Richard Wilson knowingly observes.

> There are other progress markers and revelations though:
> 1.  Making an edge tool sharp, and the revelation it brings.
> 2.  Discovering that every possible 'problem' has already
> been solved a
> hundred years ago.
> 3.  Discovering that almost every woodworking operation has a
> special tool.
> 4.  Trying to buy every special tool
> 5.  Realising that special tools aren't needed for 'hobby' levels of
> activity
> 6.  Refining the basic set of tools to better quality.
> 7.  Enjoying the making of your chosen items, in peace,
> quiet, and relative
> safety.
> 8.  Raising your personal standards of craftsmanship, item by item.
> 9.  Producing a piece that's flawless to everyone but yourself
>
> And the final nirvana  would be making a flawless piece that satisfied
> yourself.

Good points. I would almost view numbers 8 and 9 as part of the
transition to Stage 5.
>
> By Alan's standard though, I may have reached the 5th degree
> -  where cares
> are thrown away and enjoyment and increasing skill holds
> sway.  I, too,
> have 'enough' tools to achieve almost any result.  My focus now is on
> improving myself.  Tools never made fine furniture unaided.
> Time now to let go, and enjoy the doing.
>

I enjoyed Darrel's definition of Stage 5. He said

"Stage 5" Thinning The Herd.  Paring the tool kit down to the
essentials.  Who needs 10 jointers?  Why do I have 3 dozen
braces?  Get rid of the dross and all the 'extras'.  Backup
is one thing, but 10 jointers is just plain ridiculous.

I find myself now examining the tools and wondering whether to get rid
of a few. The quality and unusual ones will stay, but some of the early
purchases, bought when my knowledge and experience were minimal, lay
unused and unloved in remote places in the shop.

Is Stage 5 then a quasi-zen journey? - A reduction of material
possessions, and search for quality, a striving for personal
fulfillment? Or maybe just getting rid of the junk and realizing that
SWMBO is going to get upset if I don't clean up the mess and actually
make something.

Alan N. Graham