r/woodworking
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u/Lcphilly
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Mar 28 '23
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My Grandpa (91) and I just finished another project together, and I couldn’t be more grateful! This is our 7th project together - he’s a carpenter & woodworker, and I’m trying to soak up as much as possible - they keep getting more special & fun Project Submission
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u/SlowLoudEasy Mar 28 '23
Im a furniture maker, and I just picked up a trick from your grandpa. That simple pattern for setting the angle of the seat equally, is so simply clever.
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u/FettyWhopper Mar 28 '23
I’m not a furniture maker, which photo shows this? I’m guessing with the cut plywood to fill the space underneath in photo 7?
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u/staunch_character Mar 28 '23
That would be my guess too. I’ve never made a chair like this, but can imagine how important it would be to get the seat connected precisely.
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u/Quicksand_Jesus_69 Mar 29 '23
Actually, it's for getting both sides of the chair the same shape... You make the first one to your satisfaction, then lay it on paper and trace around it... Build the second one from that paper template... You can build a whole FLEET of chairs that way...
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u/Mantasticbeard Mar 29 '23
I found the framing of the inside to keep everything true to where you wanted it was pretty sweet. Dig the idea of building more destructible supports for glue ups. (Manufactured office furniture on a large scale for the last 10 years)
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u/mr_teriyaki_ Mar 28 '23
I enjoyed the glue ups with the whacky clamps all over the table. I definitely need to be more creative in my methods!!! This guys a genius!
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u/dylanx5150 Mar 28 '23
This is awesome. Your grandpa seems to have more energy at 91 than I have at 51.
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u/justforlul Mar 28 '23
I feel this to my core at 30
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u/Zealousideal_Ad_4118 Mar 28 '23
I feel this and I’m 21… grandpa seems like one of those people I would say I’m tiered to and they’d snap back with a “TIERED! I didn’t know what tiered was at your age, I worked 80 hours a week, went to school, and ran a side hustle all at once!”
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u/paldo84 Mar 29 '23
This is a top-tiered comment
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u/CharlieandtheRed Mar 28 '23
Do you vape or smoke by chance?
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u/wanda4president Mar 29 '23
We get it, you're a 10 day sober hammer and all you see is a nail
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u/CharlieandtheRed Mar 29 '23
No, I've just been talking to people more and more since I quit smoking and everyone who says they're nonstop tired seems to smoke/vape. It's like 5/5 now of the people I've asked -- just interested. No need to be a fuckwad.
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u/Few_Ad_5677 Mar 29 '23
It’s a little more complicated than that, but I agree entirely. People who smoke and vape are less likely to be doing things that keep them active and feeling good
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u/StendakBarkiller Mar 29 '23 edited Mar 29 '23
I vape like a motherfucker and I am in near constant motion. I’m sure it’ll never catch up to me. And neither will the blow.
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u/Rutagerr Mar 28 '23
Your grandpa oozes so much style it's insane. Sprezzatura embodied
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u/myleftboobisaphlsphr Mar 28 '23
You ooze impressive vocab words perfectly applied. Sprezzatura embodied as well.
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u/serpentinepad Mar 28 '23
Yeah I thought grandpa had raided my closet. Joggers, sweatshirts, stocking hats. That's my woodworking fit too.
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u/ChippewaBarr Mar 29 '23
Thankfully you're claiming it as oozing style cause I literally wore those exact same FILA joggers today lol.
And I'm six decades younger!
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u/mikebaker1337 Mar 28 '23
I love the project completed pic of him in the chair with the dog
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u/Lcphilly Mar 28 '23
Haha gigi goes everywhere he does
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u/Intrigued_by_Words Mar 28 '23
Wait, he has a dog named Gigi and a giant Kobe Bryant cutout and suddenly I'm sad.
Still that's a great chair and a better story you've shared with your grandpa.
