Daniel Rode
10-14-2015, 1:41 PM
Great article from Joshua Klein (http://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/editors-blog/dawks-at-the-yale-furniture-study) regarding imperfections in historic woodworking.
The cost of quality wood continues to rise. Combine the value of the wood with the effort that goes into hand tool work and it's painful to discard a piece with a non-structural flaw. I struggle to leave flaws, even hidden flaws. I want every inch to be perfect (I never come close) but the more I study historic furniture the more I realize that these craftsmen were pragmatic and efficient. For most this was a job, not a spiritual calling or a deeply artistic expression.
The cost of quality wood continues to rise. Combine the value of the wood with the effort that goes into hand tool work and it's painful to discard a piece with a non-structural flaw. I struggle to leave flaws, even hidden flaws. I want every inch to be perfect (I never come close) but the more I study historic furniture the more I realize that these craftsmen were pragmatic and efficient. For most this was a job, not a spiritual calling or a deeply artistic expression.