Is IntraLase a Safer Alternative for Your Eyes?

Choosing LASIK surgery for vision correction is not the same as it was 10 or 12 years ago. In 1994, when Baltimore ophthalmologist Anthony Kameen had LASIK surgery to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, his options were not very extensive: a small mechanical blade, called a microkeratome, created a flap on his cornea, after which a conventional excimer laser was used to reshape the tissue underneath so that the cornea would be able to focus light directly on the retina, as it would in a normal eye. That was, in a nutshell, the only way LASIK was performed then. Now, of course, the technology is much more advanced including smoother and more precise lasers, allowing patients to achieve better vision than ever possible before. The newest technological addition to Dr. Kameen's refractive surgery office is a machine called IntraLase, which allows patients to avoid operation via a metal blade, using a special laser that is used only for the purpose of flap creation.

IntraLase in Practice

Touted as "all-laser" LASIK, the most significant claim of the IntraLase machine is that it can greatly reduce the risk of flap complications associated with microkeratome created flaps. When a microkeratome is used, there is the possibility that a flap will be cut too thin, will tear, or will not cut completely. With IntraLase these possibilities are negated. Dr. Trevor Woodhams has used the IntraLase system in his Atlanta office for the past two years and reports very few major complications, and a re-operation rate similar to that with a microkeratome, about 5%. Dr. Kameen reports even better results during his year of use. In fact he has only needed to do "touch-ups" on 6 of his approximately 960 procedures, compared to an 8-9% rate with the mechanical device. Of this statistic he says, "I personally didn't believe it. I thought it was just marketing hype. I am a believer now."

However, this does not mean that it will eliminate flap problems, in fact flap wrinkles and other related problems are still possible, though less likely, with the IntraLase laser. Proponents of the IntraLase created flap, such as Dr. Woodhams and Dr. Kameen, use the system for the majority of their LASIK patients, claiming that they can achieve better visual acuity while cutting down on the occurrence of major complications. Detractors say that there is no clinically substantial evidence that better vision is possible or that such risks are significantly reduced, while surgery takes longer and additional complications are introduced.

How IntraLase Works

During flap creation, the IntraLase laser beam places a series of small bubbles inside the cornea, removing corneal tissue, and allowing the flap to be dislodged and exposing the cornea. Because the surgeon can determine the depth and diameter of the flap, the result is a more precise and usually smoother cut. With the laser, surgeons have better control, and even have the ability to make adjustments after beginning the cut. While using IntraLase on one of his patients, Dr. Kameen realized halfway through that the flap wasn't centered correctly so he stopped, re-centered, then continued the cut. This would not have been possible if he were using a mechanical blade. In addition, many practitioners say that they can achieve better vision with IntraLase. Dr. Woodhams says that recently about 94% of his patients are achieving 20/20 vision and all reach 20/30, though studies, he says, are ongoing.

The Learning Curve

The biggest knock against IntraLase is that it has an unacceptably high rate of late occurring photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to light). Dr. Woodhams noticed this trend, and even stopped using the machine in his office for two months. IntraLase made adjustments, introduced a new laser, and Dr. Woodhams began using the system again in August 2004 without the problems of photofobia. He says, "I have been impressed with the way the company has been responsive to user complaints."

As with any device, there is also the learning curve factor. Dr. Kameen had a short period during which the machine in his office had energy settings that were too high. While he emphasizes that no one was hurt as a result of this miscalculation, there were instances of post-operative inflammation and additional patient discomfort. Dr. Woodhams agrees that learning to get the energy set correctly is an issue for beginners. He also says that the more you use it, the more you develop a softer touch, better accuracy, and even achieve better visual acuity for patients.