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u/Lcphilly Mar 28 '23
Wowwwwwww I somehow never put those two together and I’m a huge Kobe fan. He watched over this project , thanks for the kind words
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u/gatoenvestido Mar 28 '23
And with his OG number. Love it. I’ve been trying to find a cutout of Outlaw Josie Wales to it n my shop for years but to no avail.
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u/Frozty23 Mar 28 '23
Me too! I came here to say how much I loved that particular picture... beat me to it.
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u/AnyDamnThingWillDo Mar 28 '23
And now I'm missing my old man. Lost him a few years ago. Loved working with him. I have all his tools now, not the same on my own.
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u/gatoenvestido Mar 28 '23
I guess Im feeling melancholy today but it’s a gloomy, grey day and I literally found myself wondering what will happen to my tools when I’m gone? I love my daughter dearly but she has no interest in wood/metal working beyond the practical basics. I’m not dead yet but it got me to thinking about how to ensure that my tools go somewhere that needs them.
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u/AnyDamnThingWillDo Mar 29 '23
I'm the last of my line, the only contender for my tools is the little guy next door. Sam is the princely age of 3 and likes nothing more than getting stuck in with the boys when there's shop work going on.
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u/New_Somewhere601 Mar 29 '23
She will give you a grandchild that will share your hobby!! My son enjoys woodworking with my dad!
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u/Computron1234 Mar 28 '23 edited Mar 28 '23
Op I am really interested in how you did the cushion. Did you follow a tutorial or have other experience in upholstery? I ask because I am having a hard time finding furniture that I like and would love to build some, but my wife needs it to both be comfortable but also look nice (tbh I do too) I kind of came up with nothing when I searched how to make your own seat cushions/couch cushions. Would love to find a tutorial or process on how to make something decent.
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u/Lcphilly Mar 28 '23
Hey! We actually outsourced the upholstery. We asked a local upholsterer the best way to bring him the chair and he gave us good guidance so we were aligned all the way - we attached the seat and back together, and then screwed in the legs. The upholsterer then unscrewed the legs to apply the fabric - we supplied detailed instructions and a sled to help guide him in putting the legs back on but all he really needed was to put the screws back in the holes :)
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u/Computron1234 Mar 28 '23
Sounds good, an excellent chair and design by the way, something I'm sure will be shared with many generations down the road.
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u/Diligent_String1966 Mar 28 '23
This is adorable and amazing work, but how the hell has no one mentioned that OPs grandpa looks like Abe Vigoda?
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u/millerswiller Mar 29 '23
My first thought. Scrolled and scrolled hoping to see an Abe Vigoda reference.
Also - congrats on the chair and the grandpa, OP.
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u/Pleasant_Bad924 Mar 28 '23
Love this, and I know you’ve made your grandpa a very happy man. Teaching you what he knows gives him purpose, and watching you learn gives him pride. No greater gift you can give to a grandparent.
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u/babathebear Mar 28 '23
Lovely! I wish I had a grandpa who taught me a skill or my dad.. lol! Kudos and great looking chair.
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u/AssFlax69 Mar 29 '23
I learned from my grandpa that severe alcoholism can lead to early onset dementia and from my dad that when car go squeak squeak you just blindly hand over your card to the nearest Goodyear so, I feel you. YouTube learned wannabe car fixer in the making when I’ve got the time
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u/nickels55 Mar 28 '23
So fantastic. I bet your grandpa has forgotten more about woodworking than I'll ever learn. His Insta:
https://www.instagram.com/unclelouiesshop/
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u/damnedspot Mar 28 '23
The chair and experience look great! ...and yet, here I am admiring the old sleds in the background!
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u/ThisButtonFeelsNice Mar 28 '23
As someone with no living grandparents, this is so heartwarming to see. The time you got to spend with him is a blessing. That chair is now a priceless family heirloom. Wishing him the best of health!
