Testing
Testing is that act done right before you’re ready for the real deal, the part that takes too long and holds you back from getting the job done.
But what if we reframe testing? Pick a different word with a positive light such as practice.
Practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the better you become.
But isn’t practice simply testing? Honing your skills, making adjustments, getting it right.
Testing is simply a way of practicing with less to lose. In the case of woodworking this often means using less expensive materials, or maybe even offcuts with little value, perfect to test a fit or technique before taking the tools to the work pieces.
For example, I was recently cutting sliding dovetails which have very little room for error. The easiest way to cut them is to start with the groove, then cut the tail to fit. The trick is to select a test piece the exact same thickness of your workpiece, an off cut from the workpiece is best. Then at the router table take a light pass, slowly sneaking up on the final fit.
Now there is a difference between testing and practicing. In the example, a test piece is used to setup machines, honing in on that perfect, dialed in fit before starting the production run. While it’s like practice, I do see them slightly different.
In making dozens of sliding dovetail joints I have a feel for a good fit, that’s through experience because I’ve practiced the act while I still use a test piece to setup the machines the same way every time. Essentially, practice gains experience and testing is a strategy to mitigate errors.
In the hand work world, practicing with a hand saw can result in more consistent results over time, but the ability to cut accurately to a line doesn’t guarantee you won’t cut on the wrong side, that’s where testing, sneaking up on a fit comes in to ensure the results.
Next time you are in the shop slow down your workflow and add a little testing and some practice in. You’ll see your errors reduce, your results improve, and your patience be tested, but in a good way.