The heated debate from a few weeks ago seems to have settled down, but the discussion continues, I think for the good. I have been reading through the various blog posts and tweets on this subject, and have found it thought provoking.
One of the blogs I read described how there is a tendency to use power tools to mass produce projects, thus reducing their uniqueness and the artistic value is lost. (Noting that dollar value is lost as well) It isn’t that big of a stretch to realize that we as woodworkers can and do get trapped in that same mindset when working our own projects, thus losing the “woodcraft” or artistic value within our projects. To be honest, I don’t think I can disagree with this. Why? Sometimes we as woodworkers focus on getting to the next step of the project as quick as possible rather then putting our heart and soul into the project as a whole. I think part of what makes a project woodcraft is allowing the flow of the project to come together organically rather than systematically.
The big question is, does this change my view point in my last post on this subject? I did have to think about this for awhile, but I do still feel the same way. I believe that this organic flow can be achieved using power tools, hand tools, or a combination of both.
Where I also did some thinking is what it takes to achieve woodcraft. Don’t get me wrong, organic flow of the project is a significant part of it, but its not everything. Its also taking the medium we are presented with, understanding its properties, imperfections and other qualities that makes it unique, then using the mind’s eye to work it into an art piece.
Admittedly, I do believe using hand tools does make it easier to bring us closer to the work piece leading to a better understanding the wood’s properties. For me, when I started using hand tools, I did start looking at my projects in a different light, and in fact I feel that using hand tools has made me a better woodworker in general.
So how is all this possible using power tools. The obvious answer is start out with power tools for doing the tough work, the finish up using hand tools. That is one way, but I don’t think that is the only way. I think as long as a woodworker stays out of the batching out mass produced parts mindset it is very feasible to complete an artistic project. Ultimately, I think it goes back to allowing the project to flow organically as well as using the minds eye to determine what tool is used.
When I’m working out in the garden and my daughter is running about, I’ll swap to using hand tools so that I don’t need to worry quite so much about little hands getting hold of the blade.
Sounds like a good plan. When the kids here were younger, I didn’t even like them out when I was cutting the grass. Switching to hand tools when the kids are around is a great way to keep them safe, and perhaps even get them involved in the shop as well.