Part 1: A Woodworkers Design Journey - What Should Guide What We Make?

[@BischBaschBosch]

Please find links to the supplementary viewing and channels mentioned in the video in the description🙂

[@tetleyk]

That was a very interesting talk and I have to say that I am quite envious of woodworkers that have the skills to make such beautiful things. I class myself as a maker, since I working in wood, metal, plastic, fabric (including leather) and occasionally stone but concentrating more on the first three. I'm certainly an artisan but not an artist. I can copy and improve but I lack the creative spark that comes up with original ideas. My restrictions are simplicity, easy of manufacture and to be affordable . Affordable to me, that is, restricted budgets mean that exotic hardwoods and the like are not something I can use. The limit is Baltic Birch Plywood and decent quality Pine for the wood, brass, aluminium and copper for the metals, but there is a wealth of things that can be made using just these materials. I can occasionally find good quality hardwoods at affordable prices, Sapele, Maple, Walnut, Cedar and the like but I try not to use too much of these because of their scarcity (to me). Many thanks for making this video.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you mate. Great comment. Limiting materials might be quite common I think. Everyone finds their medium I guess. I try not to go mad for exotic woods too (unless a client specifies otherwise). My favoured wood is unsteamed/white beech. You hit on something important I didn't mention as well - budget. At almost all levels, it's something we have to work to/within and can be a natural limiting factor. But again, doesn't have to hamper creativity. Seen many a great build from free pallets!👍

[@emerald1587]

Thank you for this very inspiring video presentation of your vision on woodworking! Things I will think about. And I find your designs particularly beautiful in their light and transparent appearance. And yet unmistakably made of wood.

[@BischBaschBosch]

That's very kind. Thank you!👍

[@keefykeef]

Fascinating stuff. This is a superb little video ❤

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thanks Kieth 👍

[@JackbenchWoodworking]

There's a lot of information about how, but fewer discussions about what we build, why we build generally, and why we build specific items. The broad appeal of how is understandable, but what and why are very interesting to me.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Exactly. No denying the importance of how. Still plenty of space for what and why I think. 👍

[@JanKorvink]

Fantastic reflection of your own journey, and an excellent intersection with the evolution of design which is all to often simply ignored in general handcrafts. Every once in a while one come's across a heady designer that has teamed up with a craftsperson to achieve a new level, but it is rare to directly hear the reflections of someone who focuses on the creative side of things in woodworking / carpentry. Thank you so much for this, it is very inspiring and absolutely timely. Your video will be a source for me, for sure, and my only thought worth sharing is: how to structure the path of one's own development to match one's level of skill in the workshop. This aspect might end up being the biggest barrier for any individual person. Nevertheless, not to disctract from your own journey - it is admirable how you have found a way to transition, and on top of that, to share the journey in an explainable way to us. Phenomenal!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank so much for the thoughtful comment! On your last point, I agree. Someone else mentioned something similar regarding skill level and, I regret overlooking that aspect here (though it was broadly a personal story). I would like to do some sort of follow up - there's certainly more to say - and I'll be sure to include a segment on skill sets. 👍

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Love this one mate! Now watching Vic Reeves when I should be writing blurb for Fridays video... 😬 👍

[@BischBaschBosch]

😂 Thanks Peter. It's an entertaining watch I think. Check out the Jeremy Broun one at some point too. It's a bit 240p but I think you'll like it as someone with an eye and time for design👍

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

@@BischBaschBosch Cheers bud, I'll take a look! 👍

[@jonathanbailey1597]

​@@BischBaschBoschAw Vic! I've fallen!

[@WoodworkJourney]

Wonderful video, I enjoyed that a lot. Consumerism often squashes creation these days I think. People worry more about getting a domino joiner than they do creating something joyful, add the winkie measuring contests of brand wars and it takes over the essence of creation, and I know I have fallen for it all in the past as well. People want a tool to do the job rather than make the tool as part of the creation. Even though plywood bending goes back to early Egypt, the Eames’ really made it a thing in the mid century modern vibe by making presses to mass produce stuff I believe - not honking great big machines, but forms with catches and weights etc. they didn’t need a Sawstop and domino lol

[@BischBaschBosch]

