It’s Time
April 5, 2011What is it Bruce Buffer says at the beginning of each UFC ultimate fighting event? “It’s TIME!!” And, well, it is time—not for me to become an ultimate fighter, though. No, it’s time for me to move on from making saws. That may come as a bit of a surprise to some, but I’ve finally begun to lose my steam for making them. It’s really just that simple. There are countless jobs where feeling fulfilled doesn’t remotely matter, but hand making saws isn’t one of them—fulfillment is pretty much what it’s all about. And not just for me—the saws themselves will show it if you aren’t fulfilled by making them. It’s not work in the same way some other things are work.
I’m profoundly grateful for everyone who has supported me. I’ve been very lucky to have had the support of so many kind people. It goes to show that there is a place for the smallest tool makers and that there is a desire for handmade saws. But more than that, it shows there are some very good people out there.
I’ll still be around. I’ll just be making different things. What exactly? Lots of things—a wide variety, and probably not many of the same thing twice. Creativity and variety are what really keep me going. I’ll revamp the website at some point here and will keep the Toolworks writing in an archive of some kind.
So this is goodbye in a sense but in another sense not. It’s kind of like a cage fight—sometimes just when you think it’s over, that’s when it really gets good.
Eccentric Toolworks 
Andrew, I wish you all the best success in your next endeavor. I don’t doubt that whatever disappointments those of us who had hoped to own one of your saws (I among them) may experience, will be contented to know that the saws you did produce were all works of functional art, and that whatever you may produce in the future will no doubt be just that. I look forward to seeing what’s next on your horizon.
Your presence will certainly be missed… You have made some of the very best saws that have ever been made, and are to be congratulated on having done so. I will be looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Good luck!
Leif
norsewoodsmith.com
Hi Andrew,
I’m really sad to read that. When you started to make saws as a fulltime job I allways admired you for your courage. We decided at one point we allways will be hobby saw maker. May be that is a way for you after a little break, too.
Best wishes
Pedder
Andrew,
It is with a heavy heart that I write these words. I too aspired to own one of your saws someday. I also understand about fulfillment. Take care in your next endeavor. And if you fell the need to off load some tooling for you Flypress, I have one waiting to receive it.
Best,
Jeremiah
Andrew-timing is everything. I finally convinced the little lady that I could make better anything if I did not have to cut my dovetails with an old hacksaw. Casting about for a somewhat better saw, I ran across the ’09 article in PW and, of course, fell in lust, I mean love. (Yes, I am a bit behind in my reading.)Should you go back into the saw business, I would be overjoyed/thankful to be added to your list of new customers. Best of luck and stay outta trouble.
Dick
Thank you guys very much. I really appreciate the well wishes and kind words. This was a big decision and I sure didn’t make it lightly. I know it was the right thing to do. I’m excited about the times ahead and wish you guys the best as well.
Andrew
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