Data (duh)

With ChatGPT’s vast knowledge base, woodworkers can access a wealth of information and inspiration. Whether you’re seeking guidance on specific techniques, materials, or tools, ChatGPT can provide valuable insights and even suggest creative ideas for your projects. It’s like having a knowledgeable woodworking companion at your paws, ready to help you learn and grow at your craft. ChatGPT can summarize a wealth of knowledge without all of the mumbojumbo of cluttered websites. You got me, my style is  most certainly cluttered, but I would like to think that my brand is fun enough for you to stick around. 

Truth be told, a lot of websites out there are poor copies of other websites, slapped together haphazardly. None worse than the top 10 click happy sites that are almost certainly written by AI less intelligent than ChatGPT. Notice, the only links on this blog are to awesome projects that I made with my bare hands. We are trying to make a buck like everyone else, but we want to do it with unique and cool content (bookcase door anyone?)

Here is an example of a clear and concise answer from ChatGPT about Dovetails:

Example: Prompt ChatGPT “why would I use Dovetails?”

Dovetails are commonly used in woodworking because they provide several advantages:

Strength and durability: Dovetails are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for furniture making and other woodworking projects that require a strong joint that can withstand stress and pressure over time.

Decorative element: Dovetails can also be used as a decorative element in woodworking projects. They add a unique, elegant look to furniture and other woodworking pieces, and they can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your style and preferences.

Precision and accuracy: Creating dovetails requires precision and accuracy, which can be challenging but rewarding. The joint requires careful planning and execution, which can help improve your woodworking skills and attention to detail.

Timeless technique: Dovetail joinery has been used for centuries, and it is a traditional woodworking technique that has stood the test of time. Using dovetails in your woodworking projects can add a sense of tradition and craftsmanship to your work.

Summary: Overall, dovetails are a versatile and useful woodworking joint that offer a combination of strength, beauty, precision, and tradition. They are a hallmark of quality woodworking, and they can be used in a variety of projects to create strong, elegant, and long-lasting joints.

The right kind of sticky

Woodworking projects can sometimes be complex, and challenges are inevitable. ChatGPT can assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving by offering suggestions and solutions based on its understanding of woodworking principles. By leveraging ChatGPT’s expertise, you can overcome obstacles and keep your projects on track.

Example:

I know, benefit #1 above talks about inspiration. I am creating a separate benefit strictly for new ideas. This is because of the insanely fast processing capabilities of ChatGPT. You can conversationally kick around ideas with AI to come up with new and innovative projects. Look out for a future article in which I try and build some of the cut lists that ChatGPT generates. I can’t wait to see how they turn out.

Woodworking can involve the use of potentially dangerous tools and equipment. ChatGPT can provide guidance on safety precautions and best practices to help ensure your woodworking projects are completed safely and responsibly. By following the advice of AI-driven safety recommendations, you can minimize risks and focus on creating beautiful, high-quality pieces.

ChatGPT offers a wealth of opportunities for woodworkers to enhance their skills, collaborate with fellow craftsmen, and overcome challenges. By embracing the potential of AI in the woodworking world, you can elevate your craft and unlock new levels of creativity and innovation.

So why not explore the possibilities and see how ChatGPT can help you achieve woodworking success?

Here are some of the most common questions that I have received about ChatGPT. If you follow this website then you know that I love Dalle-2. Heck, we even have an entire section dedicated to the digital adoption of these cute AI furballs. I love new and emerging technology and amongst friends I am typically the one that get’s asked a million questions.

As such, I am summarizing some of the top questions about ChatGPT in this FAQ.

ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. Its primary function is to generate human-like text based on the input it receives. ChatGPT can be used in various applications, including but not limited to conversational AI, content creation, and problem-solving.

For aspiring and novice woodworkers alike, ChatGPT can provide information and assistance related to different aspects of the craft. For instance, it can help users understand terms such as “dovetail joint,” which is a type of joinery technique used to create strong connections between two pieces of wood, or “kerf,” which refers to the width of the cut made by a saw blade.

Maybe this article got you all excited and you jumped over to OpenAI to get your paws dirty. To your surprise the server rejected your access, or maybe when you typed your question the response errored out.

This can be due to one of two things:

1. The server is overloaded. This technology is grabbing the attention of millions of people. Even the most robust servers can get overloaded with this type of traffic.