Appreciated. Thank you mate. I think generally I agree with you about consumerism, tool and workshop "keeping up with the Jones's " seems to take precedent over work. I would only caveat that by saying KZbin (in particular) skews things a bit. You might even have found it yourself but, reviews do well - bought or gifted. Certainly for me, they do much better than my builds or videos like this one. I actually plan a discussion of this as it happens. I'm also currently sat on a mountain of tools Banggood is expecting reviews of🤦‍♂️ But, absolutely...it shouldn't be about what you're making it with. It's what you make. 100%👍

[@WoodworkJourney]

@@BischBaschBosch that’s the thing isn’t it, the internet gives us access to everything ever, yet more people will want to know about a drill than how to tell quick from soft grown wood, or a dust collector instead of how to design a stool that doesn’t wobble. As content creators we definitely feed the machine, but hopefully popularity will allow a message to creep through now and then to more and more people. I can’t wait to get into the workshop and make stuff though, I feel like I’ve been doing 3 years of prep at this point lol

[@BischBaschBosch]

@@WoodworkJourney Exactly mate. That's such a good last line😂 I still feel like it's all just been prep so far too! Get out there and make something👊

[@wafflebeaver]

This is the best type of video that sends me down a rabbit hole of other design influences. I also think the philosophy side of making things is fun to discuss. I’m often pondering what is worth making even though most of my stuff that I like comes from trash.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you! Agreed. Trash? You mean upcycled, material re-use?😁 That in itself is it's own meaningful approach. I imagine the material often leads the way too.👍

[@wafflebeaver]

@@BischBaschBosch A bit of both: upcycled, re-use and all out recycling. reusing bits of oak I can find to make handle for mallets. The mallet heads are made out of recycled HDPE. I grind up the plastic, melt, cast and turn on a lathe. One of the few things that I could figure out that's a useful form of recycled plastic. I'm thinking of using it to figure out a waterproofing type mechanism now as recycled HDPE does pretty good with pressure, but waterproofing is always difficult.

[@BischBaschBosch]

@@wafflebeaver what a brilliant use of recycled hdpe! Love that.

[@davegreen1866]

This is a very thought provoking and philosophical video! Interesting to hear your personal story and thought process. It’s made me want to follow up on your recommendations. So a sincere thank you and well done!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Great to hear mate. Thank you! 👍

[@charleskrueger5523]

Your best video so far

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you mate. Glad you think so. Really not sure how this one will go down. 😬👍

[@surfrico]

A very thought provoking video. Thanks for making it. Your designs look beautiful.

[@BischBaschBosch]

My pleasure. Thank you!

[@RSC_DIY]

I had no idea a video like this would interest me so much, but I'll certainly be checking out the links you have provided. Thanks.

[@BischBaschBosch]

That's great to hear. Thank you!👍

[@DarwinHouse]

Excellent video!! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Made me reflect on my own journey. Looking forward to more!

[@BischBaschBosch]

That's great. Thank you!😁

[@MrAnimal1971]

10 years into woodworking and I have settled on a combo ation of styles. I use the golden ratio when designing a piece. Functionality, minimalism and clean lines are my main focuses for each piece. Japanese, Scandinavian, cottage , and Tuscan design elements are what I use most often.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Nice combination of influences for a clean look there. Always found it interesting that the golden ratio - or the rule of 1.618 - is around half of Pi (mathematicians cringing).👍

[@chlan1536]

I like that video - stands out from the usual stuff. Thank you!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you mate👍

[@rossMIE]

Very interesting video.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Glad you think so! Cheers😁👍

[@EddyCarroll]

Excellent! I would love to see more of this type of content. A lot to think about. Your straightforward voiceover approach works really well here (as it does in all your videos, to be fair). The only thing I'd change are the flashing horizontal transitions which genuinely made me suspect my new graphics card was going on the blink - I actually replayed one a couple of times just to be sure it was the video and not a graphics issue 🙂

[@BischBaschBosch]

Much appreciated mate. Thank you. Noted re the transition. 👍

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍. Thank you

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you too😁👍

[@PaulHopkins-r3l]

