This Video Is About Nothing At All

Nothing is good. Nothing is important. For the creative process, nothing may even be imperative. Don't sleep on nothing.
Ferrazzutti’s Squaring Sticks:
www.ferrazzutt...
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Items I keep on hand in the shop:
Glue:
Titebond I Wood Glue: amzn.to/3zRXHGv
Titebond III Wood Glue: amzn.to/3MVnG6j
Titebond Quick and Thick: amzn.to/42HGuMC
Liquid Hide Glue: amzn.to/3PhZEEW
Power Tools and Accessories:
Table Saw Blade - Woodworkers II: amzn.to/42bIOLa
My favorite trim router: amzn.to/3LbCbTF
DeWalt Trim Router fence: amzn.to/43cYwr2
My Festool Router Setup: amzn.to/3ZPIQal
Extra Fence: amzn.to/3KHi9jI
1/2" dia Router bit: amzn.to/3UkRFYI
A Better Alternative (Spiral Up Cut): amzn.to/3mcPsSp
Sharpening:
Ohishi Waterstones: amzn.to/3TkoZhP
1,000/8,000 Combo (great budget option): amzn.to/3Lqj7Sh
Angle Setting Jig Plans: www.lie-nielse...
Inexpensive Honing Guide: amzn.to/3Jo2Uub
Lie-Nieslen Honing Guide: www.lie-nielse... guide
Sandpaper for Flattening: amzn.to/3Jor73F
My Finish Mix:
Minwax Polyurethane: amzn.to/3kPgpuO
Liberon Finishing Oil: amzn.to/3kXkIEf
Danish Oil (alternative): amzn.to/3Njlabs
Liberon Beeswax: amzn.to/3Jm2yFN
Turpentine: amzn.to/3SWFznB
Mineral Spirits (alternative): amzn.to/3oKU83h
TotalBoat Epoxy:
For 5% off any TotalBoat product, visit www.totalboat....
You can stay up to date with my work here:
/ encurtis​
/ encurtis
encurtis.com/

[@davidsinger4018]

1) You can always retake a class but you can never relive a party. 2) Do everything in moderation including moderation. Enjoy nothing!

[@jeffs.3527]

A class is just as much about the moment, the class, and the teacher as a party is about the people and the moment. You can certainly *sign up* for the "same" class in a catalogue, just as you could put a lot of parties with the same people on your social calendar, but no class is ever the same from instance to instance just as no party is precisely the same as any other. The perceived difference between the two says a lot more about your perspective on taking classes than it does about the nature of either parties or classes.

[@lazylion1421]

I am already an expert at doing nothing, so this video taught me nothing. So now I'm even better at it. Thank you for your wise lesson, sensei.

[@carboranadum]

This made me laugh too hard.

[@jeffs.3527]

I have a brain clearing ritual: i play "On the nature of daylight" by Max Richter twice in a row and clean up the shop at the end of each day that way. I think about nothing to do with my projects, or what im doing later, or tomorrow, or whatever, and i quit cleaning and leave the shop at the end of the second play no matter what. It makes me feel great at the end of a long day, and i feel refreshed for my evening and the shop is still pleasantly organized for the next day. I love it.

[@alharrison8611]

Hi Curtis. I hope you never change. I hope I don’t recognize you in five years. I hope we get to share a drink together or work on a project. Thank you for your wisdom and compassion.

[@RootedInThePastWoodworking]

I completely agree that nothingness is extremely important and needed. I've been looking at my shop and wanting it to have it be more inspiring. It's a small shop so I don't have a huge amount of free space but I NEED it to be inspiring!

[@einsteinbpc]

I agree. Cleaning my shop quite often sparks ideas, finding a piece of wood and thinking hey I could do such and such with this. Also I find that if I’m struggling with an idea or how to execute something, sleeping on it over night and not pressuring myself to just get it done usually results in a better outcome and happier me to boot. Thanks for this video, love having my morning coffee with you on Sunday morning. Cheers

[@RunningAmukOffGrid]

I spent a few days away from my church, and it felt good. When the inspiration wanes I just gotta do nothing. My next lesson is to not feel guilty. Enjoy no thing.

[@woodworking267]

Hey Philadelphian here Funny this weekend i decided to take a break and build some shelves and holsters for shop space trying some ideas in my head it's very liberating 😊

[@startmaking1]

As a youtube woodworker. Struggling to juggle life and passions with an upload schedule and and and. This video is perfect. Thank you

[@SWA-Projects]

Same here

[@romanjohnston]

Right on brother! As a landscape photographer and a new woodworker. Somtimes you just have to be ZEN. Space, mindset, meditation or just being. Somtimes I sits and thinks....other times I just sits. There is value to slowing down....and listening to yourself...or the universe...or whatever lable you want to put on it. Do things for the LOVE of doing it.