Supplemental Differences

Of course, not everyone agrees with Dr. Woodhams and Dr. Kameen's findings. In a report published as a supplement to the November/December 2004 issue of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, studies showed that there were no significant differences in visual acuity and instances of higher order aberrations between eyes with IntraLase created flaps and eyes with flaps created by the Hansatome microkeratome manufactured by Bausch & Lomb. In addition to not offering any statistically better outcomes, the report showed that IntraLase introduced its own possible complications including photophobia, inflammation, and a less-than-smooth stromal bed (the part of the cornea exposed after flap creation). As mentioned above, however, some doctors believe that the risk of these complications can be avoided after significant experience and setting changes. The additional negatives sighted by the report included a higher cost that is passed along to the patient at the price of about $250 per eye and a longer operating time.

In contrast to this report, however, there have been several other findings suggesting that the IntraLase system does offer better vision along with lower instances of complications. One, in fact, was published as the March 2004 supplement to Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today by Dr. Daniel Durrie, in which he stated, "the INTRALASE FS laser was at least equal to or better than the Hansatome in every category. I consider these results impressive across the board."

A Case by Case Basis

Looking solely at report statistics, however, will probably not determine what option will offer the most benefits to a given patient. IntraLase flap creation offers more potential benefits for specific patients, while for others it may not even be a good option at all. For this reason, patients may be better served trying to answer the question "is IntraLase a better option for me" rather than, "is IntraLase better than a microkeratome?"

For patients who have had RK (radial keratotomy), a surgical refractive surgery, in the past, IntraLase cannot be used (other vision correction surgeries could make the use of laser flap creation undesirable as well). In addition, patients needing only minor correction, especially patients with only mild myopia, or nearsightedness, may not necessarily find the benefits that IntraLase can offer them any greater than what a microkeratome can, and may view the extra money and longer surgical time as unnecessary.

On the other hand, Dr. Kameen will use only IntraLase on patients with any amount of hyperopia, farsightedness, never a microkeratome. Because IntraLase offers better control and more flap precision, the flap is wider and is removed in a more symmetrical shape. When hyperopia is corrected with LASIK, it is the periphery of the cornea that is treated, and the wider flap that IntraLase provides offers the possibility of better surgical correction. In addition, IntraLase makes LASIK available to patients for whom it would not have been a good option before. These types of patients include ones with high myopia or thin corneas. Again, because flap creation can be tailored to meet the specifications of an eye individually, creating laser flaps in these patients can greatly reduce the risks and offer better possible vision.

IntraLase and Custom LASIK

IntraLase also seems to offer greater advantages when it is combined with wavefront-guided lasers, in which a specialized computer maps specific corrections for each individual eye. In studies in which wavefront lasers were used, often referred to as custom LASIK, instead of the older technology of conventional LASIK, the visual results achieved with IntraLase are substantially better than those achieved with a microkeratome using the same technology. The anecdotal information reported by Dr. Woodhams and Dr. Kameen, both of whom use wavefront LASIK almost exclusively, corroborate the results of such studies.

IntraLase has been FDA approved since 2001 and has been used in the treatment of more than 250,000 eyes. Through the years the technology has been adjusted and doctors have honed their technique, and, in many instances, patients are reaping the benifits of LASIK without the blade.

Source: http://www.locateadoc.com

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Comparing the LASIK Lasers

Since the late 90's when the first excimer laser received FDA approval for LASIK eye surgery, several companies have developed their own version, touting top of the line technology and making claims that illustrated the advantages of their machine over the competition. Some companies continued making improvements, introducing new models, or funding studies that might illustrate a proven advantage to their machine: anything to gain a competitive advantage in the market place.

Of course, let's not forget marketing to the consumer. If you've spent anytime reading up on LASIK on the Internet at all, you've no doubt seen some advertorial, press release, or other company propaganda telling you why should trust your eyes to no other machine than the one in this ad.

Well it's not true of course. There are differences, usually minor or insignificant, but it is hard to sift through everything that is out there and find out why a doctor would choose one machine over the other, or which laser might offer any few small advantages. So we found out for you, asked doctors why they use the laser they do, found out what exactly might help your outcome, and asked questions to find out if the laser really does make difference.

