Comments on: Machines don’t quite slice it

By: Paul Sellers

Paul Sellers — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:38:00 +0000

I should point out that I didn’t and would never walk away from a sincere question. My point is that all too often people have. Amde up mind and that a made up mind is almost impossible to change. I have spent the past twenty years passing on all that I can and don’t plan on stopping any time soon so rest assured, though I am a woodworker first and a teacher second, I plans a future that will expand the horizons from the forgotten past into the nseen future.

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Wonderful and so, so, true Paul. I hope this blog is read by many, it’s a wonderful and true piece of writing to those who love the craft of really working wood.

By: Jude

Jude — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 22:28:00 +0000

Mr. Sellers,

I enjoy your videos, you have a ton of experience in woodworking, and I like the fact that you go against the conventional grain. However, the attitude expressed in this blog post is one of contempt toward those who would ask you challenging questions, those who would push you to explain why this method or tool is more advantageous than another, those for whom an opportunity to teach are turned away because you can’t bear the challenge.

There’s a big difference between telling and teaching. The latter engages students to ask questions, however mundane they may be, and challenge what their being taught; not because of any disrespect for the teacher but because learning is a process of working through alternatives for oneself and not simply being told this is the correct way and that’s it. Telling is a process of indoctrination that stifles learning.

You’ve clearly learned your craft by questioning and challenging the woodworking status quo. Allowing and encouraging others to do the same, especially when the challenge is directed at you, is the mark of a mature teacher.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:51:00 +0000

I thought this was a fitting story that might compliment
your post.

MY brother-In-Law the “Professional Trim Carpenter & Custom Wood Worker” was
at my house two days ago picking up my table saw that I sold him… Well, gave him
actually. Because of the low price that
I sold it for, and the fact that I will never see the money that is due me “after
he finishes this big job he just landed”! He and I don’t see eye to eye on…well,
anything!

I told you that story so I
could tell you this one. Before he
arrived at my home I was in the middle of watching a DVD “name removed” making
a set of hollow and rounds. He joins me
for a few scenes and then asks: “Why on
earth would you ever waste your time building those, or even taking the time to
use them?” “Their clumsy with limited uses, and hard to use”. My response was, “They are a very versatile
tool, and with time you can make any number of profiles for moldings and much
more.”

He then says: “You “hobbyist” woodworkers with your hand powered
toys or whatever you want to call them wouldn’t last a day on one of my job
sites.” Wait it gets better! “Let me
clue you in to the world of professional woodworking Brian. Time is money, (learn
something new every day) and if I have to waste my time creating “CUSTOM” profiles
on the crown molding, or any other trim that I install I would never make any
money. That’s why I buy all my trim pre-milled and I can do what I do best…
Slap it up and get paid”! I guess he told me!

So the question that begs
to be asked, and the same question I have been asking myself for the better
part of ten years is, “what qualifies him as a Professional Trim Carpenter
& Custom Wood Worker”? Well, it says
so… On his truck, letter head and business cards!

Thanks for your post Paul!

Brian

White Lake Michigan