[@splinters_66]

So true, making things up as you go along tends to lead to a lot of staring and thinking, but I really enjoy the process of making, and the result of that leads to something that you can be proud of.

[@RobertCade-zm3cy]

This video was perfectly timed to my schedule! Today, I planned to do nothing. I have succeeded in spectacular fashion! I am now ready to meet tomorrow with renewed enthusiasm!

[@rossanctuary5238]

"Nothing"? Finally a subject I'm good at. 😊

[@TheMadWookiee]

I like to have things in my garage/shop that serve no purpose other than to bring me joy in there being in my space. some times I go in the shop and accomplish nothing and it is fine.

[@kevinmeachem2138]

Prescient advice. As I have often I to woodworking in my retirement, I find I need to stop and just think about what/how to create regularly. Always enjoy your posts.

[@fidgetshouse]

Literally, thank you for nothing! I love when you share your thoughts. ❤

[@williammaxwell1919]

A 20-minute "mindfull walk" has a special space and time... as does just nah, not thinking about stuff, just going to be in the space and observe the delitful space I'm in... be present in your life

[@5ElementsWoodworking]

When I saw the title, I half expected you to come through the door in classic Kramer mode ala Seinfeld. I was completely distracted during this video when you talked about "Larissa's tool wall" because I think I know her from a former woodworker I took classes from that she worked for/at. Small world!

[@MatchaMakesThings]

Right on with the weights, good application to the rest of your life as well. Somedays its just heavier than normal, and showing up and going through the motions is its own reward.

[@paulrizzo7571]

I just found your channel a few days ago. I've been binge watching. This is exactly the video I needed I needed today. I've been unmotivated I have a pair of Eastwood chairs not getting built in the shop and this nothing video is exactly what I needed. Thanks

[@briancollins2230]

As always I enjoy the coffee pour. I tend to believe it's for me, and I'll continue believing that. So thank you. And I'm looking forward to seeing what's up next for you. Can't wait. Now it's time for me to make a thing. Take care.

[@carboranadum]

"Making sure you provide the time to be present in those moments" - Best Quote Ever! I'm 57 and I have always been moving with busy-ness. Woodworking is teaching me to be present more. Thanks for another great video.

[@nemil2898]

Gotta create space in you schedule for downtime. It’s absolutely essential to creative growth. I appreciate your take here.

[@thewestendwoodworker]

Thank you Erik for reminding us about taking space. Appreciate you man so much.

[@psimann]

Eric mate, this weekend was dedicated to doing absolutely nothing after a long build on a 4m x 1.5m solid kiaat table. This morning the shop was cleaned and all the tools checked, cleaned, inspected, and packed away. This afternoon a small project to get the muscles going. Tomorrow another big desk build. Cheers mate. Have a good week and make millions.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you . yes ppl need time to clear our heads /readdress things .

[@elmaestro35]

Too funny, this is exactly what I am doing. Nothing. And cleaning, organizing the shop to get my head right….

[@KOutOfMyYard]

Nothingness is actually a really big something in all our lives if we take the time to see it, breathe it in and experience it.

[@airnashville3883]

You nailed it; it's just about slapping some content up...

[@ChrisHornberger]

Dude, you are completely reading my mind. between transitioning out of my tech job, starting up my wood business, (re-/up-)equipping my new shop space (moved from my garage to a proper industrial space), I'm a complete ball of stress and busy-ness of late, and haven't had time to properly live in the down time.

[@SWA-Projects]

When I really think about it, I practice nothingness quite rarely. I’m always busy doing something, which is good. But, when I do nothings it’s quite boosting. Thank you for this video 👍

[@joshuaerickson4140]

As a hair stylist, I always lived within the project at hand rather than thinking of the next 3 clients. Taking up wood working, never would have thought this way. It really hit home.

[@DuncanEllis]

I'm always interested in folks' creative processes, and I completely agree that letting the old thinky bits take a break from the bustle is enormously important. I'm primarily a writer (I am the callowest amateur when it comes to woodwork) and my regular reset routine are early hand-written daily pages, but they help me get into the right space to do creative work in a way that just launching into word generation never does. Thank you for a delightful video.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Laughing. I needed this video to validate the whole reason I did this. I was feeling overwhelmed. I needed to just take a break.... and do nothing. And for me... just watching a simple youtube video for enjoyment is what I needed. Cleaning and organizing my shop is also something I do to get my juices flowing. I also need those quick and easy hits. Small projects that I can get done in one day generally gives me the motivation I need for the next one. Great video. Glad I stopped and took the time to recoup.

