Replies

1. 
   lat_axe | May 14, 2023 07:20am | #1

   Hers are some general observations about the learning of woodworking:

   The time required for learning the necessary skills to perform a woodworking skill competently increases as the tool is "primitive". Tools with a lot of in-built jigging*, as well as those with the added power of a motor - these factors can reduce learning time as the jigging and motors often provide a substitute control & strength that more primitive tools (such as a knife) require of your hand-brain.

   That's not a universal rule but the underlying point is that using hand tools only, especially where great precision is needed and the tool is minimally jigged, will tend to take longer to learn in terms of achieving satisfactory, then good then excellent results.

   Conversely ......

   Using more primitive tools will often bring the user to a much higher level of skill and understanding of both the tool-work and the materials. When a machine provides both power and tool-action guidance, the user will not get the hand-strength and skill to do the same work with much simpler tools.

   Different tool types induce different skills, abilities and understandings.

   Faster work (and learning to work) is often driven by economic considerations. (Faster to market, etc,). But modern sensibilities also tend to suggest that faster is better, no matter what. We are habitual hurriers. Watch out for the spurious fast-as-I-can working speed. Sometimes slower gets more precision and/or refinement; and maker-satisfaction.

   You have to ask yourself: what are the true motivations for my woodworking? Are they basically economic; creative; self-improving; a mixture of such things? When you get to your true wants of woodworking, it can often suggest which of the options for tooling and working you would find most satisfactory.

   * jigged - having one or more features that guide, limit or establish the dimensions of the jigged tool results on the workpiece.

   Lataxe

1. 
   Cam2342 | May 14, 2023 06:01pm | #3

   Thanks. I have seen some very creative jigging, especially for detail work and prescion drilling on small pieces. I am not in a hurry, however I would like to use simple methods that don't require a lot of extra work and time. I guess by the time I've completed several projects using these other helpers, I would probably be able to adapt them to most of the kind of wok I'm interested in learning more about.

2. 
   jharveyb | May 14, 2023 04:17pm | #2

   I concur with Lataxe. When I started out, I used only hand tools, for several reasons, even tho I had already started buying big old machines. The main reason was that I wanted to be able to do anything I wanted to with wood (within the material's limitations). Machines are more limited than hand tools in the hands of an expert, tho they can be faster and more easily accurate at what they are good at.
   Every time I did anything with wood in the beginning, I considered it practice for when it really mattered. I still practice on scrap before I work on the real piece. (Just this week, I set in two mother-of-pearl crescent moons into a walnut board, using a small electric router to remove some of the center area, but using curved carving gouges to remove the wood right up to the profile of the moons. Not possible with any machine. I practiced on scrap to make sure the curves of the gouges were just right.) Set high standards to aim for, and practice towards them.

   Finishing is often the last thing woodworkers learn to do well. I have my routines, mostly with oil/wiping varnishes. I am comfortable using shellac as a surface finish, but have never learned to spray lacquer, and probably won't at this point. I have given up on stains and use only dyes like TransTint.

   There are lots of videos on You Tube, but be advised: the guys make it look easy, and often are selling something you may not really need. Before you buy a new tool, ask yourself if having it will increase your capacity to work, or just make it quicker or easier. Focus on the first until you have a need for quicker or the luxury of easier.

   Lots more to say, but no more time...

3. 
   Cam2342 | May 14, 2023 06:01pm | #4

   Thanks. I have seen some very creative jigging, especially for detail work and prescion drilling on small pieces. I am not in a hurry, however I would like to use simple methods that don't require a lot of extra work and time. I guess by the time I've completed several projects using these other helpers, I would probably be able to adapt them to most of the kind of wok I'm interested in learning more about.