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u/DuMaMay69 Mar 28 '23
I love everything about this. Especially your grandma touching your grandpa’s bald head 🤣
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u/DDDF_Still_passed Mar 28 '23
This is amazing. I lost my Pop at 93 earlier this year I wish I had another day seeing this has me all smiles soak it all in and enjoy the next project. Also I noticed the Haverford college shirt. That’s my area
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u/Lcphilly Mar 28 '23
Haha! Thanks everyone. He has some fun videos on IG if you’d like to check him out, under Uncle Louie’s shop
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u/cactusvendor Mar 28 '23
I like the life-size cutout of kobe.
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u/Russell_has_TWO_Ls Mar 29 '23
I was scrolling for awhile looking for someone else who noticed that. I almost went back up to look again in case I imagined it. The most random thing ever.
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u/XP528 Mar 28 '23
Big upvotes for the chair, bigger upvotes for all the college gear :-) -HC'09
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u/Lcphilly Mar 28 '23
Haha, great eye! I’m a 2014 alumn, we almost exclusively wear Haverford gear in the shop :)
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u/Fruggles Mar 29 '23
Was gonna ask if you work @ Haverford b/c I have family there... but turns out you're just a grown-ass adult alum and now I feel old.
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u/Admiral-Kar Mar 29 '23
I saw that “H” beanie and got very very excited. Im another 09 black squirrel! What a wonderful chair - thanks for sharing the magic
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u/Former-Ad9272 Mar 28 '23
That's awesome OP. Both of my grandpas are long dead now, but I still have a few of their projects and tools. I wish I had more shop time with both of them.
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u/fisher_man_matt Mar 28 '23
That’s awesome and a great looking chair to boot. Having lost my last grandparent in 2019 and my dad 2020 I’ve come to realize how special that time together is. I glad to see you’re taking advantage of the time.
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u/Ok_Fox_1770 Mar 28 '23
Passions and projects keep you going, there’s proof all 91 years of it. Seen too many people retire and crumble so fast after. Keep creating! Bless.
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u/MyNameIsNotSurely Mar 29 '23
This is awesome. When do you start on Jeannette and Pierre’s coffee table?
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u/jshort68 Mar 30 '23
These are awesome pics OP, and that chair is gorgeous! Tell your grandpa he’s adorable ❤️❤️
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u/Few_Ad_5677 Mar 29 '23
Anyone in the audience who smokes — reflect on whether or not you want your kids and grandkids to be posting things like this because you were able to hand down skills and knowledge and hang out with them until you are 80+, or whether you want your grandkids to be learning the slow and hard way because you got lung cancer and your tools got sold off in an estate sale when they were in grade school
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u/ElphiusMostafa Mar 28 '23
Ayyyy HC, go Crusaders!
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u/rob87m Mar 28 '23
This is so great to see :) I bet he's getting as much out of teaching as you are from learning
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u/ambrosiabee Mar 28 '23
Your grandparents are so precious I just wanna put them in my pocket 🥹❤️🩹🫂
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u/Twisted-Biscuit Mar 28 '23
Really, really wonderful stuff. Hats off to your grandad! What did he think of the design? It's quite modern!
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u/AwfulWashingMachine New Member Mar 28 '23
Treasure these precious memories and learn all the skills you possibly can! I wish you many more years of happy projecting. Your grandad looks like a special man.
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u/kwagmire9764 Mar 28 '23
He looks so proud in the pic with him and Grandma and pup. Great looking chair too and extra points for the Kobe cutout from a life-long Lakers fan. Wasn't expecting to see that.
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u/dml997 Mar 28 '23
From the first picture, I thought you made a dog.
But I see differently in the subsequent pictures. Well done!
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u/stopismysafeword Mar 28 '23
That's awesome, great work! The photo of him, I guess your grandmother and the dog is lovely.
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u/skiboy53 Mar 28 '23
You will never regret time spent with an elder. Especially if an immediate family member.
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u/typi_314 Mar 28 '23
This is awesome. The correlation between old men and small dogs will never not make me smile
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u/Jasinto-Leite Mar 28 '23
Aborsove every bit of information from and apreciate the time, because this old man has life experience that in my book is worth than thousands of videos and books
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u/AAArdvaarkansastraat Mar 28 '23
I was going to say that your grandfather is lucky to have you, but dang it, you’re lucky to have him, also!
