Lost my mojo

[Tom.1946]

Hi guys,
Nov-Dec 23 was roughly the last time I have made a pen. After having my cataract surgery and being ill of and on from end of September 24 till now. Just can't seem to get any motivation to get back into the swing of things. Also haven't went to the Men's Shed in that time except for the odd time I am in the area....
I have blanks and kits available in my shed but can't get motivated as have to get blanks cut and as I haven't a band saw and some other items available at the shed, so i am basically sitting around watching TV .... also haven't even looked at the site much either

Cheers
Tom

 

[flexi]

What you need is a nice commission...it'll give you the impetus you need....plus warmer weather will help!

 

[Tom.1946]

What you need is a nice commission...it'll give you the impetus you need....plus warmer weather will help!

Unfortunately I don't think I am good enough to get any sort of commission especially when you guys can do things I can't. Also done a show recently sold 2 pens. A men's shed was there and sold way over £120....

 

[ValleyBoy]

I have periods like this Tom. So you’re not alone.
Sometimes we need time away.
What I find is that when I feel I should be doing something, even if I don’t really fancy it, I go into the workshop and put a piece of something on the lathe and just start doing stuff. Anything really. Maybe make a key ring, spinning tops or a tool handle. Before I know it a few hours have passed and I’m back in the zone.
Also I bet you’ve got a blank in there somewhere that’s already cut. Just use that and make something nice. Enjoy yourself.
Cheers
Ash

 

[alan morrison]

Or make a few boxes for pens, or keepsake boxes....something different.
I grow my own veg. and that keps me occupied.

 

[MikeC]

Hi Tom
In my experience lethargy could be a prelude to heart problems!!
You should take a visit to the Doctor and get checked out and don't be shy about it.
All the best
Mike

 

[alpha1]

Good advice but in my experience getting to see a Doctor in person now a days is all most impossible getting past the receptionists is the biggest issue.

 

[Gary's Pens & Turnings]

I got bored a couple of weeks ago and turned something different. A Pen holder for myself which is around 6 inches high and 2&1/2" wide. Sapele & 3mm thick blue cast acrylic sheet. Have fun.

 

[Tom.1946]

Hi Tom
In my experience lethargy could be a prelude to heart problems!!
You should take a visit to the Doctor and get checked out and don't be shy about it.
All the best
Mike

Don't think it's Lethargy as take dog out for a walk etc each day. Went for one down by the river for about a mile to the second old watermill and back again. I have been attending the doctors from last October as I had an allergic reaction to the RSV jab I got in September. Got a full medical and bloods done every two months.
I have kits but don't fit the blanks already cut.
I have never tried a fountain pen and have kits. Have a couple of nice acrylic blanks but also a nice Zebrano and Laburnum blanks but all need cut and drilled etc before I can put a chisel near them. Was going to go to the cemetery today to my mother's, parents in law and my daughters graves to tidy up and put flowers on them. But all good plans are on the back burner as 1 granddaughter down sick and a great granddaughter both down with the same bug that's going about. Was doing some indoor bowls recently and have been asked by 3 club members to go to their local Lawn Bowling Club from 5th April to end off season in September. So all opening days are on the 5th and their are eight members from the club I went are all going.
Might get a bit more relaxed and get back into turning again.
From I started this message I have been out in the back garden pulling out a six foot chicken wire fence and getting ready to take to the dump after lunch.....I will have to get some kits from Beaufort there is one I haven't tried yet and also the new one that came out at Christmas....
Sorry for the long reply..

Tom

 

[Tom.1946]

I got bored a couple of weeks ago and turned something different. A Pen holder for myself which is around 6 inches high and 2&1/2" wide. Sapele & 3mm thick blue cast acrylic sheet. Have fun.
View attachment 53336View attachment 53337View attachment 53338

Thanks Gary very nice pen holder but I haven't get a clue how to segment blanks. Would love to do a celtic knot pen but don't have the equipment nor knowledge on how to go about it.......

 

[MikeC]

Don't think it's Lethargy as take dog out for a walk etc each day. Went for one down by the river for about a mile to the second old watermill and back again. I have been attending the doctors from last October as I had an allergic reaction to the RSV jab I got in September. Got a full medical and bloods done every two months.
I have kits but don't fit the blanks already cut.
I have never tried a fountain pen and have kits. Have a couple of nice acrylic blanks but also a nice Zebrano and Laburnum blanks but all need cut and drilled etc before I can put a chisel near them. Was going to go to the cemetery today to my mother's, parents in law and my daughters graves to tidy up and put flowers on them. But all good plans are on the back burner as 1 granddaughter down sick and a great granddaughter both down with the same bug that's going about. Was doing some indoor bowls recently and have been asked by 3 club members to go to their local Lawn Bowling Club from 5th April to end off season in September. So all opening days are on the 5th and their are eight members from the club I went are all going.
Might get a bit more relaxed and get back into turning again.
From I started this message I have been out in the back garden pulling out a six foot chicken wire fence and getting ready to take to the dump after lunch.....I will have to get some kits from Beaufort there is one I haven't tried yet and also the new one that came out at Christmas....
Sorry for the long reply..

Tom

That’s certainly not lethargy!!!


Sorry if I offended you but I was just trying to be of help
I was speaking from my own experience
Cheers
Mike

 

[Adal6]

Tom, look after your self keep safe and well

 

[Tom.1946]

That’s certainly not lethargy!!!


Sorry if I offended you but I was just trying to be of help
I was speaking from my own experience
Cheers
Mike

No offence taken you were only trying to help.
I think because it's been a long layoff from I last turned anything it's just taking longer to get back into the swing of things. Just can't seem to get any motivation...

Tom

 

[Dalboy]

I know the feeling Tom But mine has been too many things to do mostly silly jobs. I have prepared some blanks but I had to do a box for someone. with that and trying to get the garden ready for summer, I also have not done much to my little engine that I am making some of which is waiting for the electronics for the spark. Which has now arrived

 

[hobbymad]

Prepping blanks can be a chore - especially the drilling and tube glueing. Maybe make some Sierra pens? There are loads of pre-tubed blanks available for them that just require turning and finishing. Solid things can also be fun eg. decorations, stylus, etc. that don't need glueing, just turning.

 

[Gary's Pens & Turnings]

Thanks Gary very nice pen holder but I haven't get a clue how to segment blanks. Would love to do a celtic knot pen but don't have the equipment nor knowledge on how to go about it.......

You don't have to segment to make a pen holder. Just trying to give you some options.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I’m on the same boat Tom, it’s over 2 years since I turned anything. I need a hard kick up the backside to get the motor running. I go to a veterans workshop & I’m going to do some teaching so that will motivate me.