What’s “high-quality woodworking”?I’m a long-time woodworker and a college member within the Positive Woodworking Division on the Santa Fe Neighborhood Faculty in Santa Fe, N.M. I’ve observed that whereas we actually educate it and emphasize the basic ideas of it, we not often outline for our college students what “high-quality woodworking” means. My analysis on the web has not likely met that want for me, so I assumed possibly you might assist. I appear to recollect studying an excellent and succinct definition in one in all your articles a couple of years again, however I’ve been unable to seek out it. —Russell Smith, Santa Fe, N.M. |
Mike Pekovich replies:
When Paul Roman began Positive Woodworking journal virtually 50 years in the past, he selected the phrase “high-quality” to distinguish the journal from construction-based or dwelling enchancment–targeted content material. Since then, the time period has taken on a number of meanings, some for the higher and a few not a lot.
Whereas in a normal sense all of us aspire to high-quality woodworking no matter how we outline it, setting the bar too excessive on what constitutes “high-quality” furnishings can create unrealistic expectations and discourage others from coming into into the craft. We’re all aware of the dovetail motif within the journal’s brand, however I don’t imagine that good work is outlined by the joinery we use. Neither is it in regards to the expense of the lumber, the quantity of element, the hours invested, or the issue concerned in making. I could also be biased on this level, as a result of I have a tendency to consider my work as pretty easy. Whereas I do really feel that a few of my work approaches the extent of “high-quality” that I maintain in my head, I readily admit that not all of it does. A whole lot of the explanation has to do with my intent on the time: Was the undertaking one thing I used to be dashing via—possibly one I jumped into with out numerous thought—or was it one thing I used to be really invested in? Was it a significant use of time in my store? I can’t all the time put my finger on it, however a few of my work brings me pleasure after I use it, whereas different items simply type of sit there.
I do imagine that the time period “high-quality” assumes a sure stage of talent and information of sound development methods (whether or not that includes pocket screws or tapered sliding dovetails). I attempt to set three targets for myself when making one thing: Does it do its job? Is it good to take a look at? Is it snug to make use of? Maybe past that, did the undertaking afford me the possibility to check out a brand new approach (or provide a cause to purchase a brand new instrument)? In the end, “high-quality” woodworking ought to describe our ambitions to do the very best we are able to in constructing each bit and in placing the teachings discovered to make use of on our subsequent efforts. We don’t robotically get higher with every undertaking, but when we give our greatest on each construct, we’ll finally get the place we wish to go. I’m nonetheless on that journey.
-Mike Pekovich
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