[@jerrybyrd7778]

I look forward to your videos every week. They are always, if not informational, then thought provoking.

[@jimrosson6702]

What a great video so much amazing advice and so mind opening makes me think about how I go about things in my life never stopping to clean the shop in a sense. Thanks for sharing

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

Completely agree, sometimes a day of "nothing" is a very good day.

[@martingagne3136]

i like your creative process, and the way you explain it.... and clearly we dont take enough time to do nothing and thats what i am gonna do today thanks for the advice lol

[@BillMSmith]

Lack of busyness. drives some people crazy. A probably apocryphal story about Henry Ford. He hired an efficiency expert to review his entire operation. After a week the expert comes to him and says: Most things are good, I've got a few tweaks to suggest, nothing major. but there's one guy in the office, every time i look in his door he's leaning back in his chair, feet on the desk, hands behind his head, with his eyes closed. He's clearly useless, I suggest you fire him immediately. Ford replied. That's the exact position he was in when he thought of a way to save me a hundred thousand dollars a year. Sometimes productivity looks different than you would expect.

[@smaloneytuba85]

This may be my favorite KZbin video ever

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

I call it resting the brain and I love the feeling you get when you walk into a clean shop for me it frees me up and clears my head for my next build

[@214rwoz]

There is nothing permanent except change, i always like that one. Thank you for all your time and effort.

[@justinrogers746]

This was almost philosophical. This may be your best "woodworking" video yet. 👍

[@allystrya]

My day is always a good one after your videos. Thank you for such wonderfully beautiful and down to earth honest insights. Not even a half hour ago I made a very large mistake in a piece and quite honestly was crying. So this video was just what I needed just to stop and rethink. 🤗🤗

[@emptyheads7989]

Today has been a day full of this kind of energy for me. Cleaning, tinkering & pottering.

[@melanieb4037]

Thanks for this! Your videos are always helpful... a great mix of educational, philosophical and inspirational stuff. And i love the humor sprinkled throughout. I only recently found your channel but it has quickly become my favorite, and is the only one I watch regularly. Such great stuff! Thanks for all you do for the woodworking community. Now I'm gonna go clean my shop and ponder the possibilities of making a thing.

[@gerarddelmonte8776]

It occurs to me that you have become the woodsmith's philosopher. Needing the mental space is important. Years ago after I graduated art school I thought the perfect career would be project oriented- spend 2, 3 months on a project, then a month off, then dive into the next, and infinitum. Alas, it did not turn out that way. But your brain needs to be fallow sometimes like a field to get the best yield. Avanti!

[@rolandgdean]

Now THIS is helpful. I'm also a business owner and an AMATEUR (and not attractive) content creator trying to grow both in a particularly trying time. Finding time and staying creative and innovative are very difficult things to make time for and stay motivated toward. Thanks for your content.

[@donalddparker]

Insightful as always!

[@mikeking7470]

Just last week my neighbor asked me what I do all day. I told him, "I'm retired. I'm 70 years old. I spent 65 years doing something for someone else, every day, for 65 years. If I do anything today (and I might not) I'll do it for myself, or my wife, and that's all I'll do. I have a couple of projects I am working for and I have a "commission" from my wife for a spice shelf I need to suss out and build, but that and shop cleaning are about it.

[@jeffs.3527]

Wow, you went to work in the mines at 5? Wild times.

[@gregbarringer1021]

ENC you make me laugh aloud, a very valuable skill

[@riddle451]

Love this.

[@blackapronwoodworking]

great topic... self-care and gratitude are important to sustain longevity. thanks for bringing this topic forward. good luck to recharging your creative energy!

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks for the advice

[@SeanRefsnider]

Great reminder on the importance of playing

[@sshire]

Fantastic! My creative partner and I are Philly fine art photographers and frequently do nothing. A walk to Rittenhouse Square or just sitting and talking are as valuable as doing “actual” work

[@twcmaker]

4:58 I like this. You are so right about 'nothingness' That's where some amazing creative moments come from. It makes me feel better that I'm not the only one. Some say procrastination. But this is better than that. And so true for me.. I just don't think I would get away with making a video on 'nothing' 😂 But you've got an amazing channel and following. Eric, by the way, your channel is my only 'regular watch'. You've got this. Thank you. Jamie 👍

[@Griffinwoodworks]

9:13 that’s hitting too close to home, homie. 😂

[@paulmaryon9088]

Man, this is the best video you have done so far, I could write a book on the value of of nothingness, I agree with everything you said there, thank you, it's good to know it's not just me who needs to do this, see you on the next one.

