Alan held forth, in part:
[snip]
>
>The process wasn't important. What did strike me was the way my approach
>to woodworking has changed in the few years since I joined the list.
>
[snip]
>
>This was my "Stage 1" galoot period. I knew about hand tools but never
>stopped to consider them for routine operations.
>
[snip]
>
>This was my "Stage 2" galoot period. Use hand tools when possible, but
>slowly and with great care, substituting thoroughness and caution for
>experience.
>
[snip]
>
>This was my "Stage 3" galoot period. Hand tool use was becoming normal,
>but every job need a new tool, or a new accessory, or something I hadn't
>bought or made yet. This is the acquisition stage. Research, planning
>and purchasing occupy 90% of the time on each project. The emphasis is
>on the "loot" in galoot, because this stage can be expensive.
>
>Now I am in "Stage 4". I have all the tools I need, and almost as many
>as I want. I know how to do most basic tasks, and some advanced ones,
>using those tools. I know the difference between carpentry and cabinetry
>and don't confuse the two. Sometimes "close" is good enough - especially
>when workshop time is limited. I still spend extra time on joints that
>show, but I spend more time on those things which show than those which
>don't. I still use hand tools, but now know enough to use them because
>they are good enough, or even better than, their powered alternatives -
>rather than just because they are hand tools.

Man, it is nice to hear another soul on the Porch going through the same
process at the same time (I know, we're not the only two).  Although my
approach has been more of a shotgun marriage than an extended courtship.
Sort of a spiral for me, rather than a process.

Putting my foot down now to try and get the room to stop spinning......

chris

cmca@c...

 "A man who wants to work must attach value to the best tools."

					-- Goethe