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u/connor91 Mar 28 '23
Picture 7 is my favorite. Love seeing him sitting and thinking about the project! Super well done and really a lovely post, thanks for sharing with us and good idea trying to absorb as much time as you can. One of my big regrets is missing my chance with my grandparents.
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u/MissHyacinth21 Mar 28 '23
Your grandpa looks like he’s gonna knock the absolute snot out of someone in a boxing ring before he goes home to smoke a pipe in his chair
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u/KillaVNilla Mar 28 '23
Grandpa bringing the heat with those outfits! Think he'd hook me up with that shoe collection?
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u/deadgingrwalkng Mar 28 '23
Haverford College like on Bryn Mawr Ave?
The chair is beautiful. Learn everything you can from him.
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u/Hey_Batfink Mar 29 '23
The very first time anyone said “this guy fucks!” It was said about this man.
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u/Grannyk9 Mar 29 '23
This is wonderful, you are very lucky to be able to share this time with your Grandfather. The chair looks great, my hat is off to the dynamic duo!
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u/RScribster Mar 29 '23
That chair is beautiful.
You need to start a company called [your first/middle/last name] + grandpa’s best cool name]. Examples; Huddles & Smythe. Wilson + Payne. Then sell the shit out of that beautiful chair. ❤️🪑
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u/oldbutnotgrey Mar 29 '23
This is my favorite post to this sub in a while. The background story and connection are great, but the obvious mastery of your grandfather shown in the pictures is what really makes it. He optimizes in the right places, uses a huge array of clever and effective techniques, and in the end you get his incredible experience and chair to boot. And I really like the chair! Love the subtly tapered arm rests…Great post.
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u/DarkArcanian Mar 29 '23
My grandfather (84) has altzheimers and doesn’t remember who I am. You are so lucky to be able to do these wonderful things with your grandfather. Make the most of your memories.
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u/elloboworkshop Mar 29 '23 edited Mar 29 '23
I love this so much! Hits me right in brovaries. And not a joking way either. Got me feeling all the feels.
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u/bekindalwaysxo Mar 29 '23
This is heart melting stuff. Please make as many memories as possible with him.
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u/ebacon03 Mar 29 '23
Your grandparents seem very fun! I love the picture of your grandma sitting it the frame of the chair😊that’s so sweet.
I lost my grandma last summer and my papa the summer before that. Enjoy every minute!❤️
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u/ToolBoxBuddy Mar 29 '23
Learn what you can and appreciate every moment of it. My grandfather was a carpenter and Unfortunately passed before I expressed interest in it. Fortunately I was given most of his old tools but I wish everyday I had spent the time your spending to learn, listen, and have fun.
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u/sqquuee Mar 29 '23
I miss my wood working grandpa. Thank you for this post. Made me feel some nostalgia.
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u/Guywithverybigpenis Mar 29 '23
Your Grandpa is the coolest mother fucker I’ve ever laid eyes on
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u/Flightdevildoc Apr 01 '23
This is so beautiful to see. You are indeed blessed. Continue learning from him. I can only imagine the wealth of knowledge. Write down all his techniques, old style of wood work, etc. Recommend taking notes, pictures, etc., as possible material for a book on Woodworking, which will honor him and spread his legacy. I buy it as many other millions will do. Blessings to you, your family and of course, your grandpa.
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u/Open-Cod5198 Mar 28 '23
Hands down my favorite post on this sub. Beautiful family. Beautiful chair. Beautiful smile. These pics were super heart warming especially seeing your grandma sit in the chair. All my grandparents passed before I got the chance to get out of diapers so it’s nice to see that people appreciate their grandparents like you do
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u/edubs63 Mar 28 '23
I thought you were the dog and were able to talk/type until I saw the other pictures.
Regardless- awesome work and a beautiful chair!
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u/LuluLittle2020 Mar 28 '23
NGL...
r/MadeMyCry ...