[@AmericansWillRise]

Bro.... i felt this!! 9:12 😂 If im not working, I'm all by myself. 🤷‍♂️🤜🤛

[@wooddogg8]

Center of frame not withstanding, you ARE good at You Tube! And I couldn't agree more. More nothing just might be what's necessary. To a point, obviously.....

[@LeeWeiler]

Love your channel, Erik! Have you considered doing a retrospective video? Would be cool to see who you were as Little Erik, what you were into and some of your early projects, up to the present day.

[@blayne2029]

Checked out the Squaring Sticks. They are lovely but @ $195 I will be using a tape measure for a bit longer :)

[@rattlejake0422]

Shout out to woodworker(s) from Philly...!

[@ga5743]

Good advise…now where is the little plane that Jenny engraved for you? It’s not on the shelf……😢 It’s my favorite and I enjoy seeing it. I know you can put it anywhere you want but I’m just sayin’

[@JeffFontecchio]

Thanks for the reminder.

[@DetroitSicilian]

Rest, clean and enjoy.

[@stevevogt866]

I hear you talking about your analysis. I seem to have, at times, a paralysis of analysis. How do you get past that or do you even have to deal with that at all. Thank you Curtis.

[@mikedurkee7296]

Silly me, I thought this would truly be about "Nothing" aka Seinfeld... but alas is was not and for that I thank you! I'm just so curious about the t-shirt... Yes, I am old so what does it mean? I have a t-shirt that I like that is black with very large white lettering that reads vertically... Whale Oil Beef Hooked some sadly think it is a political statement... I guess it could be but it really isn't. Cheers! Now, I'm going to go make a thing... patterned plywood topped end table with ebonized legs... it's the day to start finishing it--with your voodoo magic finishing steps and concoction ... and thank you for that video as well!

[@jasonl2095]

"No thing-ness" Book of Five Rings.

[@jscook54]

I also love the curved apron hanger on the wall . Beautiful and useful.

[@charlieg8018]

"We're woodworkers ... we have no friends." That should be on a t-shirt. Good talk today. Would be cool if you introduce your shop mates in a video.

[@billbris]

Would you please post the link to your teacher? I checked the transcript and it gave me "Adrien ferizi" . I worked with that and what I thought I heard, all to no avail. I agree with you that helping artists whose work appeals to me is a win-win proposition. Also, those squaring sticks (I've heard them called pinch rods) were a work of art. I'd love to see what else he has created. Thanks.

[@ENCurtis]

Just posted the link in the description!

[@billbris]

@@ENCurtisThank you, and DAAAAaaaammmmnnn! Was he sold out before this video, or was there a run on the shop? Regardless, thank you for the link.

[@mattwal43]

Hey, love your videos. Do you ever offer classes in Philly?

[@dekim631]

The importance of relaxing your mind. "Nothing to do with anything"

[@CurtisLEC]

Hey, Cuz. I pursue the Japanese concept of Shibumi; translated as “austere elegance” or “effortless perfection”. Seems you do, too.

[@ChrisHornberger]

Tried to buy some squaring sticks. Sold out of every size and color. :\

[@rjkooy100]

8:32: we all want a longer one my friend...😄

[@RatBasterd]

I learned nothing from this video and I'm a better person for it.

[@finison1]

Can I get a link to the squaring stick website ? I’ve made some basic version using bamboo skewers but I’ve wanted to make some nicer ones like those so why not support someone else…

[@ENCurtis]

Just posted the link in the description!

[@elonf6164]

Eric, a show about nothing and we don't get a second hint of Seinfeld in there? Did I miss the Easter egg? It had to be in there somewhere...

[@rickderuiter8869]

Well my friend, contrary to the title of your video - it would seem that you're on to... something!

[@devinteske]

Vote for President Curtis!

[@karyldavidkidd7111]

Ha. Yep

[@WoodcraftBySuman]

52 videos a year?! Props to that goal. My goal is 12. lol

[@user-gh3wt2uf2p]

When the book on your works and thoughts? 😊😊😊

[@jakelindner4478]

Is the face mug losing color every video? Or am I insane

[@AnonymousUser1776]

Art Peace Make

[@mcapo3040]

Nothing.

[@TheMenap]

nothing here

[@garymassey2285]

That was not nothing…double negative makes it something?

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for nothing Erik! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@ericcommarato7727]

this is going way over the heads of your average cutting board makers...sorry

[@jonplace5525]

Well, thanks for nothing buddy. ;) It's actually an important thing to be reminded of; take time to "be" and not "do".

[@michaelzimmerman635]

Nothing at all? Is this a Seinfeld episode?

[@Clintotron]

Not one Seinfeld reference… pitiful