David Condon Woodcraft Tralee, Blog and Ramblings

I haven't written anything for years so when I was encouraged to start Blogging I was against the idea. After thinking back on the drivel I wrote in school I was wondering why would I inflict my opinions on the general public. The first few Blogs were relevant to my business and I lost interest quickly. It is now 2022 and I want to make a bit more of an effort to write about Woodturning subject matter and use these as an extra tool for my students to refer to post tuition. Fingers crossed that I will keep it going. You may also find some unrelated stuff from time to time. Mea Culpa :)

David Condon

Aug 20, 2018
2 min

Environmental

Can you spare just €3 for our future?

Did you know that you can plant a Hardwood tree in the West of Ireland from as little as €3? More would be better though. If you live in and love the West of Ireland or are concerned about the environment please read on.... I have worked with wood for more than half of my life and to be honest for years it never bothered me about where it came from or if someone was cutting the wood sustainably or not. Like most people I was oblivious and did not appreciate the real value o

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David Condon

Apr 9, 2018
3 min

General

A side affect of importing cheap goods

On 31st of March I attended a Food and Craft Fair in Manor West Shopping Centre in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland where I was given space for a 6 foot table to show my products. I met loads of people who told me that my work was beautiful and some who picked up bowls recognizing how special and unique they looked. Their look of wonder evaporated when I told them the price of the bowl they were holding. I tried to explain how much work goes into each individual piece, how rare

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How to avoid a Market Trader's imploring gaze

David Condon

Jan 24, 2018
3 min

Tongue in Cheek

How to avoid a Market Trader's imploring gaze

We've all been there at one time or another. A leisurely trip to the local market suddenly turns sour and brings you to the point of panic. Unexpectedly, a market trader and your good self have made brief eye contact. He/she has smiled pleasantly with a hopeful look that you will come over and look at their goods on display. Your heart beat increases exponentially and in your 'fight or flight' state your eyes dart around left and right looking for that distraction that w

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David Condon

Jan 24, 2018
4 min

General

Wood, doesn't grow on trees

I firstly came up with the idea for this post because of some worrying attitudes I have seen in people where wood is concerned. To some, wood is only a resource for burning and has no other value. Fallen or cut hardwood trees are cut up solely for the purpose of generating revenue as firewood. This in my opinion is absolutely criminal. Hardwood trees take decades to mature and once burned are gone forever. Conifers are much better suited as firewood as they grow very fas

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