2 Oct 2007
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I am constantly amazed at the differing reactions that can follow from rather mild advice proffered on woodworking forums.
A recent thread on Fine Woodworking Knots Hand Tool section took off in a spectacular way, and developed into several simultaneous discussions, which had little relevance to the original question. A poster who I will describe as a traditionalist user of old Stanley planes made several outrageous and inaccurate statements about a number of issues and was also extremely rude in a personal and sarcastic way. Now I know two things about my published articles and DVDs; 1. They are highly detailed and sometimes contain radical approaches to age-old tasks, such as sharpening. 2. They seem to be helpful to a significant number of amateur woodworkers, judging by the number of emails I receive from readers and viewers. This feedback is very important to me as an author; as it makes the considerable effort of writing, photography and technical drawing, seem worthwhile. Magazine article writing in the UK is not a well-rewarded occupation, though it has a significant PR value for the small private classes, which I run in my workshop. The reader is most welcome to reject all of my theories and strategies, and follow whichever methods suit his or her style of work best, but I take grave exception to personal attacks and the misrepresentation of my methods by people who chose not to use them and clearly do not understand the details or the advantages. So I decided to concentrate on more constructive work, here at home. Best wishes, David |
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| posted by davidcharl at 20:34 | comments [9] | |
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| posted by Mike Traynar | 2 Oct 2007 at 21:53 |
I am not aware of the exchanges that have been going on, but I fully support both your points #1 and #2. From reading your books, watching your DVDs and attending one of your courses I know that you are hugely knowledgable about wood and woodworking. I would go as far as saying you are a scientist in wood. And the wonderful thing is that you are also a supreme teacher and can convey this knowledge to others, particularly amateurs. A rare combination. When you answer a question I have the impression that the answer is extremely well condidered and that you are giving us just the "tip of the iceberg". What's more you really do have the best interests of us amateurs at heart. You have provided us with a straightforward set of steps that give amateurs a chance to produce high quality work. More power to your elbow! |
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| posted by Jim Linn | 2 Oct 2007 at 22:45 |
I've just spent a while finding the thread and particular post which seems to have upset you and can see why. It's jaw dropping that someone can trash a technique without even trying it! Mike says it all in his comment. It's your scientific, theoretical approach that attracts us to your courses. As a pilot this is the only way my mind works! As amateurs, to be able to sharpen to the highest standard in minutes so that one can get on with the work is priceless. Rest assured though; those of us who use your methods remain convinced! |
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| posted by Mike Lingenfelter | 2 Oct 2007 at 22:57 |
There have been some interesting articles written about how people act on the Internet. Using email and posting on forms you lose the normal social barriers. People say things they would never say to someone’s face, but then there are those don't have any barriers whatsoever :). I haven't read the thread either, but I have encountered situations that you described. They really can put a damper on a good discussion. I've been spending a lot of time at LumberJocks.com , lots of friendly people over there. Also, I enjoy your DVDs, books and articles. Mike |
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| posted by Oz Man | 3 Oct 2007 at 08:51 |
I know that it is easy to say but don't let that kind of childish arrogance get to you David. I have followed the thread in question and it seems clear to me that the person in question takes juvenile delight in tearing down other people rather than offering his own advice. As a long time forum user I have encountered this sort of behaviour before myself and it is always frustrating. What is also clear from the thread is that many of the people taking part gained great benefit from you posts. Focus on the numerous people who benefited from your posts rather than the one person who used your posts as an excuse to big-note himself. Cheers, Oz Man |
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| posted by Rod Frey | 3 Oct 2007 at 23:47 |
Thanks for your many contributions in the past, David. Your input will be missed, but I agree it's not your job to reform ill behaviour. |
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| posted by Geert van der Donk | 11 Oct 2007 at 01:06 |
Just ignore it David. It's a wast of time. What counts is, that your techniques work, are esteemed highly by respected craftsmen and are time saving. Don't spend the gained time on ignorant people. Have a beer instead. There's software on the market that detects ill behaviour and allows the moderator to act. What I like most is the following: he can make the offender see his own posts, but all other users don't. So no matter what he writes, nobody reacts, because he himself is the only one seeing his posts. Brilliantly rude solution. In the end he will leave the forum, because he is completely ignored. I read about this in the newspaper, but do not recall the name of the application. cheers. Geert |
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| posted by Neil Lamens [ http://www.furnitology.blogspot.com/ ] | 15 Oct 2007 at 21:42 |
I haven't seen the thread you are referring to, but have surely read my comparative share. I have many pet peeves about internet woodworking and have found that I went from participating, to just reading, and now only ask positive questions of topics that interest me. Like yourself David, I have more constructive achievements to address. Neil |
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| posted by Dennis Boettcher | 13 Feb 2008 at 09:45 |
If it wasn't for your techniques shared in such a detailed way by yourself, I personnaly would not be enjoying the new found skills you allowed me to learn. The "ruler trick" alone is probably the most important technique on sharpening that has come along in a long while. The fact that you have thought through and experimented shows in your publications and DVD's. Don't listen to internet forums but rather to your customers. I for one have found you to be head and shoulders above the crowd. For I have found great value in what you have to say. Dennis Wisconsin USA |
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| posted by davidcharl | 13 Feb 2008 at 23:20 |
Dennis, Thank you so much for those encouraging comments. Hearing that you have found the techniques helpful, is very good for morale. It is sometimes rather difficult to maintain this while struggling with new articles. I think Rob Cosman said that the ruler trick is the only original sharpening techniques, that he has found useful in the last 30 years. It saves a huge amount of preparation time on all straight edge tools (except chisels) and massively increases the reliability and repeatability of sharpening. I get terrific pleasure from watching the reactions of my students, when they first work with really sharp tools. It is not so difficult, no mystical skills or fancy kit, just the careful application of a rigorous technique. best wishes, David |
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