Neanderthal philosophy

[Mark Rainey]

"At first, during the industrial revolution, the new technology reduced the worker on the job to a Charlie Chaplin of Modern Times. At this early stage, however, the industrial mode of production did not yet paralyze people when they were off the job. Now women or men, who have come to depend almost entirely on deliveries of standardized fragments produced by tools operated by anonymous others, have ceased to find the same direct satisfaction in the use of tools that stimulated the evolution of man and his cultures. Although their needs and their consumption have multiplied many times, their satisfaction in handling tools has become rare, and they have ceased to live a life for which the organism acquired its form." Ivan Illich

[Art Mann]

That's a little too deep for me.

[Phil Mueller]

I think it is possible that neanders (prior to power tools) who worked wood for a living may not have necessarily liked the tools, just used them because there was no alternative. It’s obvious that they embraced power when it became available. In other words, I’m not certain there was substantial satisfaction in the use of particular tools, versus just the satisfaction in the end product.

[Mark Rainey]

I think it is possible that neanders (prior to power tools) who worked wood for a living may not have necessarily liked the tools, just used them because there was no alternative. It’s obvious that they embraced power when it became available. In other words, I’m not certain there was substantial satisfaction in the use of particular tools, versus just the satisfaction in the end product.

I agree Phil that those who worked with hand tools 200 years ago may not have necessarily liked the tools, but they needed the tools. Many men discover over the years they need work; even if given comfortable wealth, they need work. For millennia, men have created with their hands. Handtools closely connect the hands to the product. I think many of us find working with our hands meaningful, even though we know there is a faster method but is less connected to our hands.

[Jim Matthews]

Deeper still: pursuing a craft connects us to those who came before. This elemental connection is severed by mechanization.

Nobody will marvel at the skill of CNC programmers that designed flat pack wardrobes made from chipboard in 200 years.

[Dave Anderson NH]

Bravo Jim !!!!!!

[Prashun Patel]

"Nobody will marvel at the skill of CNC programmers that designed flat pack wardrobes made from chipboard in 200 years."

I don't know about this... We may be too close to the inception of CNC to appreciate how it may or may not change the craft and more 200 years from now. On the contrary, as it becomes cheaper and more accessible to the world, we may see new innovations and expressions of craftsmanship that would otherwise be impossible.

CNC will eventually be a kid's entry point into our world. I suspect they - like myself and many here - will use technology and power as a gateway drug into the world of hand tools.

[Art Mann]

If it is so virtuous and desirable to reach back in time and use the tools and methods of history, why stop at what seems to be the mid 1800's. Why not reach back to iron, bronze, flint or even bone tools? Would that not bring us even closer to our ancestors?

I see a tendency to artificially create stages in the development of tool technology when, in fact, it has been a continuum since the beginning of time.

[Phil Mueller]

The use of hand tools is both enjoyable and for me a necessity, given a very small shop. So I live in the continuum of “a means to an end”, and “it’s the journey, not the destination”. Probably more the former, as I have to admit, while I enjoy the cache of vintage tool use, I’m not sure “I’m one with the wood”, is my primary motivation.

[Thomas Wilson]

I see a strong affinity to tools and mechanical things in my 3 yo grandson. I think it is an instinct in some people. Being shorter, slower, and having eyes that do not see danger approaching from afar, I believe the survival of my genes was due to supplying tools and weapons to the tribe rather than through brute force.

[Edwin Santos]

Deeper still: pursuing a craft connects us to those who came before. This elemental connection is severed by mechanization.

Nobody will marvel at the skill of CNC programmers that designed flat pack wardrobes made from chipboard in 200 years.

The future is never as romantic (or familiar) as the past.
I see no less craftsmanship in a CNC than a chisel. It's just a different kind of tool. Frank Klausz would always say if his grandfather had access to a router, he would have used it.

[Stewie Simpson]

The future is never as romantic (or familiar) as the past.
I see no less craftsmanship in a CNC than a chisel. It's just a different kind of tool. Frank Klausz would always say if his grandfather had access to a router, he would have used it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qBM80C78Nw

[Jim Matthews]

One piece "raised panels" from solid wood?

This production method is to woodworking what autotune is to popular music - an abominable ersatz approximation.

Foo King Hideous

[Stewie Simpson]

And for those of you that think Joel's Gramercy backsaw handles are hand shaped;

https://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/blog/586

[Pat Barry]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qBM80C78Nw

I think that, if you wish hand carving details, you could always CNC and add your hand tool 'touches' to finish. Best of both worlds.