Kevin (Jeddiscroller)

[greatdane2]

We are on a slippery slope here though. In Scotland my Grandfather did a lot of Fret Work. He used a home made saw and frowned at all the cheating tools that my dad and I use. I agree with every word written above, and as long as it is us that draw the line as what is "Hand made" we should be ok.
I feel that a simple machine (as in no computer control) is in the realm of hand made. And that each step is controlled by us, as in a simple sneeze or fart could make us ruin a project. Using a machine that would keep going and finish working while you go get a coffee, has crossed over the line of hand made.
I noticed the other day when I was in town that a local feed store was selling dog houses and rabbit hutches. They looked like log cabin style walls. So I looked at the the tag to see if I knew who was making them. His name was "made in China". How the *&%^()*&%### can the make something that big, ship it over here and sell it for less than I could buy the wood for.
My rant for the day. Alan.

[f250]

So far in my experience, a fart does not ruin a project, but it does make the wife leave the shop

Tom

[Plaquerd]

I agree, CNC, laser, water jet etc. all have their place, but not in the HAND MADE isle.
One other thing that is unfair about "machine made " items is this. Two years ago when I paid big money to be in a "juried" show, signed a legal contract stating that everything in my booth is HAND MADE BY ME, then see some rip off ARTIST two booths down from me, (who also had to sign the same type contract to be in the juried show) peeling Made in China stickers off of "HIS" wood work. I complained to the promoter, her answer was and I quote, "We had to fill the booths or the show would not have turned a profit".
In my best non abusive manner I told her she was a poor promoter, that her profit cost me and the other Craftspeople profit by letting this type product in the show and that craftspeople who do their own work can't compete with this type product, especially in a juried show and I would spread the word as to her antics. I then told her I wanted a refund of my fee.......she said "As stated in the contract........NO REFUNDS after (a certain date)"!!! That's when I lost it and told her were she could put her contract. I did let others know and never did the show again. The show is no longer in existence.
Up to that time I thought promoters were "for" the craftsperson.........how naive I was!
Now I make sure that "HAND MADE BY the BOOTH OPERATOR" means just that before I pay the fee.
This may sound trivial, but when it cost anywhere from $450 to $1000 to enter some of the shows I do, you can see what effect "machine made" products can have on true hand made work.
Sorry for the rant just had to vent.

[west_jim]

I agree with everybody. Hand made has to mean just that. The hands must have made contact with the finished product for a considerable time, and dare we say steer the timber or other material during all stages. Right from the time it hits the table to the time it comes off to be sanded / oiled / lacquered.

Give me my Hegner and Stihl chainsaw along with sanders and tools. I am one who enjoys the challenge of creating a beautiful end product.
Jim

[Toolman56]

Goodmoning; Boy did we opean a can worm's here, yes i have to agree with everyboby to a point, but think of our vet's that went over with 2 hand's and came back with one, now he likes too scroll, so he devised a way to do that, so, is that not handmade becuse he used not both hand's to create a finshed beautiful piece, yes i know what everyboby saying, your talking more like production type pieces, i see that everyday at work, i do work in a party store,, so we need too dived the line here , sorry, ether mass produce or make machines for the handicapp type people, there's my rant for the morning, i'm off to work now ,gotta kick's some kid's butt that dont want to work , but want the money,

[sawdustus]

I absolutely agree with what has been said. Handmade at a show should mean handmade by the person(s) selling the items at the show. Using an automated machine to do the work for you does not count as being hand made. I have seen laser cut items for sale at the local craft stores, usually simple 1/8 or thinner ornament or decorative forms for gluing onto other projects. But I hope I never see them for resale at a craft show as handmade items.

george