tenhoeda

I'd have to agree with the majority of the posts here. I don't think it's cheating. If a simple work holding mechanism and guide is cheating, then you might as well say using your workbench with vise is cheating. Or your table saw with a rip fence, or a saw hook on your bench. The list goes on. If the client and builder of the piece are happy with the way it turns out then so be it. I've read some of the posts about purists and spirtualization of the craft, etc. but you know most of us work in our shops alone, so really what difference does it make whether we use a router to cut dovetails or if a simple guide and clamp system for the chisels is used? As a hobbyist, I can say I just enjoy being in my wood shop whether it's with the noise of my planer and dust collector or fitting a joint with my hand tools. I'm glad for the time I get in my shop and I'm going to make the project as I see fit. As long as I don't turn around and lie about how I made it. That would be where the real "cheat:" would come in.

I could certainly use all the router table help I could get :)

When I relocated from NC to PA 2 1/2 years ago, the moving company did an awesome job in moving my tools. The biggest tool I have is a Craftsman hybrid table saw, so it's not one of the heavy beasts but still a chore. I only had to make a few adjustments to bring all the tools back into shape. 6 months ago I moved again (I'm renting) and did it myself. Now THAT was an experience I hope not to have to repeat. Next time I am going to have to hire someone to either help or move the shop entirely. In order for me and the help I had to move the tools, things had to be broken down as much as possible to remove weight and size to get it into my new basement shop. Then put back together again. Thankfully I didn't loose anything or have any mishaps. Close calls, but no mishaps.

Good luck with your move

Dave