Actually I have a friend that is a tool and die maker. Started out in many facets of machining and ended up incredibly rounded out.
So yes I understand that there are different grades of skill.
Same to be said of Cabinet Making. There are kitchen box jockey's. That's not true Cabinet making. There is Carpentry but even that has been grossly compartmentalised. How many Carpenters can build stairs and a roof anymore? There is Millwork for fixed building interiors and Joinery for furniture. But having training in all of that is akin to learning to be a full compass millwright welder, machinist and toolmaker.
Having done the full gambit of woodworking from a young age I never thought much of it until I learned that many people are severely limited. By themselves, mostly due to fear. My Dad and grandfather built from footing to roof and everything in between. I helped and I learned. I liked cabinetmaking more and went into that. Basically swearing off kitchens. ( 9 in 34 years ) I have done just about everything that a wood working person can do aside from log buildings and full timber frame buildings. Most types of furniture and curved work of many sorts and sizes.
Metal working I have always dabbled at. And now I am getting more serious about doing more of it. So I have been slowly buying up old used iron that is by chance all British made and again by chance all made by Elliot. My bandsaws are not. But two lathes and a milling machine are. A K.O. Lee surface grinder is in the works and a tool and cutter grinder by the same guys. I think I have a D-bit grinder as well. Still waiting. So getting setup correctly. Helped along by my retired tool and die guy. Who really isn't retired just working more slowly!
I read what you guys post and see a few on here that are truly gifted craftsmen. And I appreciate your time and your explanations. There are more than have chimed in on this thread. But I think they know who they are. A lot of us have a slightly different bent and that works. You need that. Why else pout so much time into things most average people will never even dream of attempting!
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