“Craftsmanship” is a word used to describe many things that have nothing to do with any “craft,” and very little to do with “man.”  I’ve heard it used to describe automobiles, which are assembled in factories by robots; clothes, which are produced by computer guided cutting and sewing machines; and musical instruments, which are similarly manufactured with very little input from living people.  True craftsmanship requires human hands to be involved in more than pushing a button and spot-checking items coming off an assembly line.

       I have spent nearly half a century learning and honing my craft.  Most of what I create is done using hand tools that require neither batteries nor a power cord.  I am not opposed to power tools and will use them for rush jobs or to lower the labor cost to a customer.  However, I cannot, in all good conscience, call something I make “handcrafted” if most of the work was done something mechanical.

      While I cannot, using hand tools, replicate the precision of a robot, I can produce items that are of superior quality and unique to the people for whom they are made.  In fact, I guarantee my work.  If customers are not happy with something I have made, they only pay for the materials; I receive nothing for my time. I also guarantee my estimates to be within 10% of the final price.