I was listening to Fine Woodworking's Shop Talk Live Podcast recently. I like it one when I'm woodworking. I don't recall which episode or who the guest was. But, the guest had made a comment about minimalist tool woodworking. It clicked in my head from what they said that I am not a minimalist tool woodworker. I immediately felt better when I made that connection. Thank you Fine Woodworking!
I had been feeling some internal tension over the last year or two and I couldn't put my finger on why. The comment from the podcast helped to put things in clarity. When I started woodworking years ago, I had spent 6 months between jobs. It had put a drain on my finances. As such, when I had started woodworking, I was very mindful about what I bought and "needed." Over time, I had gotten past the cashflow and have been able to afford more tools. Yet, I didn't realize that I hadn't made a mindset shift. I am not a tool collector but I do have more tools and specialized tools than are needed to woodwork. Also, I realized that I didn't want to be a minimalist.
Also, I am not beholden to just hand tools though that is what I mostly want to use. I own a table top mortiser and a bandsaw is being save up for (plus good dust collection). I may even get a planer joiner (eyeing the Hammer A3 41) combo down the road.
It's funny but one comment on most of us not being minimalist woodworkers completely relieved that internal tension. I can't help but wonder what other internal guiding principles are no longer valid and causing internal tension that I'm unaware of.
Normally I wouldn't say much about this, but when you mention a planer/jointer combo... So. I've been working on something over the past year and a half that might help reframe the options for milling machinery, at least for many of us hobbyists. (Or maybe it won't, who knows.)
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I've been (slowly) piecing together a video for it. I'm just curious, does that pique any kind of interest?
Hi Brian,
DeleteI'm open to ideas. Anything you can share prior to the video?
Sincerely,
Joe
I don't really have much to share right now; I think it would be a bumbling explanation. Hopefully I can finish off the video sooner than later. I just need to get one important shop project done before I can devote the time to that.
DeleteMostly, I'm just curious how the typical hobbyist feels about milling wood (in particular, flattening the first face). The motivation for my little project was that I was less than thrilled about it. But I don't really know how others feel.
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DeleteSo I finally got the video made: https://youtu.be/6aB21q58MkU
Delete(Sorry about that earlier deleted comment)
Nothing wrong with using powertools for "dumb" work, like dimensioning lumber especially. Using a jointer, thickness planer, tablesaw/bandsaw, etc. saves your energy, time and concentration for more interesting real craftsmanship. Feel sorry, however, for those who lack the tools, diligence, skills and strength to do everything by hand. Power tools should know their place as an aid to craftsmanship, not a replacement.
ReplyDeleteStan