Thread: My Ability Questioned

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

Darren dont stoop to his level.

You know your ability and you are proud of what you do.

Wait till he brings peices along for show and tell, then rip him apart , but in a subtle way.

Be critical in your assesment of his peice but offer advice on how it would be better. You get more runs on the board that way, also ask him what he thinks is wrong with it, to see if he is really learning anything.

Yes ignorance is bliss, educate him and make him miserable.

The only ones who know it all are the ones who know so little that they don't know there is more to learn.

Regards

I have heard it said that if you gave a million monkeys paint and brushes, at some point one of them would create a Picasso or rival Michaelangelo...
That said, I would much rather hang out with you guys...ya smell better, have better conversations, dont pick your butts all the time, and make much better pens than any I have seen from the monkeys.
I would suggest you ask the young man to produce a pen in time for your next meeting, and bring your work to compare...should end the debate right then, if your pen in the first post is any indication of your normal talent...the only mistake I saw was it was there, not here in my collection!
I agree with the poster who suggested you offer a constructive critique of his work, be it a bowl, or whatever he produces, pointing out the small flaws that detract, but offering encouragment too...stooping to his level is like arguing with a idiot, after a while there are two idiots arguing.
While I too can turn a bowl or vessel, I have discoverd that pens require a lot more attention to detail, fit and finish, because any tiny flaw shows up much more on this type work than on big vessels...doing this requires a lot more though, planning and skill.
After looking at your work for the last four years, trust me, you have nothing to worry about.

Karma happens

Lovely pen great work mistakes or not.

Beautiful pen Darren remember those that can do and those that can't watch and make stupid remarks

Darren, hello you who can turn a pen!, I think sometimes people engage mouth before the brain; I know you need not defend yourself, you are an excellent turner. While there are some basics that are true to all wood turning, each area will produce its own peculiar specialties, once we launch into different timbers and burls, each aspect becomes very important. I know you have mastered many difficult timbers and produce great work. PS give your friend a piece of snakewood and ask him to make a pen!
Another thing Darren, because Pen Turning is "cheaper" to start off with, many turners give it a go; but that doesn't make the craft any less important.
Any "monkey" can kick a football! but not many monkeys make it into the AFL?
Any "monkey" can run 100 metres, but not many make it to the Olympics?!
I believe that there are many penturners, and have learnt from everyone--yes everyone-- from those at the top of the craft and those beginning the craft, in the beginning we ask many questions that are oft repeated by those who are just starting, however along the way, we all continue to learn.
Just hope your friend decides to give it a go, I think Jim's suggestions are good ones to follow along with, maybe he will land with his feet on the ground and become a man!, your friend, Amos

Darren
iv had to read your post a few times to be sure that i read it right
your saying that some person who has just finish a 4week turning course had the gall to insult someone, correct me in i am wrong, 6 plus years of turning under their belt.
something is way wrong there
being a member of this forum for a few years now and only been messing around with a lathe for 18 months (messing being the key word) i am amazed at the work that you and other members have posted, i keep telling myself one day i will be that good if i keep praticing
guess what i am trying to say is, i wouldnt get too worked up over the cheap insult of a clown who i am sure still isnt real clued up on to to hold a lathe tool properly yet,
as its been mentioned before ask the person in question to show you and other members of your group some of his works and how he goes about it, i would be pretty safe in saying i think you would have a field day cutting him down to size, but then again its quite likely that he is too stupid to realise that he is getting torn to pieces

sorry if it sounds like i am ranting,
but i had to add my 2 cents worth on this one
cheers Tony

That is certainly a lovely looking pen. Something for me to strive for.
I've probably made 200 pens in about 18 months and I'm still learning, it has certainly taken me more than 4weeks (more like 4 years) just to learn how to turn properly.
I wouldn't take any notice of what he said. He is PROBABLY jealous would be more like it. As someone suggested offer him a duel on the lathe making a pen or ask him what was wrong with it?????????????
Kryn

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

I wouldn't take any notice of what he said. He is PROBABLY jealous would be more like it. As someone suggested offer him a duel on the lathe making a pen or ask him what was wrong with it?????????????
Kryn

I make this comment, not with the knowledge of a pen turner, but more with the knowledge of people.

I agree with KB, He Probably IS jealous. However, I don't agree with the idea of a Duel.

The guy is a W anchor. You have nothing to prove to anybody, least of all, him.

Forget the comment & keep turning out your wonderful work. Share your pens with people who appreciate the skill & craftsmanship that has gone into them.

One day, you friend (for lack of a better word) will ask you how to do something. That would be the day I remind him of how easy it is.

Steve

A ripsnorting ripost you have offered up there Darren!! Let that speak for itself and your abilities.

Just on the note of who can and who can't turn a pen, all I have to say is: that if I can then anyone can