Great, as my skills and ambition develop I find myself wandering about design, trying to come up with my own ideas then ending up looking around at others work for ideas. I have no idea how to design and your right, there isnt much info that I have found anyway. And I agree, to be able to make what I like would be awesome, afterall its got be enjoyable. Thanks for this buddy.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Cheers mate. Design might well be the hardest part. Not technically but creatively. Joinery and making techniques are shared freely but not it seems, design theory or principles. It could be that it's hard to pin down for us lay folk. I know I struggled to say what I wanted here but, felt it worth a shot. Might also be people protecting their method a little bit. But yes, nothing can help more than experience and studying the work 9f others.👍

[@patrickfinney2623]

Excellent, thank you!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you!👍

[@SandyMasquith]

Thank you! I find myself in a design black hole. I can't seem to come up with a style I like, so it seems what I do is copy. Hearing you discuss your journey is inspiring. My design seems to favor the "Campaign furniture" ethos more so than the modern designs. That being said, I think the modern design is appealing to a wider audience, which would improve sales. I do think I can make better campaign style furniture as that style appeals to me more than others. I thnk I need to sit down and sketch a campaign style chair and table set and see where that can go. Thanks again! I, personally, think more time on design for woodworking is definitely needed!!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Great that you're into the campaign style. It's quite distinct. That said, I think it's chairs, tables, cabinets etc would lend themselves well to a contemporary twist. Particularly when it comes to materials. There's a campaign chest of drawers I remember, really quite clean lined, with brass detail around the corners/joints One of its drawers was actually a pull down sort of mini desk! Instead of the darkwood/stain and brass, imagine it in say, ash with aly or stainless for the brass, it'd slot right into a modern space I think. The strap type chairs offer a lot of scope too as a concept base from which to start. Hope you find something to set the spark again my frien.👍

[@nicolamullings7993]

Yes, well said there.... been at this for over 30 yrs and it needs talking about. Had a chap come for an interview, fresh out of 'the best ' furniture making and design collage, brought along a steam bent Ash tumble weed type seat joined by roves as a homage to boat building.... had never hung a door on butt hinges or ran in a drawer.... then there are the firewood and epoxy table brigade.... far too shallow a pool of thought lead by donkeys so well done for letting in some light and let's hope it starts the debate.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Couple of interesting points you make there. I'm thinking I perhaps should have put more emphasis on varied experience. Without it, you can find yourself in hole, quite different to the "limit" approach I mention. I plan to do some sort of follow up at some point so I'll be sure to talk about that. Id love for there to be wider discussion. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@markfrancis4756]

As someone who is sat, fairly able of building something, but stuff for what, this is a really interesting video, thank you

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you mate. That's good to hear. 👍

[@canuslupis3343]

Really interesting video and more on this subject would be welcomed

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thank you! I'd like to do more but, we'll see how this one goes.👍

[@300Exige]

Always interesting vids 👍🏻

[@BischBaschBosch]

Appreciated. Thank you👍

[@Marches_FineFurniture]

I think you sell yourself short on not having a formal Design knowledge and maybe sometimes, opportunity and time dictate when and how you acquire it and suddenly how relatable it all becomes when you have some real life experiences and motivations to help with the design process. Really enjoyed that thought provoker and lots to follow up on for me! Thanks!!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Great comment. And I agree. How you apply yourself, respond to or create opportunities and experiences, without doubt can accumulate into expertise, even if not formal. I think I emphasised no formal expertise to help illustrate the field is open. Not an elitist thing. 👍

[@trevorburford-reade8685]

Very interesting, thanks. Your approach reminds me of David Picciuto's where he advocates subtraction from his designs. I was also struck by the similarity (to me at least) between how you found your woodworking voice and how a poet might find theirs. In either case you can't know what that voice is until you actually try creating something repeatedly until you find something that clicks.

[@BischBaschBosch]

Thanks for the comment. There may welĺ be a number of overlaps in how creative's in different disciplines end up with a finished work. It's a comforting thought I think. I've watched some of David's videos. Always very considered. 👍

[@jonathanbailey1597]

More content like this...with your beats in the background!

[@BischBaschBosch]

Aw, cheers John. 😁

[@Mondkuss_by_DS]

"Less is a bore". -Robert Venturi

[@BischBaschBosch]

He's right when it comes to disciplines like archetecure and woodworking for the most part I think. For smartphones? Not so much. 😁

[@barryshrives]

Yer we should look at this aspect much closer

[@BischBaschBosch]

Glad you think so too mate 👍