Different people, difference situations.
Artists: Likely to utilize manual or other "sub-optimized" methods because the craftsmanship and methods are part the final piece and they want to put more of themselves into their work. These folks may use good but inexpensive tools, or very high end best of the best equipment depending on their personal opinion/philosophy.
Professionals: Time = Money. If I can save 30 minutes per job at $150/hr it doesn't take very long at all to recoup that cost. If it make a superior end product vs. whatever tool I was currently using to better satisfy my customers all the better. I think it is perfectly reasonable for products aimed at these folks to appear astronomical in price to a hobby woodworker, it's a totally different equation.
Hobby Woodworkers, lots of money, little shop time: These guys and gals want to enjoy their time since they don't have very much of it. If money is no object why not pick up something which will allow them to get through the 'grunt work' faster and on to something else they like better. If they feel that way about the whole process, then perhaps it's not really a good choice of hobby. These folks can be rather inconsiderate when they assume everyone can afford the same things they can, and insist that their tools are the only good choices.
Hobby Woodworkers, little money, lots of shop time: This tends to be folks on fixed incomes or other circumstances where it's just not possible to blow lots of money on the latest and greatest tools. For these people the time needed to do something by hand, or using a slighly slower tool is perfectly fine and often results in a product that's just as good (or better) than one made with more 'fancy gadgets'
Hobby Woodworkers, hybrid: (this is where I fall) Between the other two extremes. Willing to spend money for better/faster/nicer tools when there is a perceived value, but unwilling/unable to buy a 18" jointer, Euro sliding-saw, 36" wide belt sander, etc. I enjoy my working time, and don't mind taking time to make a nice joint. However, I enjoy it more when I am able to appreciate the tools I'm using rather than feeling like I'm fighting them.
Artists: Likely to utilize manual or other "sub-optimized" methods because the craftsmanship and methods are part the final piece and they want to put more of themselves into their work. These folks may use good but inexpensive tools, or very high end best of the best equipment depending on their personal opinion/philosophy.
Professionals: Time = Money. If I can save 30 minutes per job at $150/hr it doesn't take very long at all to recoup that cost. If it make a superior end product vs. whatever tool I was currently using to better satisfy my customers all the better. I think it is perfectly reasonable for products aimed at these folks to appear astronomical in price to a hobby woodworker, it's a totally different equation.
Hobby Woodworkers, lots of money, little shop time: These guys and gals want to enjoy their time since they don't have very much of it. If money is no object why not pick up something which will allow them to get through the 'grunt work' faster and on to something else they like better. If they feel that way about the whole process, then perhaps it's not really a good choice of hobby. These folks can be rather inconsiderate when they assume everyone can afford the same things they can, and insist that their tools are the only good choices.
Hobby Woodworkers, little money, lots of shop time: This tends to be folks on fixed incomes or other circumstances where it's just not possible to blow lots of money on the latest and greatest tools. For these people the time needed to do something by hand, or using a slighly slower tool is perfectly fine and often results in a product that's just as good (or better) than one made with more 'fancy gadgets'
Hobby Woodworkers, hybrid: (this is where I fall) Between the other two extremes. Willing to spend money for better/faster/nicer tools when there is a perceived value, but unwilling/unable to buy a 18" jointer, Euro sliding-saw, 36" wide belt sander, etc. I enjoy my working time, and don't mind taking time to make a nice joint. However, I enjoy it more when I am able to appreciate the tools I'm using rather than feeling like I'm fighting them.
Comment