Tool Snobs?

[Uncle Cracker]

I think the mods will deal with those who seem to seek out people solely for the purposes of criticizing, or who do not adhere to the rules of decorum. This type of thing has always been taken care of discretely.

That said, it should also be said that those who openly ask for opinions must allow that some responders may not share the same thoughts as they do. It is often a question of perceptions, as there are people active here from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences. My own opinion is that this is one of the more interesting and engaging aspects of this forum. The benchmark should be whether the proper respect is being shown for each other. I see much more of that on display here than any other cyber-community I can think of.

[sparkeyjames]

I too noticed this when visiting another of the larger woodworking forums that shall remain nameless. This tool snobbery, one upsmanship, is a smoke screen for people with very limited minds and probably limited woodworking ability as well. I would almost like to place a bet that the users here with a BT3X00/Craftsman-21829 can produce superior workmanship to the ones who own a large expensive saw because they can afford it yet rarely use it. I tend to think of them as trophy woodworkers (see my big saw isn't it impressive?).
Yet on the other hand the tools of the darkside are nice pieces of machinery and capable of really good quality results (as represented here by some who own them and have uploaded pics of their workmanship).
Those large pieces of machinery just don't fit in with my needs at present. I need quality PORTABLE equipment not something my whole shop has to revolve around. Yes I still lust after them and would not mind having the spare space to park them. I just don't need them yet.
What it really boils down to is the people here are friendly and more than willing to help out with problems and do so with civility no matter what brand of tools you use.

[Tom Slick]

I haven't noticed any tool snobbery here. I have certainly not noticed anyone claiming that certain blades are the only blades or that certain saws are the only saws. Usually just guys who love woodworking and like doing it on a budget. As to the recent router bit post, it was just an industry professional stating (with a no BS attitude) that industry uses tools/cutters that are in a completely different league from what us hobbiest/small shop guys use. I agree with him, top of the line hobby/small shop machines are bottom of the line industrial tools.

[ryanps]

This is about the only woodworking site I visit. There is one other but I would never feel comfortable posting there -- I am a newbie to woodworking and have asked several questions here. I've always felt very welcome and especially like the advice that is offered. Unfortunately my FIL passed away a little over a year ago. He was a man who knew how to do everything. I would constantly be asking his advice. In a way this forum has filled the void of no longer having him around to answer my questions.

I recently bought a DC. I have a ton of questions. I know I could post them right now and have responses. Even though there has probably been hundreds of threads about DCs I know no-one here will tell me "just use the search function, newbie."

I too recently upgraded from the BT3100. I built 6 projects with that saw. Projects that, in my own opinion, are excellent. Not because of my woodworking abilities but because of that saw. I agree with what Hank said. If the tool helps you get the job done then it shouldn't matter. If, at the end of a project, I can look at it and smile and nobody has to know that I used an old pair of my wife's panty-hose as a clamp because I ran out -- then I am happy.

Of course, like any human I do have a character flaw. I am a snob for some reason when it comes to the color of a tool. I recently saw something (can't remember what it was) that was purple. It just didn't do it for me. If there were some magical 5 hp router that could be guided by thought but was purple -- I don't think I would buy it. (Okay, so I do remember -- it was the panty-hose that were purple -- I was desperate -- got the job done though )

Ryan

[newood2]

Shame! shame! shame! The only time I snob my tools is on Sundays.

[George Cole]

With my limited experience in the wood working realm I went back in thought of why I bought my BT-3000..at the tyme it was so **** neat. Still is..This forum has thrown the switch in my soggy brain and geared me toward doing projects I always wanted to do. This group has given me confidence through there unbiased help and suggestions. The only other forum I use which has great people as well is the Router Forum. Were all tool snobs to some extent. Myself included. The one-up-manship is not significant on this forum..

[goslin23]

Heck, I've never even owned a BT-3xxx TS.

When I started regaining my interest for woodworking, I went searching the internet for a forum of folks like me. People who want to find a bargain, do some woodworking on the weekend and just hang out sharing snippets of their life. The "other" forum that has been mentioned does not even come close to having the welcoming atmosphere that is here. Coming here is like hanging out in a buddy's garage talking "shop". I don't neccesarily chime in on every post and spend most of my time just reading and absorbing the information I find here. I've enjoyed the jokes that I've read, been saddened by the loss of a relative or pet of a member , been worried about health problems of others here and glad when they are feeling better and of course I've been peeved that I missed out on a few of the killer bargains (C-Man 17" DP anyone? $80 Beis fence ). Plus I've learned a thing or two.

BT3Central is exactly what I was searching for.

[Black wallnut]

I must have missed the topics where the "snobs" have made their appearance. I've not ever seen much of that stuff around here. We have done a great job of being self moderating. I'm sure a bunch of posters have excercised great restraint in dealing with negative posts and posters. My advice, which not to be assumptive is to carefully weigh each post you read. If you find something offensive there are quiet avenues open so as to not create a disruption. If it is minor call the poster to task kindly and gently via the PM feature, add to their reputaion, or if it is the OP that you have issues with rate the thread. This last option though might not be the best as any rating will show and most topics never have a rating. If the offense is blatant, inflamnitory, clearly crosses the line use the forum "report bad post" icon an ! inside of a triangle located in the upper right corner of each post. Furthermore if it is something that you can ignore, then by all means ignore it. Most folks do not post with malice intended and often times intent and tone is mis-judged by some.

