I lurk but haven’t posted much recently. This is an odd post but I think this is the most relevant forum although the thoughts are tangential, but perhaps relevant to the “Mistakes” thread.
Anyway, I help my wife behind the scenes as she teaches Silversmithing. As she made Sugru handles for some files, we discussed using a belt grinder in the brand new Steel Stamp Making class she is teaching tomorrow. I cautioned her to warn her students not to be tempted to flatten the face on the belt, lest they dubb it. We shared an appreciation of not allowing power tools in beginners classes until they had demonstrated they could do it by hand.
I lobby for it this way, “Make mistakes slower with hand tools.”
We all learn from making mistakes. Embracing how you prevent or remediate these mistakes allows for mastery of a craft or technique.
I find when learning a new technique / art, working, more slowly an methodically allows me time to think, consider and ensure I have things measured, square, and prepared. I try to avoid mistakes that way. Additionally, when I do make a mistake, it is generally smaller. Additionally, I think it is generally safer, though I have cut myself with most of my hand tools at one time or another - saws, planes, and chisels.
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