LASIK Lasers in the United States

If you take a look at the list of FDA approved lasers you will see that there are several models that have been approved for use in the U.S., though there are four systems that dominate the marketplace: these are machines made by Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, Nidek, and VISX. Of these four, Nidek is the only one not currently FDA approved with Wavefront technology, which gives the LASIK machine a detailed map of the eye.

Usually when patients are looking into LASIK they are concerned with how likely they are to reach that mark that all glasses wearers are shooting for: 20/20 vision. When using this measurement, most doctors will tell you that all the available machines will perform about the same. Here is what ophthalmologist Dr. Richard L. Lindstrom has to say about how the lasers compare: "we have all 4 laser platforms in the TLCVision system (the company for which Dr. Lindstrom works) and in over 100 locations with over 300 surgeons and 200,000 procedures per year. There is no clinically significant difference in visual outcomes as measured at 20/20 or better at 30-90 days postoperatively between platforms. Custom Wavefront driven laser treatment is statistically better than conventional (just over 10% more 20/20 with one treatment and a 50% reduction in the enhancement rate) so I and TLCV recommend Custom Wavefront driven treatment whenever possible."

Indeed, Dr. Lindstrom’s feelings are the same ones stated by doctors throughout the country and frequently proven in studies that test functionality and results of the different machines. Of course, there is more to vision than just being able to make out objects at a given distance.

Seeing at Night

One of the biggest concerns for many LASIK patients has been the ability to see clearly at night without visual aberrations like halos and night glare. New studies are beginning to compare the different lasers and their ability to offer sustained night vision. In a recent study authored by Dr. Steven Schallhorn, director of cornea and refractive surgery for the Naval Medical Center, the four different lasers were compared to study differences in visual outcome and night driving ability.

Though there was no difference in visual acuity (the ability to see objects at a distance that is measured with 20/20 as its standard), there was a difference in night vision that was dependent upon which laser was used. In this study only the Alcon and VISX machine were used with Wavefront technology. About 20-25% of patients had worse night-driving abilities following LASIK with the Wavefront machines, while about 40-50% of patients saw worse at night after being treated with the other two machines. It was also reported that VISX offered better identification at night than the other three lasers.

Though studies that compare the available lasers are just recently gaining popularity, it is likely that many more will take place in the near future, offering even better information for the discriminating consumer.

Cost Concerns and Other Intangibles

All decisions are not just based on studies and statistics. There's also cost, and the laser you choose may make a difference in this all important factor. If you're going to choose Wavefront LASIK it is going to cost you: anywhere from $200-$400 more per eye. In addition to that, the Nidek company is the only one that does not charge surgeons a royalty every time they use their machine. In many cases (though not always) practices will offer a slightly lower price when using this machine.

Then there's the upkeep; after all, it is important for the machine to work correctly every time, not just when it's new. According to Dr. Richard Mauer of Mauer Eye Center, one of the reasons that he chooses to use the VISX machine in his office is because they have a very good service record and a good response rate to service calls. He also says that "[it] offers the smoothest ablation pattern and the smoothest disc." (A smooth disc could mean fewer complications and better ability to see at night).

When asked, though, if a patient should sift through the research and try to decide which laser would serve him or her best, Dr. Mauer said that "[the patient] would be better of finding a doctor that [he/she] trusts."

So ultimately it comes back the hands that use the machine and not the machine itself, but knowing the differences can really help you prepare for surgery and see a better outcome.

Source: http://www.locateadoc.com

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LASIK Basics

What is LASIK?

The most well known name in refractive eye surgery, LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) provides vision correction through the use of a laser by reshaping the cornea and changing its focusing power. Since 1993, LASIK has been performed in the United States on millions of patients with the use of a wide variety of different lasers. This procedure can be used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (misshapen cornea).

