I received an email from Rockler with the subject "The future of woodworking" It featured a fully automated, computer operated carving machine. While it is a great machine, I find  I can not classify it as "woodworking" in sense as I know it. A semi-skilled computer hack, who has never worked with wood or never used a woodworking tool, can set one up and use it.

Once you learn the program, insert the wood and turn it on............you can walk away. No skill involved.

 

It is like an oil painting done in a mass marketing factory that they pawn off as art.

 

Am I off base with this? Do you think it is really woodworking?

Doesn't sound very "hands on" to me. I would rather do it all with my own hands, from start to finish. Then I can say " Look what I made " and be proud of it!

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Harry Brink
Bulldog Woodworking
Montana

Cheapens the craft!

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

I completely agree! I see it as computer programming and not very much woodworking. The product removed from the machine in my opinion has no soul or craftsmanship.

Do you suppose this same discussion took place by the hand tool craftsmen when power tools were first introduced.

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Mike Dillen said:

Do you suppose this same discussion took place by the hand tool craftsmen when power tools were first introduced.

Yes it did!

It also still continues as I have come across many WWing folks who raise this point about how those who use the new power tools and specialty tools/jigs are no longer woodworkers. It also has to deal with what the term "woodworking" means to each individual woodworker.

For me I look at woodworking from a hobbyist standpoint right now. I would never be able to make the things that I do without the power tools and jigs that I use. I have improved my craft over the years and have implemented a number of hand tools into the mix as they are easier to use in many situations than digging out and setting up a power tool or jig. I look to the new CNC type machines as being another tool in the arsenal of the woodworker as they can serve a great purpose. In July 2011 I was at the AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers) show in Las Vegas with my wife and spent a lot of time walking through this huge EXPO of tools and furnishings for the woodworking/cabinetry/furniture construction industry. One of the hottest ticket items were the CNC and LASER machines not only for the large manufacturer but also for the small shop owner as well. We got to see the prototype of the "Click n Carve" before it was brought to market. The smaller machines like the "Click N Carve" are designed for small items for making decorative items and crafts in plastics and wood. But larger units like the "Shop Bot" move up into production piece work. You can use the CNC machines to make specialty or decorative pieces that will go into a woodworking project or depending on the project make all the pieces cut to spec and then are ready to assemble. It all depends on what type of work that you do as well as the reason that you do the work that you do. I have a few things that I would like to make in this coming year that I could replicate to sell to generate income. If and/or when I get to the point that it would be beneficial for me to move into a CNC type machine to cut multiple pieces AND if it would be financially prudent for me to do so, I would have no problem doing it. But there will be a line that will be crossed on some items where it will no longer be called "woodworking" but "production". 

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Allen Worsham
Corona, CA

allenworsham@earthlink.net

'Graze in every man's field, but always give your own milk' J. Vernon McGee

Being a hobbyist,

I'll stick with my "Old Woodworking Machines" 

At least these I can fix.

The electronics just bring in more expensive/complicated things to go wrong.

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

And then you have to call in some goober with a pocket protector and the latest IPAD to fix it.... Sorry if that description fits anyone here, no offense intended.

Larry Buskirk said:

Being a hobbyist,

I'll stick with my "Old Woodworking Machines" 

At least these I can fix.

The electronics just bring in more expensive/complicated things to go wrong.

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Each new tool that replaced an old hand tool still required a set of skills to use properly. You had to plan and design your cuts before you made them. You had to have skills and still had to be a craftsman. This new rig does everything for you and anyone can push the start button.. It does the rest for you. No other skills required, no craftsman required.  
Allen Worsham said:

Mike Dillen said:

Do you suppose this same discussion took place by the hand tool craftsmen when power tools were first introduced.

Yes it did!

It also still continues as I have come across many WWing folks who raise this point about how those who use the new power tools and specialty tools/jigs are no longer woodworkers. It also has to deal with what the term "woodworking" means to each individual woodworker.

For me I look at woodworking from a hobbyist standpoint right now. I would never be able to make the things that I do without the power tools and jigs that I use. I have improved my craft over the years and have implemented a number of hand tools into the mix as they are easier to use in many situations than digging out and setting up a power tool or jig. I look to the new CNC type machines as being another tool in the arsenal of the woodworker as they can serve a great purpose. In July 2011 I was at the AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers) show in Las Vegas with my wife and spent a lot of time walking through this huge EXPO of tools and furnishings for the woodworking/cabinetry/furniture construction industry. One of the hottest ticket items were the CNC and LASER machines not only for the large manufacturer but also for the small shop owner as well. We got to see the prototype of the "Click n Carve" before it was brought to market. The smaller machines like the "Click N Carve" are designed for small items for making decorative items and crafts in plastics and wood. But larger units like the "Shop Bot" move up into production piece work. You can use the CNC machines to make specialty or decorative pieces that will go into a woodworking project or depending on the project make all the pieces cut to spec and then are ready to assemble. It all depends on what type of work that you do as well as the reason that you do the work that you do. I have a few things that I would like to make in this coming year that I could replicate to sell to generate income. If and/or when I get to the point that it would be beneficial for me to move into a CNC type machine to cut multiple pieces AND if it would be financially prudent for me to do so, I would have no problem doing it. But there will be a line that will be crossed on some items where it will no longer be called "woodworking" but "production". 

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Allen Worsham
Corona, CA

allenworsham@earthlink.net

'Graze in every man's field, but always give your own milk' J. Vernon McGee

The above is the exact reason the only craft shows/festivals that I participate in are Juried hancrafted shows.  I must prove that what i produce is made by me and not by a computer.  Yes, I use an electric motor powered scroll saw - however - I guide the wood BY HAND and not by machine.

My opinion and I'm sticking with it (big grin here).

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21 (Presently on the floor. Using my 6-year old 788 ! ! ! ! !
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'