Emile T

Craftsmanship is the ability to master a tool… any tool for the purpose of transforming a material into something we consider to be pleasing to the eye, useful and maybe even something that possesses both those qualities. Craftsmen from decades ago used more basic tools. Others from centuries ago used even more basic tools. The issue is not the tool it is our capacity to use it well and creatively. I can cut dovetails and am proud to do so… it’s fun. I can also cut many dovetails with my Leigh jig. In both cases I had to spend quite some time improving my skill and finding creative ways to get the job done. In the end, this discussion we are having has more to do with electricity than tools. What I suspect is that if a woodwright from the 18th century had access to our electric tools, he would most likely opt to use them.