just curious

[chuck-ia]

first off I am just an amatuer, just wondering if any of you start to run out of gas during a build? About a week ago I started getting a bit shoddy in my work, kinda feeling that I had to work on the gun. Decided to give it a break for a while. Usually look forward to working on it. So been organizing my shooting stuff and other things. Been working on this trade gun since August, starting to shape the stock, want to do the best I can with this part. I am retired so no hurry. chuck

[WalnutRed]

My problem is that toward the end I get impatient to get the firearm to the range. I have to slow down and not rush things. But I have stepped away from a project when I had to sort out the next step.

[chuck-ia]

Yes, I can relate to that.

[Wingshot]

Yes, I have to be in the right headspace to do any kind of creative work. If I try to force myself to jump into it, it’ll end badly. Busy schedules, life problems all get in the way but when the stars align I allow myself to get immersed in whatever I’m doing and it’ll turn out well.

[whetrock]

It's a great topic. Yes. I have a day job, too, and sometimes there's no mental energy left for creative work. But working in the shop is usually therapeutic, so if I don't feel creative, sometimes I still go in the shop and sweep or clean up the bench tops or sharpen a tool-- something that doesn't take creativity. Sometimes just giving a little order to the place helps me get in the mood to do more.

Regarding getting bogged down, I've realized that sometimes that happens because I'm intimidated by some step that I don't understand well. Sometimes it's something that I messed up on with a previous project. So, my getting bogged down is sometimes a type of procrastination. I'm postponing the risk of messing up.

I've found it helpful to write out a list of all the steps in a project as I see them. I'm talking about an order of procedure sort of list that breaks complex tasks into pieces. (Sometimes the list itself is helpful, as just reordering a sequence sometimes helps quite a lot.)  The list helps me identify and work on intimidating puzzles one at a time. Sometimes asking questions is enough to get over a hump. Sometimes I make practice pieces and experiment with techniques. Sometimes I make a piece and then show a friend. Getting feedback helps turns an isolating experience into an encouraging interaction.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I definitely go through funks. I also build self bows. Both them and rifles need my creative, attentive side fully engaged. I can’t do either mindlessly. With rifles I will sometimes grab a part to file and clean up. That I can do if uninspired.

[Dutch]

So, my getting bogged down is sometimes a type of procrastination. I'm postponing the risk of messing up.

I get this way as well,  the right attitude is necessary.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.

[Daryl]

Sometimes the best thing to do, is to put the tools down, and reflect on the build, for a while.
I know all about impatience.

[sz]

I started my first muzzleloader build in 1971.  I stopped taking orders about 7 years ago.  I have about 1.5 years more to go on my backlog.

  I assume I'll run "low on gas" but not run "out" -----   when I go into semi-retirement in about 18 more months.

Been doing it since 1971.  Took some years off for military service, but even in those years I kept at it a little. 

But for 55 years I have not "run dry" yet.

[Bill in Md]

I am currently working on projects that were started 8 years ago.....just finished an early Lancaster that I started close to 3 years ago.....I am retired, but my Wife, my Bible studies, building archery tackle, fly fishing, spin fishing, deer hunting, target shooting, ball casting, gardening, bee keeping, cutting firewood, exercise, checking in on the ALR, and Life in general make building guns just a part of my life now......b

[smoke and flames]

I find it helps to work on more than one project at a time. When I burn out on one, or just not in the mood, I switch to the other one and get refreshed. So when I get burnt out engraving, I switch to building my rifles. Different disciplines