The Seven Rules of the Shop - Part 7 #10

Rule #7: Power Tools Allow You To Make Your Mistakes Much Faster

Modern tools are fantastic for efficient work. They are also great for efficient mistakes. Newer is not always better, and the meticulousness of hand tools can allow for incremental corrections. A scalpel versus a hacksaw if we are speaking in Civil War surgical terms.

Miter saws are great for breaking down stock, but tread lightly for fine use.

Speedy mistakes aside, power tools are noisy. They disrupt what is otherwise a zen-like sanctuary.

Finally, a sense of pride can be achieved. Anyone can teach their grandmother to push the ‘On’ button for the thickness planer. Not everyone would take the time to work a piece of rough-sawn lumber and utilize a set of winding sticks for their milling purposes.

Thickness planers so easy to use, your grandmother could do it.

Is the hard way borderline masochistic sometimes? Perhaps. Rewarding? Absolutely.