It's long been my contention that we could achieve world peace and economic stability if everyone were issued a lathe and some turning tools. Bear with me now, and hear me out. This is not a naïve belief or casual thought. I've raised two boys, and I'm well aware of what happens when children are bored: if they don't have positive activities to occupy their time, they create their own excitement, and it's not good for the neighborhood!
Here's where to begin: if you haven't already spent your economic stimulus check, consider purchasing a mini lathe and a few tools, learn how to turn, and pass along that knowledge to folks in your neighborhood. In exchange, you'll be invited to various backyard barbeque parties, and in no time your entire neighborhood will get know one another. Folks will be so busy with their new hobby they won't fret over those minor annoyances that plague us all. Instead they'll be talking turning and discussing which unwanted tree they'll harvest next.
The economic stability happens via the woodworking world with new factories dedicated to producing lathes and woodturning tools; stores that sell equipment; schools that teach woodturning; and retail outlets for turned items of all sorts. I'm doing my part. I own two lathes, bins of tools, various machines and tons of wood. I sell my work, and I teach.
Many of my woodturning buddies routinely pack up their mini lathes, a few tools and bits of wood in order to teach at local grade schools. Students are fascinated with the process of woodturning and take to it quickly. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are ideal groups to receive this knowledge. I've done that entire circuit when my boys were younger.
So go ahead and buy that mini lathe and those turning tools and learn how to turn. It's a matter of world peace and stability!