This post is WONDERFUL.
Enjoy your GrandPops and soak up those bits of knowledge and skills!
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u/NECoyote Mar 28 '23
That’s fantastic! My gramps passed beforehand he could teach me anything, but he left me his shop. Cherish every project together.
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u/potatobasedpun Mar 28 '23
Beautiful! I miss both my grandpa's. This looks like such awesome quality time together.
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u/jim_br Mar 28 '23
So cool!
I picked up the woodworking bug from my grandfather too. That was over 50 years ago and I still have tools he gave me, and a few projects we completed together.
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u/pearlspoppa1369 Mar 28 '23
What I wouldn’t give to have just one more project with my grandfather!!! Enjoy the memories good man!
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u/Chatty945 Mar 28 '23
You think you appreciate this now, but you really cannot assess how much you are going to appreciate this time with your grandfather until long after he has departed this Earth. You will not only have memories, but the physical objects crafted by the two of you to which to remind you of those times in the shop and the stories you can tell about each piece.
I envy you and I hope you get to make many more projects with Grampa. In the grand scheme of things, this is the most important thing you can be doing with your time.
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u/oshkoshbajoshh Mar 28 '23
Beautiful work! And that looks like an amazing quality chair! I hope you’re able to cherish them for long, long after your grandpa is gone. Also, he looks like a skinny version of Rudy Giuliani in the first picture. If threw me off guard for a second lol
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u/SkunkMonkey Mar 28 '23
HolUp!
Are we just going to ignore the life-size Laker cutout in the background?
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u/PBJDee Mar 28 '23
I’m so jealous. My grandpa was not a carpenter/woodworker, but he liked to create and build like me. I’d have given anything to build something with him 🙏🏼❤️. I’m happy you get such wonderful times (and furniture) to keep with you always :).
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u/Gsogso123 Mar 28 '23
I remember when my grandfather first told me to put soap on a screw (before drills etc) to make them go in easier, it was in his basement right above a really old ceramic double sink. A year or two later I was building furniture, he opened the world of carpentry up to me and I hope he is looking down on me smiling.
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u/valkyrie_village Mar 28 '23
This is beautiful! My dad’s 72 and a former carpenter, a few years ago we built a bench for my entryway and it was such a special and fun experience. He’s not much of a talker, so it’s a really good way to bond with him. I hope we can make some increasingly more amazing projects together like you and your grandfather, and I hope you two have many more projects ahead!
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u/Gainalfromanal Mar 28 '23
Nice. My gido is 87 and in the last few years he's been showing me how to fix my house. Best time ever.
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u/alilhusky44 Mar 28 '23
This is wonderful! Some of my best work was done with my grandfather. Now, I have his tools, but not his expertise. It makes me happy to see others experience this.
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u/theburnix Mar 28 '23
This is awesome, but it also makes me sad since i couldmt do this with my grandpa he taught carpentry and woodworking, and was concsidered one of the best teachers there.sadly he passed away from cancer 15y ago. He did leave me, a chisel set.
Curious on what your next project will be
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u/rogerm3xico Mar 28 '23
It came out perfect and your grandparents are adorable. I learned so much from my grandfather and all the time a got to spend working with him meant so much to me. I hope you and yours have many more projects together.
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u/Oldman3573006 Mar 28 '23
Soak it up! My opa was gone before I was born. I am so happy that you get to have these experiences with yours.
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u/Ilovemyfrenchy Mar 28 '23
Makes me miss my Dad! He was a great woodworker too. Your Grandpa rocks xoxo
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u/Steve1973P Mar 28 '23
This is awesome in so many ways! Best thing i have seen on the internet in weeks, thanks for posting!
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u/Ulfvaldr989 Mar 28 '23
Thats awesome to see! Project looks great and the only thing better than enjoying a hobby is finding loved ones to enjoy it with. Youre also getting the added benefit of handed down knowledge which can hopefully fast track you on to bigger and more complex projects as you hone your skills.