Thanks Jim,
I'm not against Gadgets, though. I love my Swiss Army Knife, & keep a leatherman in the glove compartment.
I also know the gadgets we've discussed here are quite servicable to alot of woodworkers.
I think it's good to understand they are based on what the basic operations accomplish though, & understand them first. Sometimes a gadget is just a gadget, & better marketed than more basic, & simple, approaches.
With the price of all the tools in the shop going sky high, I shutter to think of what a new hobbyist, or apprentice, might think they need to get started in this craft. It was so much simpler even just 20-30 years ago to get some woodworking tools & enjoy this craft.
Anyone notice the news that Sharper Image has filed for bankruptcy? They sell fancy gadgets that are hard to resist, yet collect dust on shelves & eventually populate garage sale tables. So do many Incra Jigs, & such. My Mother's kitchen is full of gadgets. She is a great cook, but no professional cook would need many of these items. I see the value in her kitchen of a bass'o'matic, but I'll stick with just my filet knife. Ronko anyone?
