Wabi Sabi Workshop

[John Pesackis]

I'm a retired industrial maintenance mechanic who enjoys tools old and new. I enjoy fixing whatever I can and helping others fix things.

Many of my tools are hand-me-downs that I've collected over my lifetime. I also enjoy designing my own special purpose tools.

[kbalch]

Hi John,

Welcome - glad to have you here!

Those special-purpose tools sound intriguing; what have you designed? Let's see some pics…

What's your next project going to be?

Ken

[Jon]

Hi John - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

x2 on seeing some pics

BTW, I had to look up "Wabi Sabi", and I'm glad I did

[DIYer]

Welcome, John! Looking forward to seeing those special purpose tools.

[John Pesackis]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the welcome. I'll take some pictures of some of the stuff I've done and post it when I get a chance. A lot of what I do is repair things that probably would have been discarded due to their condition. My next project will be repairing a fiberglass and wood canoe that I have had for years that has suffered wood damage. My woodworking skills are limited and repairing the canoe will be a challenge. Living within a mile of a small lake, I also plan on adapting a utility bicycle trailer I have to transport the canoe to the lake.

John

[John Pesackis]

Thanks Jon,

I stumbled upon the wabi sabi term a few years ago. It is a Japanese term that doesn't translate well to English. My take on it is that it means something that has been well-used, shows that use, and has been cared for because of it's value to the owner/user.

Over the years I've collected a fair amount of older tools that I've cleaned up and made useful again and I really enjoy working with them. Of course, I like many of the new tools that are developed too.

John

[kbalch]

You're right, of course, that wabi sabi, as is the case with so much related to Japanese philosophy, doesn't have a simple and direct English translation. I do appreciate the concept, though, and tend to think of it as the acceptance of imperfection, especially where that imperfection has been earned through use. The perspective is one of honoring and appreciating our tools (and other items, too) for their roles in our lives.

Ken

[John Pesackis]

I actually am more drawn to something that is used more so than a brand new item. I don't willfully collect items simply to have them, but rather use what has come to me over the years as hand-me-downs or gifts. Some of my tools I have used since I was a child. I have developed a respect for my tools that only came by using them a lot and keeping them in good condition. I believe that form follows function and the use of something makes it more valuable (not monetarily) to me.

John