2. ChatGPT limits the number of queries per IP address. For example, ChatGPT is free to use but even the paid version of ChatGPT-4 is limited to 100 queries per hour (as of 3/15/2023).

This isn’t an exact science but https://downdetector.com/status/openai/ can give you an indication if there is a spike in user issues with ChatGPT.  

ChatGPT-4? I thought it was ChatGPT-3? Hold on my focused eyed feline, that’s the next question in the FAQ.

ChatGPT-4 is a significant step forward in from the source “The difference comes out when the complexity of the task reaches a sufficient threshold—GPT-4 is more reliable, creative, and able to handle much more nuanced instructions than GPT-3.5.” (credit https://openai.com/research/gpt-4).

GPT4 incorporates multimodal support with advanced image recognition. The AI has proven to be able to detect anything from why an image humorous to the contents of your fridge (if you show it a picture, don’t worry it’s not actively looking to see if you are almost out of ketchup).

GPT4 provides more intricate and in depth responses to queries and has proven to be better capable of handling large data crunches. 

This question comes up a lot, mostly because of the notoriety that ChatGPT is receiving from schools and universities.

Bluntly, of course ChatGPT can write essays. Heck, it can write an essay with the first word of every sentence starting with Q. It can write an essay in the style of a fifth grader or a college professor.

It can even write a essay about the advantages of woodworking, written by a astronaut living in a post apocalyptic world that is run by cats. Okay, now I have to go and plug that in to see what comes out…be right back.

Here is the Essay verbatim:

Title: Woodworking Wonders: A Lifeline in a Post-Apocalyptic Feline-Dominated World

In a post-apocalyptic world where cats reign supreme, the art of woodworking has taken on new dimensions of importance. As a former astronaut, I’ve witnessed the transformation of Earth firsthand, from the vantage point of space and the desolation of our once-thriving planet. Amidst the chaos, woodworking has emerged as a means of survival, a medium for creative expression, and a bridge connecting humanity to a simpler past.

One of the most significant advantages of woodworking in this feline-dominated world is its ability to provide essential shelter and infrastructure. In a time when industrial materials are scarce, wood stands as an abundant and sustainable resource. With basic woodworking skills, humans can craft simple shelters and furniture, ensuring a semblance of security and comfort in an otherwise unpredictable environment. Additionally, constructing cat-friendly spaces and structures has become a valuable means of forging alliances with our feline overlords, ultimately fostering peaceful coexistence.

Beyond its practical applications, woodworking offers psychological benefits to those who engage in the craft. Amidst the desolation, it serves as a therapeutic outlet for coping with the loss and grief that accompany a post-apocalyptic existence. The tactile nature of woodworking provides a meditative escape from the harsh reality, allowing individuals to find solace in the creative process. Furthermore, mastering woodworking techniques instills a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency, which are invaluable qualities in a world where dependence on others is no longer a viable option.

Woodworking also serves as a means of preserving human culture and history. As traditional art forms and industries fade into obscurity, woodworking remains an enduring testament to humanity’s ingenuity and resilience. By creating functional and decorative wooden pieces, humans can maintain a connection to their heritage and ensure that the legacy of craftsmanship is passed down to future generations.

Lastly, woodworking has the unique advantage of being a universal language, transcending the barriers that separate humans and their feline rulers. In a world where communication is often fraught with misunderstanding, the beauty and functionality of wooden creations can bridge the gap between species, fostering a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and design.

In conclusion, woodworking offers a multitude of advantages in a post-apocalyptic, cat-ruled world. From providing essential shelter and infrastructure to preserving human culture and fostering interspecies harmony, the art of woodworking has become an indispensable lifeline for humanity. As a former astronaut, I can attest to the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. By embracing the wonders of woodworking, we can forge a brighter future amidst the chaos, proving that even in the darkest of times, human ingenuity will always find a way to shine.

In my opinion, ChatGPT shines on the details. Now that ChatGPT has built a ficticious world, we can dive deeper into the details.  

Next Prompt: Tell me more about the astronaut. Give him a name and a backstory. 

Name: Dr. Samuel “Sam” Kepler

Born and raised in a small rural town in Kansas, Dr. Samuel “Sam” Kepler grew up with a fascination for the stars and a deep connection to nature. His love for astronomy and admiration for his father, a skilled woodworker, laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Sam excelled academically, particularly in science and mathematics, and pursued a degree in astrophysics at a prestigious university.

