Shopsmith Forums

masonsailor2 wrote:It is an interesting argument whether a CNC constitutes fine woodworking. The use of machinery is always moving forward and the CNC and laser carvers are just the newest machinery on the scene. I am sure that that comment was voiced at the advent of every new piece of machinery, including the Shopsmith ! Fine woodworking is the artistic expression using the medium of wood. What one uses to manipulate that medium is not the issue, just the end result
Paul

I completely agree with what Paul said here and would like to comment on his last sentence.--
The "end result" is one of the reasons I changed my mind to not get into CNCs.
The ability to program to carve small/little imperfections is most likely far beyond my abilities.

I am thinking about small differences. The differences between a valued hand made carving and a machined copy can be noticeable by many viewers. Hand carving always produces small marks that would be very hard to program into a machine. Machining most always produces perfection.

Some of us live with and treasure imperfections.

charlese wrote: . . .

Some of us live with and treasure imperfections.

Does your other half know you said THAT?!

JPG wrote:

charlese wrote: . . .

Some of us live with and treasure imperfections.

Does your other half know you said THAT?!

Well she ought to know! She lives with one!

charlese wrote:

masonsailor2 wrote:It is an interesting argument whether a CNC constitutes fine woodworking. The use of machinery is always moving forward and the CNC and laser carvers are just the newest machinery on the scene. I am sure that that comment was voiced at the advent of every new piece of machinery, including the Shopsmith ! Fine woodworking is the artistic expression using the medium of wood. What one uses to manipulate that medium is not the issue, just the end result
Paul

I completely agree with what Paul said here and would like to comment on his last sentence.--
The "end result" is one of the reasons I changed my mind to not get into CNCs.
The ability to program to carve small/little imperfections is most likely far beyond my abilities.

I am thinking about small differences. The differences between a valued hand made carving and a machined copy can be noticeable by many viewers. Hand carving always produces small marks that would be very hard to program into a machine. Machining most always produces perfection.

Some of us live with and treasure imperfections.

You are absolutely right! I have been struggling for the words to say what you just said.

As far as imperfections go, my wife has put up with mine for decades ... I keep telling her it makes her life "interesting"

Imperfections still occur in CNC projects..
They are just less endearing than in a handmade project..

Their real value is in their ability to repeat a design within a reason.

In my preparations for this week's craft show I've been making multiples of signs.. Here are two that the boss has been wanting. Both are unfinished, but were made out of scrap pieces / pallet wood.