Hand tool truisms – what say you?

[Mike Allen1010]

I've been a self-taught hand tool woodworker for 40 years. Over that time I've heard lots of adages, axioms, cliches etc. that capture nuggets of wisdom that apply to our craft. To me, these sayings capture fundamental truths for doing quality work, and if gathered together could form a solid guiding philosophy for somebody interested in hand tool woodworking. I would love to hear the thoughts and insights of my fellow Creekers - what truism/guiding principles do you adhere to? Some common examples might be:

"Measure twice, cut once"

"Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference"

"The most expensive tool is the one you have to replace because the first one you brought didn't work"

I look forward to the groups collective wisdom. All comments are welcome!

Thanks, Mike

[Rob Luter]

My sig line says it all.

[Stew Denton]

For the overly meticulous carpenters in the group (I tend to be a little that way):

"Remember, you are building a house, not a piano."

On using tools appropriate for the size of the job:

"Don't try to force it, use a bigger hammer."

Saying of one of the plant craftsman who would sometimes take chances that something he wanted to try might not be a good idea:

"If the part doesn't fit, force it; if it breaks, it needed to be fixed anyway."

My Dad to either one of his two (at the time) teenage sons who was in too much of a hurry to complete something rather than to do a good job on it:

"Don't get in such a big toot." (We knew exactly what he meant.)

On efficient work practices:

"Plan your work and work your plan."

On the value of becoming skilled at your work:

"Do you see a man skilled in his work?"
"He will stand before kings;"
"He will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29)

Stew

[Edward Weber]

While I believe in most of those little cliche's, when I actually here someone say them it drives me nuts.
Many of them contain good advice but they often come off as semi-sarcastic and smart-alecky.

[Dave Anderson NH]

One from our NH woodworking guild which is also applicable here.

We all have both something to teach and to learn.

[Steve Jenkins]

There’s never time to do it right but always time to do it over.

[Stew Denton]

Steve,

I heard that one several times at the plant I worked at over 30 years ago. Always spoken by the plant manager and always directed at the maintenance department. His wording of the truism you list was always "Why is there never time to do it right, but there is always time to do it over."

Stew

[Frederick Skelly]

My sig line says it all.

I was thinking the same. The version posted in my shop is "Dull tools don't work."

[Curt Putnam]

Perfection is the enemy of good enough.

From a former military operations planner "Always plan the scapegoat first"

From my good fishing buddy (a general contractor and superb finish carpenter) "Pound to fit and paint to match"

[Mike Allen1010]

Perfection is the enemy of good enough.

From a former military operations planner "Always plan the scapegoat first"

From my good fishing buddy (a general contractor and superb finish carpenter) "Pound to fit and paint to match"

Oooooh, those are good- definitely have the ring of authenticity!!

[Jim Ritter]

Putty and paint make her what she ain’t. Often said about boat work.
Jim

[Prashun Patel]

You can always be flatter, sharper, squarer.

But you may be flat, sharp, and square enough.

Aim for the first but be content with the second.

[Scott Winners]

The more I use my handtools, the sharper they become.

I have heard the tenses and persons switched around a few ways on that one but find it to be valid.

[michael langman]

An old time machinist once told me when I was first starting out,"If something is not working out, stop wasting time, and try something else."

[Mark Hennebury]

There are two kinds of people;
Those that sharpen their tools when they are dull.
Those that sharpen them when they know they can be sharper.