Following his studies, Sam joined NASA and completed rigorous astronaut training. He quickly gained a reputation for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic. As a mission specialist, Sam was selected to be part of an international crew aboard the space station, “Voyager 1,” tasked with conducting groundbreaking research on the effects of long-term space travel.

While Sam and his fellow astronauts were aboard Voyager 1, Earth succumbed to the catastrophic event known as the “Great Desolation.” Upon receiving the distressing news, the crew faced the daunting prospect of returning to a shattered world. After an arduous journey home, Sam and the other astronauts found themselves in a realm they could scarcely recognize, where cats had risen to power amidst the chaos.

Drawing from his father’s teachings and the resilience he developed as an astronaut, Sam began using his woodworking skills to help rebuild communities and foster relationships with the new feline rulers. He quickly became a vital figure in the post-apocalyptic world, serving as an intermediary between humans and cats, and sharing his expertise in both astronomy and woodworking.

Sam’s unique background allowed him to maintain hope in the face of adversity. As he continued to explore the remnants of Earth, he sought to uncover the secrets of the cosmos and find a way to ensure humanity’s survival in the new world order.

In the years that followed, Dr. Samuel Kepler became a symbol of perseverance, uniting the remnants of human civilization and helping to forge a path toward harmony between humans and their feline counterparts. His story serves as a testament to the power of ingenuity, adaptability, and the enduring human spirit.

Okay, now we know about Sam and the demise of earth. The AI has a definition of who Sam is. We probably should know a little more about how the cats took over. Note, the prompt that I give references Sam.

Next Prompt: Sam serves as a intermediary between the cat overlords and the human population. Explain how the cats communicate with the humans. What type of trade exists between the groups? 

In the post-apocalyptic world ruled by cats, communication between the feline overlords and the human population has evolved into a complex, multi-faceted system. The cats, having developed heightened intelligence and a deeper understanding of human behavior, have devised a unique method of conveying their intentions and demands.

The primary mode of communication between cats and humans is a combination of body language, vocalizations, and a newly emerged form of empathic projection. This form of telepathy allows the cats to transmit emotions and general intentions to humans, who have gradually learned to interpret these mental signals. Dr. Samuel Kepler, with his exceptional intellect and intuition, has proven particularly adept at deciphering these projections and serves as a vital intermediary between the two species.

Trade between the human population and the cat overlords has become an essential aspect of their coexistence. The cats, recognizing the value of human craftsmanship and ingenuity, often request custom-made structures, furniture, and toys that cater to their specific needs and preferences. In exchange for these goods, the cats provide protection from hostile creatures and share their knowledge of the post-apocalyptic world, including locations of vital resources such as fresh water, food, and safe havens.

Woodworking, being a versatile and sustainable craft, plays a crucial role in this trade system. Humans, led by individuals like Sam, create elaborate cat trees, scratching posts, and shelters that meet the requirements of their feline rulers. Additionally, humans offer services like grooming, pest control, and assistance in managing disputes among the cat hierarchy.

In return, the cats use their heightened senses and agility to hunt for food, patrol the perimeters of human settlements, and provide early warnings of impending danger. This symbiotic relationship has fostered an atmosphere of mutual dependence and cooperation, allowing both species to navigate the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world together.

Over time, the trade between cats and humans has expanded to include other goods and services, such as textiles, artwork, and medicinal knowledge. This thriving exchange system has played a crucial role in the gradual rebuilding of human society, as well as fostering a sense of unity between the two species in their shared struggle for survival.

Okay, I think you get the point.

This FAQ got a little sidetracked. Understandably so, the technological advancement of ChatGPT is mesmerizing. It can also be frightening. Any leap in technology this staggering should be at least a little jarring.

That being said, yes ChatGPT can certainly write beautiful and elaborate essays, short stories, poems and more. Harnessing the technology to further human ingenuity is the exciting frontier that we find ourselves on. What an interesting time to be alive! 

Want to see what Sam might have looked like? Well, that’s for ChatGPT’s counterpart Dalle-2 (which we love) to handle.

See below for what Dalle-2 thinks Sam might look like. In the first picture I asked for a sketch, in the second I asked for a portrait.

Click above to get started on building your secret bookcase door.

Now that you know how to build a bar in a basement, let’s explore what else to add. See how I build this entire room for less than a contractor wanted to put up studs.