A
Anonymous
Guest
In industry you can't really be a craftsman without going through the recognised learning channels is the accepted wisdom. This doesn't apply to consulting, where there are all sorts of self-taught individuals - me included if you think about it as I've never had any formal 'training' as a consultant even though I'm highly regarded by my peers. So what is a self-taught woodworker, or mechanic, or plumber...or even a consultant? A craftsman by another name?
Not blowing my trumpet too hard I reckon I can produce some nice stuff in wood. There are also lots of things I can't do - like a hand cut dovetail, for example, but why would I want to do that when I've got power tools that can do it in a trice? However, what I do make sells and people like the designs and the quality of what I produce. I can always learn the bits I can't do when and if the need arises (there's lots of scrap wood under the bench) but a real craftsman would probably know how to do everything anyway. There's also a ton of advice in this forum. Is there real 'value' in knowing how to do things you're never likely to do, or could possibly be done more efficiently by other means?
After a long time working in wood I can produce quality every bit as good as some of the experts. Does that make me, or anyone in a similar position, a craftsman? Is self-taught any less valuable than someone who spent five years or more learning every aspect of the 'trade'? The self-taught could even produce better work - q.v. your average 'qualified' plumber!
So, what is a craftsman these days?
Not blowing my trumpet too hard I reckon I can produce some nice stuff in wood. There are also lots of things I can't do - like a hand cut dovetail, for example, but why would I want to do that when I've got power tools that can do it in a trice? However, what I do make sells and people like the designs and the quality of what I produce. I can always learn the bits I can't do when and if the need arises (there's lots of scrap wood under the bench) but a real craftsman would probably know how to do everything anyway. There's also a ton of advice in this forum. Is there real 'value' in knowing how to do things you're never likely to do, or could possibly be done more efficiently by other means?
After a long time working in wood I can produce quality every bit as good as some of the experts. Does that make me, or anyone in a similar position, a craftsman? Is self-taught any less valuable than someone who spent five years or more learning every aspect of the 'trade'? The self-taught could even produce better work - q.v. your average 'qualified' plumber!
So, what is a craftsman these days?