jsheaney

I think it is time to start promoting more safety features on table saws. The machines we are discussing are not the cabinet saws of the past used by professionals that know what they are doing. We are talking about machines that cost as little as $150. They are sold at big box stores by teenagers to wives as Christmas presents for their husbands. These are users that do not have Dads that taught them how to use these machines. They did not have shop class. They may have no real experience with power tools.

I really think it is disingenuous to talk about "common sense" and then go on to say ''my dad taught me" or "my shop teacher taught me." That is not common sense. That is education.

I'm happy with this product, too, but I take issue with the instructions. It says to sand between coats with 220. When I did that, I saw unwanted scratch patterns. I had much better results using 600 grit on a firm foam pad.

As a final step, I run it out with rottenstone mixed with water. It really make for a nice smooth surface. I then add a thin coat of Renaissance wax, which seems to help with the fingerprints.

I think fine woodworking is a combination of design and craftsmanship. Clearly, CNC puts the emphasis on design. If I were a professional then it would certainly add value to my shop and my work. As a hobbyist, I like that my gifts to others reflect my time and commitment to them and that it adds something to its value.

Let's say it takes me a week to carve some kanji by hand on a box where any slip is going to ruin the piece. Compare that to a CNC pattern that takes a few minutes. If I make a mistake then I can just do it again. No big deal. Maybe I'll even be tempted to add more kanji, just because it's easy. I like to think that the former will carry more meaning and make a better heirloom.

I think context is everything on this matter. Sometimes the end product is all that matters. Other times, the process is as important.