How It's Done

Before you undergo LASIK surgery, or any refractive surgery, you will be instructed to discontinue the use of contacts for 1 to 4 weeks prior to surgery to allow the cornea to return to its original shape. The day of surgery, you will go to your ophthalmologist's office or surgical center where the procedure will be performed. A mild anesthetic will be given, usually orally, before surgery, and numbing eye drops will be administered, which eliminate the element of pain, although some patients do experience some discomfort.

A small device, called a microkeratome is attached to a suction ring placed on your eye, the blade of which is used to cut a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The flap is folded back, exposing a layer of tissue called the stroma, which is inspected for debris and dried.

Flap is created
exposing cornea tissue

You will then be asked to focus on a fixed spot as your doctor begins the laser, cutting and removing corneal tissue based on the measurements taken at the initial examination. The flap is then repositioned and left to heal. Because no stitches are used, you will be required to wear an eye patch to prevent rubbing, irritation, and pressure that might disturb the

Laser is used to
reshape cornea

Both eyes can be operated on at the same time if you are healthy enough and have ample recovery time. In some cases, however, doctors will recommend that their patient receive monovision treatment, which is the correction of only one eye for near or far vision. LASIK surgery typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.

Technology

There are now several different lasers that have received FDA approval for LASIK surgery. There are different lasers for use in myopic and hyperopic patients, but most allow for correction of astigmatism. Because the lasers are capable of vision correction within a specified refractive range, patients with uncommonly poor vision may not be a candidate for LASIK, but may benefit from other refractive procedures such as IOL implants.

Wavefront LASIK

The newest technology in LASIK is the wavefront laser. The first of these types of lasers were FDA approved in 2002. Wavefront technology sends a wave of light to the retina. The light then bounces back to a sensor, which measures the irregularities of the cornea and produces a 3-D map of the eye's visual system.

The data from the sensor is then translated into a mathematical formula that the doctor uses to program the computer that controls the refractive laser. After wavefront LASIK, 90-94% of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better as opposed to 80% with traditional LASIK.

Recovery / Post Op Expectations

After surgery your doctor will schedule you for a follow up exam within one or two days in order to remove the eye patch and gauge recovery, and he or she may also wish to see you at periodic intervals throughout the next six months. Soreness, a burning or itching sensation, and the feeling that something is in your eye are all typical for the first several hours to few days following surgery. Vision is usually hazy or blurry for the same period of time, and tearing or watering is not uncommon.

It is important to remember to not rub your eyes as this might interfere with the healing process of the flap. Strenuous activity, contact sports, and swimming should be discontinued for the first one or two months following surgery, although you may feel comfortable enough to return to work as early as three days after surgery. Your doctor may place additional restrictions on your activity and return to work based on your individual case. If pain becomes intolerable you should see your doctor immediately.

Complications

During surgery, complications related to the cutting or hinging of the flap occur in less 0.5% of patients. Other complications occurring at less than a 1% rate include the development of an irregular astigmatism due to scarring, healing, or beam problems, infection, or other vision problems (halos around lights, blurry night vision) due to decentration, surgery performed off the center of the pupil due to surgeon error or the inability of the patient to focus on a fixed point.

Am I A Candidate?

Candidacy for LASIK surgery can vary depending on your doctor and the type of laser that is used. The minimum requirements are that a patient must be at least 18 years old and has had no drastic change in vision over the past year. For patients with severe refractive errors LASIK may not be an option, but with the advancements in refractive surgery, almost anyone with stable and healthy eyes can be treated with some type of surgery.

Cost

There has been a lot of hype and attention about the cost of LASIK surgery. Some firms claim that they can perform the surgery at a starting cost of $299 per eye. Of course, no one actually gets the surgery at that cost, and patients should beware of such advertisements; you get what you pay for. On average, the cost of LASIK is about $1,700.

Source: http://www.locateadoc.com

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Homemade Back Acne Treatment - Could These Natural Face Masks Cure Your Back Acne?

