: Rob,

: I can see the merit to the points you were making regarding Bob's
: suggestion, and I realize that you might have been joking with
: your "old guy" remarks. But the tone of your post was
: overly harsh and unnecessarily condescending. I happen to know
: that Bob is not a novice builder and is very meticulous. He has
: built some high quality strippers and SOFs. If I'm not mistaken,
: he's also one of your customers as he recently purchased plans
: from you for his next build.

: You're very knowledgeable and I look forward to reading your posts,
: but you could have done much better this time. As a potential
: customer of yours, it makes me think twice about doing business
: with you.

: Regards, Mike B.

Wow, just goes to show you how contrary to intent, my words are taken. I am sorry.

I have been a teacher for many years, and my intent is to help people do the best job, have fun, and make it easy to build their boat.

I love boat building and enjoy seeing the enthusiasm and the great job people do building their boats, on this BB. The bottom line is having fun.

People need to know when something they are doing is dangerous, like sanding green epoxy without protection.

For many years I've been building strippers, over and over again, I love it so much.
I've learned new things every time I build a new boat.

The things that don't work become clear.

I know if there is a part of building I don't enjoy it's because there is a problem unsolved. And when I've taken the time to think about the problem and come up with a solution, that doesn't create three new problems, it makes the whole job easier and fun. It has to be if I'm going to do it over and over.

Take sanding for instance. It seems so simple, is essential to strip building and most people hate it. Very few people understand sanding.

I've worked in cabinet shops, with furniture makers and with contractors and most of them didn't know how to choose the best sandpaper or a power tool for the job.

I was taught how to sand 40 years ago by a jeweler.

If you use the right tool in the way it was intended it's fun to see quick positive progress. That's how work should be.

So, when I see people struggling and doing things that are going to create a problem they don't foresee, I'd like to help. That is my only intent, because what is more fun than sharing something you love to do.

I am an old guy, and I know I've wasted a lot of time, doing things that seemed like a good idea, but turned out, not so much.

I am addicted to making things. I enjoy making everything. The list of all the different tools and materials and things I've made would take a long, long time to recount. Boats are only a drop in the bucket. I say that not to brag, but to express that I've learned to value and appreciate expert advice whenever I can get it.

I know every tool, every job, has tricks of the trade. I get a big kick out of learning these tricks, because it means I have a success every time. I don't have many years to waste. At 60, I just got my first full suspension mountain bike (used) and researched the best books on MTB repair, so I could fix it up and get it running better than new.

So, tell me how I can give you advice, so you'll learn to have more fun building, without sounding condescending.

I've heard it said, "that women take advice as helpful concern, and men take advice as a insult to their manhood." I'm beginning to believe that.

You said,"the tone of your post was overly harsh and unnecessarily condescending."

I was consciously trying to not offend, by using the Nick Cage movie analogy and by saying, "I don't want to have you take this personally, but I think there are a few potential problems with this."

And: "Maybe that's okay. If it works for you, I have no problem with that."

I find it hard to see that as harsh.

I guess I'll just say less.

Rob