit of coaching.

[@CurtisLEC]

I thought I made a mistake on my last project but I wrong. 😊

[@slanwar]

I have a wood burner for my mistakes.....

[@cignuselka]

im a human to!! jajaja

[@robertmabry4172]

I wonder how a surgeon would highlight his mistake if he accidentally removed the wrong thing.

[@ENCurtis]

😂😂 I hope they wouldn't

[@Monkey_Snot]

Exactly why you don't rely on computers lol. I don't care, I blame the computer.

[@ENCurtis]

😂 I like that excuse.

[@stephengorczyca9855]

Just put your logo in there and you should be good