While prescriptions and over the counter medications can be a good choice for treating back acne, a homemade back acne treatment can be a desirable option for people who like to keep it natural and reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals and drugs.

Keep in mind that using a homemade back acne treatment can be effective, but it can also take a lot longer for you to notice an improvement. If you can control the reasons why you suffer from back acne breakouts, you may also be able to improve and lessen the intensity and frequency of breakouts. Bacne can often be caused by irritation of your skin, or basically something rubbing on the skin that helps to trap dirt in the pores and then may lead to infection or bacne.

The irritation can be increased if you tend to carry a backpack which also rubs on your back or any tight fitting clothing that does not allow air to circulated in between the clothing and your skin. Choosing clothing that is more breathable, such as cotton, is also a very good idea.

So what kinds of homemade back acne treatment are there? Some people swear by things they make up out of their own fridge. There are certain items that will work if you make up a mask. There are a variety of masks that you can create at home that you can apply to your back. You can create a mask by combining various ingredients into a paste and then applying it. A lemon mask is a combination of lime juice and rose water. Obviously, this will not be a paste mask, but you can apply it with cotton balls and allow it to dray on the skin. The naturally occurring astringent in lemon helps to reduce skin oil.

A simple tomato mask is made from crushed tomato pulp. Apply crushed tomato pulp directly to the affected area, allowing it to dry and remain on the skin for half an hour. The vitamins in tomato - A and C help to reduce the size of pores.

Oatmeal is another helpful ingredient. Cook the oatmeal, allow it to cool and add honey to it. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for twenty minutes. Oatmeal also removes excess oil from the skin and helps to prevent breakouts.

Mint juice and turmeric can be rubbed onto your back and left on for about fifteen minutes. This combination reduces inflammation and lessens the appearance of bacne.

Healthy eating, getting regular exercise and drinking more water are also tried and true when it comes to a homemade back acne treatment. Water helps to flush impurities and toxins from your body. Adding a teaspoon of honey and a half a lemon to the water once daily before you eat is another great home remedy. When it comes to eating right, eliminate refined sugar and fried foods from your diet. There is really no nutritional value in these kinds of foods in any event, so the less you eat of them, the better.

Mike Walden was a long time sufferer of back acne until he used this homemade back acne treatment that finally helped him say goodbye to acne for good.

He's also written many articles, such as this one on back acne treatment at home ideas that help people like yourself treat the acne on your back.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_A._Gutierrez

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Top Five "Get Rid of Spots" Acne Treatments

'll let you in on a little secret: most "get rid of spots" acne treatments never worked for me. Truth is, these so-called acne cures rarely work for anyone. It's all about marketing hype and pretty labels - and worse yet, empty lies.

What you're reading now might just change all of that for you. Instead of looking just for a get rid of spots treatment, what you need to look for is how to prevent spots while getting rid of the ones you currently have. That includes getting rid of live acne as well as the red marks your old acne left behind.

So where should you start? Well instead of heading to your local drugstore, you might make a pit stop at the grocery store for an acne home remedy. That's what I did - and it's done wonders for the acne on my face, back and chest. Check out some of these remedies that are not only cheaper, but are often more effective.

Spot Treatments

Organic honey: It sounds sticky, and it is, but it's really one of the best organic treatments for acne. The thing about honey is, it's antibacterial. Thus, it kills the bacteria in the zit, just like benzoyl peroxide does, except without feeling harsh on your skin.

How to apply: Take a clean finger or cotton swab, and dab a little honey on each zit. Don't plaster it all over your face; just on the individual zits themselves. Then after 15 minutes, rinse it off with warm water.

Ice: And we're not talking Smirnoff. We're talking plain ice, applied directly to the spots to get the swelling down. Once you get the swelling down, you'll also encourage the rest of the zit to go away. However, you'll want to wrap the ice cube up in a paper towel before putting it on your skin, or you'll be in for a frozen face!

