Do Tools Make the Craftsman

No, the tools do not make the craftsman, but in many cases, they do help identify him. Being a craftsman is the result of a constant search for a better method of fulfilling your tasks. Many times, this better system causes your productivity to increase but never at the cost of quality. It is a constant learning process. If a tool is discovered which causes a craftsman to save time or eases the energy in one area of the methodology then it becomes their desired tool. Craftsmen are not ridged to their ways, but the ways have become tried and true, so before they switch them the other method must present the benefit of adapting it. It is true I carry some old tool in my tool bags, but I have not learned of a better method as of yet, and yet I am constantly searching for them.

I build quality additions, preform complete renovations and ADUs (additional dwelling units.) I have not built the perfect ADU, addition or the perfect renovation yet but still I strive to do so. No two projects are identical. Even if you build mirror images on the same plot of land, the projects are not the same. One will teach you something which you question and then try to adapt another approach to increase your goal. That goal of building the best structure, without harming the quality of the project.

I have seen wood-butchers cut bundles of siding with chainsaws. I have not seen these butcher plumb the corner or check to see individual dimensions. I have also pulled out inches wide of caulking behind them when I am called to make a repair. That attitude of I can’t see it from my house is the mindset of someone who does appreciate their craft; someone who works for a paycheck and not for the pleasure of a project done well. I carry a plumb bob and a Lazar leveling device onto my project sites. During layout I first snap the control lines so as to have a reference point. I do make mistakes but I also correct mistakes and I find the best method for increasing productivity is to do a task right the first time.

No, tools do not make craftsmen- they along with their search for knowledge, willingness to teach and the quality of workmanship identify them. If you want to learn more about your approach then teach it to another and answer their questions. You will have a far greater understanding of why you do task, a certain way or use certain tools. It is impossible to become a skilled craftsman without quality tools, an inquisitive mind, and that striving for that perfect task completed. It odd the growth of the craftsmen increases their demand, then supply and demand causes other to increase their profit. It is not the speed in which one performs a task; it is the ease in which one does the task correctly that sets the craftsmen apart.    

Note: Images on this blog site are from a free source or taken by the author. No image or group of photos is intended to represent the people the author serves. The author does not care about Race (that is a politically correct term that he does not like because we are all of the same Race, the Human Race. He prefers the term ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, marital status, disability, genetic information, national origin, source of income, Veteran or military status, ancestry, citizenship, primary language or immigration status.) He is a service provider for all people. We will all rise together when we band together and help one another. Joseph Erwin is a Real Estate Broker, DRE # O2131799, and a CA general contractor # B 696662. He’s a member of the CRMLS and The East Valley Association of Realtors located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California.