About 45 years ago, Wharton Esherick famously told Sam Maloof (in a cleaned-up version):
This thing you call handcraft. I say, “Stop that thing.” I use any damn machinery I can get a hold of . . . Handcrafted has nothing to do with it. I’ll use my teeth if I have to. There’s a little of the hand, but the main thing is the heart and the head. Handcrafted? I say “Applesauce! Stop it!”
The Furniture of Sam Maloof, p. 127
I was reminded of Esherick’s observation when I saw this link at The Wood Whisperer. It’s a tour of a guy’s shop, filled to overflowing with all kinds of tools and machinery:
Shop tours are interesting things for woodworkers. (In fact, my son and I had the pleasure of touring another woodworker’s shop just last night. Thanks Tim and Herschel!)
But the thing about this shop that smacked me up side the head is that this guy will never have to use his teeth to get anything done! He’s got every base covered. Maybe there’s still room for the heart and the head but the hand has every aid it’ll ever need.
Your Correspondent who’s thinking all he really needs is some air conditioning.
