Use it or Lose it

Author: lopezcottageindustries

  • What Even Is a Mortising Machine? (Use It or Lose It?)

    This week’s mystery tool: a Central Machinery Mortising Machine—SKU S35570—with a nearly new set of mortising bits.

    I’ll be honest: I had no idea what this machine even did. I had to look it up. Apparently, a mortising machine drills square holes into wood to make what are called mortise and tenon joints—a classic woodworking technique that dates back centuries.

    My husband, being the master builder he was, probably used this to make sturdy cabinet joints or door frames. But here’s the thing…

    I’m not planning on building any cabinets. And even if I was, this looks like a very serious machine—one I don’t even remember seeing him use. It’s been sitting in the shop, clean and nearly untouched.

    So, friends: Use it or lose it?

    • Have you ever used a mortising machine?
    • Is it something worth learning for small DIYs?
    • Or should this be passed on to someone who actually builds joinery?

    Drop your thoughts in the comments. I’m still working through tools, one week and one wrench at a time.

    With gratitude,
    Hollis

  • Use It or Lose It? – The Drill Press I Didn’t Know I Owned

    In February, my world shifted. I lost my husband of 45 years to cancer. He was a master builder, an avid fisherman, and the kind of man who could fix anything—if it was broken, bent, or needed building, he had a tool for it. Or ten.

    Now, months later, I’m a widow standing in his shop, surrounded by equipment I don’t recognize and never imagined using. I’m a bookkeeper by trade, and I help families through LegalShield—but walking into his shop feels like stepping into a different world.

    Which brings me to this week’s mystery item:

    🛠️ Tool of the Week: The Drill Press

    What I think it is:
    A drill press, based on the label. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. It’s tall, metal, has levers and knobs… and apparently, it’s mine now.

    What he used it for:
    Truthfully? I have no idea. I’m not even sure I ever saw him use it. I didn’t know we had it until recently, when I started trying to figure out what all these tools are.

    What I’d use it for:
    A conversation piece. A shop sculpture. Maybe a really solid bird perch?

    🤷‍♀️ Use It or Lose It?

    Now I need your help:
    Do I try to learn how to use this thing?
    Or do I find someone who will appreciate it and give it a second life?

    Drop a comment below and vote:
    ✅ Use It – If you’ve got ideas or experience with drill presses, share your wisdom.
    ❌ Lose It – If this is something better sold or passed along, help me let it go.

    💬 Share Your Story:

    Have you ever inherited a tool—or something else—and thought, “Now what?”
    Let’s talk about it. This isn’t just a blog about tools. It’s about memory, meaning, and moving forward.

    Thanks for being here with me.
    —Hollis 💙