I picked up a load of mahogany today for a sewing table for my mother-in-law. (Yes, this is a wise move for me, especially as she is moving in to the upstairs apartment. Gotta keep her happy AND busy!). As I lay out my cuts I realize how easy it will be to simply make a square box with no curves, no funny butt-joins, no stem band or coaming recess. I realize now how boatbuilding has improved my woodworking skills. What before looked like a complex adventure will now be a fun side project.

Of course I can't keep anything simple so I am adding some Birdseye Maple veneer panels and probably some sort of inlay. Oh, and dovetailed drawers. Honestly, dovetails are something I probably need the most practice with.

Anyway, I think as we build more kayaks with all the complex angled joints, we develop our skill faster than when we build square stuff. If anyone out there hasn't dove in yet, just do it and you will learn a lot and it's not as hard as it looks. (But don't tell anyone- We like people to think it's impossible.) One thing I will say- it is actually easier to hide your mistakes in a complex piece than it is in a simple square.

Off to the shop! (My front yard.)