Why would you say or do that?

[shoottx]

I did not want to derail another thread (http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=43315) so I started this one!

I'm curious why you would bother to manufacture one. Is there something really special about the one you are making?

Nothing personal is intended in my following comment. With that disclaimer made; this is one of the most ironic comments I have read in a long time. Here we are frequenting what is a do-it-yourself woodworking site (most of the time), and the suggestion is to buy another piece of Chinese junk rather than make something yourself.

If I took that approach to all of my projects, I would sell my woodworking tools and go hire everything done. I can assure you the cost benefit ratio (or savings) from my projects would not offset the investment I have made in tools, wood, hardware, and time.

The question was "Is there something really special about the one you are making?" Yes there is - I made them! While they are often less than perfect, over budget in cost and time; I still have a huge amount of pride in completing each project.

At least for me the point of building something is the joy of the process not just the pride in the final product.

[radhak]

As a third party, I daresay I read that question differently. I read curiosity in it, as in - did you have something in mind that does not spring out of easily from your stated objective. I'd think we all have asked questions in similar vein of other 'creators' in these forums, and have been enlightened or educated.

Maybe you felt slighted by the question because it was addressed to you and I was not so I saw it differently?

I feel your answer 'nothing special, I just want to make it myself', is a very valid answer, and I am sure if Pecker would see it likewise too.

edit : I re-read that earlier post again, and now ( ) noted that Pecker had prefixed the question with 'I am curious...'; so I am all the more confident that's all there was in his question - curiosity.

[Uncle Cracker]

I don't read anything sinister in the query. Yes, I think we all understand the pride in craftsmanship and the DIY buzz, but we aren't clanking around the shop making our own screwdrivers and pliers, so perhaps the question was valid, given the relatively low cost of a typical box store dead-blow hammer.

[Black wallnut]

Mike I agree with others, However I find it interesting that given the makeup of the members as you seem to think they are why there is so much traffic generated about retail router tables, fences, tenoning jigs, router plates, project plans, etc.

Furthermore why do each of us buy some tools and make others?

[LCHIEN]

overreacting.

[poolhound]

I don't read anything sinister in the query. Yes, I think we all understand the pride in craftsmanship and the DIY buzz, but we aren't clanking around the shop making our own screwdrivers and pliers, so perhaps the question was valid, given the relatively low cost of a typical box store dead-blow hammer.

I must admit I agree (nothing but curiosity) and I was similarly curious. That said I have made the odd awl from an old screwdriver...

[Uncle Cracker]

That said I have made the odd awl from an old screwdriver...

Me too, although usually not on purpose...

[Ed62]

I have to agree with the others. Nothing out of line there.

Ed

[cgallery]

overreacting.

I don't think Mike is saying there was anything wrong with the question. That, it was just ironic given the nature of the site.

[Tom Slick]

I think it is a very valid question. We could make our own table saws but the first question would be "why?".

[cgallery]

I think it is a very valid question. We could make our own table saws but the first question would be "why?".

Actually, I have thought of building my own table saw. There are some features I'd like that just aren't commercially available.

[Tom Slick]

Actually, I have thought of building my own table saw. There are some features I'd like that just aren't commercially available.

then it fits the second part of his question "Is there something really special about the one you are making?"

my personal thought process on buy vs. build is "can I truly build it for less?" or "can I build it better or with certain features?" Yes to either makes it worth building. No to both makes it a waste of time (for me), I'd rather work on projects then make tools. on the other hand, for some it is all about the tools.

[Ozzie]

Why would we make our own tools or jigs? Because we want to, not to show up others.

Ozzie

[shoottx]

I don't think Mike is saying there was anything wrong with the question. That, it was just ironic given the nature of the site.

Yup I think he's got it. As I was scrolling down through the posts about computers Mac vs. Windows, computer language Linux vs. the world, questions on other software, and a couple a jokes, I ran across a post pertaining to a wood working project. The poster was looking for help in locating a supply of shot for building a dead blow hammer. I assumed it would be a woodworking project based on several sets of plans I have seen for building a dead blow hammer.

It struck me as funny or strange when reading a post asking for information pertaining to wood working project the suggestion, intended or not was to not build something but to buy a HF substitute.

It seemed to me, the suggested alternative was a candid question with a very sincere suggestion. I think it was the context of the question that struck me as odd. Here we are as a part of a great community (I really believe that) that is focused on woodworking tools and woodworking and the implied suggestion is to go buy a HF hammer instead of building one. That context just struck me as odd.

My intention was not to offend anyone (I do know how to do that). And I tried to be very careful not to criticize the poster, or question his intent. So if I have offended anyone I am truly sorry and I apologize.

[gsmittle]

my personal thought process on buy vs. build is "can I truly build it for less?" or "can I build it better or with certain features?" Yes to either makes it worth building. No to both makes it a waste of time (for me), I'd rather work on projects then make tools. on the other hand, for some it is all about the tools.

To that I would add: "Will I have fun/learn something in the process?" Even a "maybe" would tip me over to building my own, assuming I have the time and funds.

OTOH, if I need a drum sander now, I'm not going to fool with building one. OTGH, I can't conceive of a project that urgent that requires a drum sander at this point in my life...

Just to circle back to the subject of this whole thread, I love it when someone asks me why. My response is usually, "Why not?"

g.