The few times that things get way out of hand the moderator staff has been quick to take the necessary action. I hear through the grapevine that Sam has chosen another forum member to add to the Mod-squad in the near future. I'm pretty sure things will stay as the have been and this site will have a family atmosphere for years to come. IMHO families tend to overlook others minor misdeeds without judgement. They forgive and respect each other regardless of differences, and in our case after a disagreement they buy each other a cup "around the coffee pot"

[rja]

When we lived in Edgewood, New Mexico the LOML and I had a house built on our site by an excellent carpenter who had worked for us previously on a smaller project. He was self-employed and had no trouble finding jobs. One of his memorable statements was "Why buy an expensive tool when a cheap one will do?" Indeed, why buy that $2000 (or whatever it is that they cost) Powermatic when a BT3100 will cut wood just as well? Whenever I buy a tool I can hear that carpenter's question in my mind and I am usually guided thereby. That's why I have a number of Ryobi tools in the wood shop. They are cheap (meaning inexpensive) and effective. I guess maybe this is a form of reverse tool snobbery. Whatever gets the job done. You should derive your reputation by the work you produce, not the cost of your tools.

[Hellrazor]

I proclaim my innocence! I haven't talked down about craftsman cordless power tools in ages

[Garasaki]

I visit the other forum - it's obviously more active and there are a lot of fine pieces of work posted (and posting ) there. I garner a fair amount of inspiration from those threads - and on several occasions said gorgeous finished piece has been perched on top of a BT3k for pictures!!

There's also a few very knowledgable (AND nice) people over there who can be relied on to help out if asked.

The atmosphere is much different over there. Like most others, I enjoy it here better. I don't want "there" to go away, but if I had to choose, I'd rather have "here".

I also wouldn't dare post any of my work there.

[Hoover]

I try to follow some advice given to me some time ago. If you will be using a tool regularly buy the best you can afford. If it will be used occasionaly, buy a cheaper tool.

My tools are what I am comfortable with, it only matters to the user.

[jself]

I recently got back into woodworking and couldn't wait to read the posts on BT3Central. It is one of the websites that I check every time I fire up the computer. I don't read every post, so maybe I missed some of the snobbery. I find this to be one of the most respectful group of guys on the Net. I hope it maintains that camaraderie.

[SARGE..g-47]

I post on two other sites and I don't see snobbery here. I see quite a bit of enthusiam toward a new tool or "killer deal", but not what I would call snobbery. My definition of snobbery is unless you have brand XX.. model XX as I have, you are wasting your money and a project cannot be completed with any other brand or tool.

And frankly.. the majority of those that express themselves at other sites in that manner are as easy to see through as the water that runs down your drain. There ego is magnified by the "power of tool status" and it would be highly suspect that they produce anything functional but words. You rarely see someone of this nature post a pciture of a finished product that only their tool could produce properly.

But... I have always appreciated machinery and been around it in one form or another for many years. My first projects were completed from 1972-1974 with a Craftsman jig saw.. a combinstion square.. a hand-saw and a Craftsman electric drill.

In 1975 I made the major leap to a table saw. My FIL gave me a 12 year old Shopmate circular saw and I hung it under-neath a 2 x 4 piece of ply with a blade slot cut out. A piece of oak help by 2 C clamps were the fence. And I did go all out and put a hollow ground planer blade on it to get the smoothest cut you could get at that time.

Within a few years a jointer got added with a " Craftmans BS... etc. etc... Got my first set of high dollar chisels at Highland Hardware in 1978. Marple set for $16 and still use them today. Marples were premium at the time.

So.. I sit in a shop today with some nice equipment. Uni-saw.. 20" planer.. DP.. 18" BS.. 8" jointer... 12" SCMS.. routers.. etc. etc.. Were they purchased to elevate me to the potential level of Tool Snob?

They were purchased after I paid my "dues" with what I could get my hands on and only when I felt I could justify a purchase. I spend 4-8 hours a day in a shop 6 days a week and even when I worked full time.. 20-30. I am an amuteur and not a professional. Perhaps and experienced amuteur at this stage.. but an amuteur none the less.

My tools don't sit so I can talk about them on a web site.. they work blue-collar daily to earn their justification of price and being there to begin with . There is a difference in snobbery and appreciation of a tool.

You can walk the walk and talk the talk... but you can't hide the fact that you really are a wood-worker or just someone that talks about WW and tauts their fine tools.

The Proof is in the Puddin'.... and you can't hide that fact if you don't get in the kitchen and use a cheap or expensive tool to produce any puddin' to begin with."!

[Mr__Bill]

OK, I have to admit that I am a tool snob.

I am rather snobbish about my BT3000 with it's custom made wood legs set upon a scrap piece of plywood (formerly a form) with some cheep locking casters on it. It rolls and it cuts; ain't nobody going to steal it! Oh yeah, I don't have the problem with the top rusting either like those expensive saws do.


Bill, where rain is just another name for winter