Mint: Some people will take mint toothpaste or mint extract mixed with turmeric powder and paste it on their zits for a few minutes. This, in addition to killing germs, will have a cooling effect that relieves the pain the spots are causing you. This get rid of spots treatment smells good, too, unlike other acne remedies.

Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil might seem like a stupid thing to put on zits - after all, aren't you trying to get rid of the oil? Well, not exactly. Your skin still needs oil to stay moisturized, as it will get irritated if you don't. But anyway - about the tea tree oil. Dab a little of this stuff onto each spot. But instead of washing it off, leave it on until it dries.

Witch hazel: Some teens and adults like to strip off their spots with rubbing alcohol. Bad idea! Use witch hazel instead. This will lighten the redness of the spots in addition to cleansing the area and making the skin around it less irritated.

If you want to get rid of spots, these five remedies are some of your best bets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harley_Molina

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The Best 7 Tips for Creating Great Wood Toys

Here are 7 tips you have to take into consideration when thinking about creating great wooden toys for your kinds.

1. Choose All Natural Materials

So many of the toys manufactured today are made from cheap plastic and even recycled garbage. There really is no need to make even more. What makes handmade toys so wonderful is that they are constructed using on natural materials such as: wooden, fabric, stone, clay, silk, cotton, etc.

Toys that are made using these natural materials always look and even feel better and they are relatively easy and simple to make. It is great to work with wood or natural fabric and it is a safer option for people of all ages.

2. Opt for Designs that are Original Toy Designs

Before you begin the project always choose the design carefully. By doing so you will find that it will provide you with some inspiration. Making a toy like this is really impressive and you do not have to stick to the design completely; use it to give yourself ideas. The Internet is a great place to find some really great toys and to help you choose the toy that you want to make.

3. Don't Bite off More than You can Chew

Do not choose a toy that is particularly complicated but rather go with something a little simpler. While there is nothing wrong with choosing a more complex toy it will naturally require more skill and precision on your part. Simple toys do not require as much skill and therefore can be made by almost anyone who has some patience and is willing to practice. If you are a beginner rather choose a simple design. Toys that are made from fabric or plush material are also great for the beginner.

4. Use Paper First

Before you invest in what might turn out to be pricey materials try making a model of the toy using regular paper. Naturally there are some toys that make this impossible, such as plush or wooden carved toys. You might be surprised to know that those with different parts or which use some mechanics are usually the ones that you will be able to model using paper. This is sort of rehearsal before beginning and it will give you a general idea of what the finished product will look like.

Bear in mind that making the toy well out of paper does not necessarily mean that you will do so when you are busy with the real thing.

5. Painting the Finished Toy

Sometimes it is preferable to leave the toy in the original color of the material that you used. If you've made an old-fashioned type of wooden toy this is especially so. However the majority of toys look best when painted. If the design doesn't suggest certain colors then use your own imagination. You will be able to get a lot of ideas when you view the designs and toys available online.

6. Cams and Cranks

If you really want to impress consider making something that uses mechanical parts with gears. Toys that make do with cams and cranks can really impress the kids and are more enjoyable than toys without these features. It is not that difficult either. Take a look at some great cam toys that you can make.

Invariably wood is the material used for making handmade cam and crank toys but sometimes there are metal components. It is important that you do not feel intimidated when it comes to trying out different materials and you might even use some parts of old, broken toys, such as plastic wheels which can save you money when renewed for a new toy.

7. Safety is Key

Of course it is necessary to consider a few safety tips. Obviously you need to exercise some degree of care but you might not know exactly how. Some toys contain fake blood in them and these can be really great fun provided that the blood is not real!

Always err on the side of caution when you work with woodworking tools and other sharp objects like needles if you are working with fabric. Most importantly of all, the toy you make should also be safe for the child who will play with it.

Peter Craft is a woodworker lover and is a garden enthusiast who has a website dedicate to woodworking projects and wood toys. You can find over then 16,000 Projects & Woodworking Plans with Step-by-Step Easy to Follow Instructions. With the right toy plans you can easily build your own woodworking projects with confidence. You can also browse our selection of woodworking videos.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Craft

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DIY Woodworking - Does It Pay To Do It Yourself?

The world seems to be completely abuzz with DIY (Do-It-Yourself) everything! From the big box home improvement stores to make-your-own pizza shops, you can find places catering to the do-it-yourselfer everywhere. Maybe folks have just gotten more independent around here, or maybe it's the natural desire to try to save a buck that drives this, but didn't people used to actually hire people to do things for them?

I suppose that if you're young enough or old enough not to care what the end results look like, a DIY haircut kit is alright. DIY furniture seems to be all the rage with IKEA coming to town, but that's just assembling a kit. Pffft. DIY woodworking is a completely different critter, and sometimes it's really is worth it to hire a pro...

There was a man (he shall remain nameless) that had kind of an odd-shaped bathroom. Well, when it came time to remodel, the little lady of the house wanted a vanity with drawers in it rather than the 35-year-old pedestal sink. Like a dutiful husband, Mr. Nameless measured carefully and went down to the local big box to purchase a cabinet.

Looking over the available cabinets he quickly determined that none were going to work for him, as the 45 degree corner would be might tough to stuff a 90 degree cabinet into.

Light Bulb Moment! -


"I know!", says Mr. Nameless to himself, "I'll build a cabinet myself!"

Our hero figures he has all the tools he needs, so he goes home and catches the last 20 minutes of "Do-It-Yourself Woodworking" on TV, just to brush up on his latent woodworking skills.

You can probably guess where this is headed, so I'll spare you the un-entertaining details. Our intrepid DIY woodworking ace made the following entries in his diary those fateful months:

2/17 - Broke out sink - got wood for bathroom cabinet this morning. Lizzy'll be proud.
2/23 - Saw don't cut so good - got more wood.
2/24 - Got a table saw on sale. $299. I AINT BUYIN' NO MORE WOOD!
2/25 - Finger still hurts, it'll mend I s'pose.
3/08 - Took bandage off today. Ask Paul how to make a drawer tomorrow.
3/19 - Lizzy's mad - wants her sink back
4/01 - Drawers don't fit - I wish it was really April fools!
4/03 - Got the drawers to fit!
4/09 - Almost done with cabinet. Cat's sick - licked stain off on edges.
4/10 - Ask Paul how to remove stain, it's too blackish.
4/11 - Stain can't be fixed, Lizzy ain't talkin' to me much.
4/12 - I ain't feelin' so good. Paul wants $1400 to build a cabinet. Lizzy says do it "or else".

Poor Mr. Nameless, at least he got a new saw out of the deal. $800 spent and he still has to rob Peter to pay Paul.

The downside of DIY woodworking is very real... you need to have tools, and knowledge, appropriate to the project you're taking on. The upside is that you get the satisfaction of completing a challenge yourself, and increasing your skills.

Really, if you think you're going to save much money by doing DIY woodworking projects, once you figure in time, tools and materials, it won't be much if any. There's a nearly irresistible allure though, of starting and finishing a project and doing it well.

I don't want to discourage you from tackling projects yourself, but try to be sure that it really is within your abilities so you don't waste time, money and precious wood. Have someone available that can answer questions and guide you through the rough spots. Plan ahead and know exactly what has to happen at each step before you make your first cut. Get a set of plans that make sense and that you can follow, or get a set of DIY woodworking plans from National Woodworking that has a lot of plans you can choose from, like Woodworking4Home or Teds Woodworking Plans.

Well, get at it, sharpen up the chisels and let us know how it goes! No matter what you do, don't earn the nickname "Stumpy"!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alvin_Zaleski

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