This discussion focuses on what's often perceived as one of woodworking's great divides – the one between power tool and hand tool users – but is it as much of a chasm as as it's portrayed? The first poster gets the discussion going with a  question about where quality originates: in the results, or the methods.  - Editor

“I am a woodworker who uses everything at his disposal – hand, power, ordered pieces, farmed-out work, etc. I've noticed a bit of a scary trend in woodworking around the power vs. hand tool type of work. It seems that these two are becoming very separate, with little or not crossover between the two. Hand tool purists look down on a piece created with any power tools, while power tools users wonder why someone would bother fiddling with a plane. It seems, though, that the craftsmanship of the final piece is not examined. So I ask, where do you see quality of a piece of furniture? Is it the quality of the piece, or is it the method, or the shop, or the workbench, etc.?” - Stephen

Some thought the divisiveness was human nature. - Editor

“It is the nature of a human being to pick something, and then try to compel everyone else around him (or her) to validate his choice by accepting is also. I use power and hand tools, too. People love to fight, and to argue about what they think is best.” - Bill K.

While others took an attitude of practicality.

“You can't make very much stuff eschewing power tools, and you can't get the finish and finish in complex cabinetry with just power tools. These realities drive most all of us to a common middle ground. The majority of makers of high quality stuff use whatever tool they own that is best for the task and don't spend time philosophizing about the choices.” - Bill T

"Quality is not a method. It is a result.... One can build a quality piece of furniture with hand tools, power tools or any combination. I'm not sure why you think the two camps are becoming more polarized. I haven't seen much change over the years. And I know plenty of folks who employ the use  of both power and hand tools (myself included).” - Tom

And some attributed the divide to inherently different philosophies of woodworking.

“For some, making a piece is a journey, the resulting piece merely a postcard reminder of the trip. For some, the piece is the destination and how you get to it depends on the means of transportation available.” - Charlie

“There has always seemed to be a certain romance connected with hand tools. I suspect it is, in part, a function of seeking a less complicated lifestyle. … Hand tool purists, I believe, have developed a true love of their material and guard against anything which they see as coming between them and what they are doing. 'Feeling' the plane or spokeshave peel off semitransparent slices of wood can be sensual to the point of addiction. Their reason for the dedication is obvious. For them, the journey can be far more important than the destination.

“Then there are those who want to produce, and seek the fastest, most efficient way to 'get-er-done.' Power tools get the testosterone flowing in an entirely different way, and provide a serious sense of control  of the material. Power woodworkers have a different view, and they seem to seek control less than the method... The polarization you mention, I suspect, is the result of the myopia of 'process' over 'product' and is nothing new. It does, however, seem to get in the way of appreciation of what others do with the material. Ultimately, whatever means we choose to make the piece is a personal decision. Once it becomes a value judgment on others' choices, we lose part of our appreciation of the craft.” - Mark

Most of the participants in this discussion, at least, felt themselves not in one camp or the other.

“Having been exposed to mass production and one-off craftsmanship, I understand both extremes and can enjoy both at times. I, at times, enjoy the cathartic nature of working quietly and unpowered, at one with the hand tool, and also enjoy the grunt and sweat of keeping up with a power tool, like a chainsaw.” - Jason

“I have friends who consider using a hand tool a personal shortcoming, and others who not only use hand tools, but make their own hand tools. Both make incredible furniture. Personally, I probably do most projects about 75 percent with power tools and 25 percent with hand tools, but there's no strongly held belief system that drives me to do that.” - Jesse

“I use all the resources at my disposal. I can cut mortise and tenon joints, dovetails or whatever by hand or power. Sometimes I do things the hard way just for the challenge. Other times I seek efficiency. I'm a sovereign man; who dares to deny me freedom to choose for myself?” - Forrest

In fact, they expressed doubt that such a divide exists among wodworkers – and derision for any attempts to create one.

“The subject line of [the original] post suggest[s] that two distinct communities have arisen in the woodworking world and that a level of animosity is growing between them. Perhaps I am naïve, or blind – a distinct possibility in both cases – but I don't see that at all. I see that most people live in both communities and that there are very few 'purists' who adhere religiously to one discipline or another. Even among the purists, I don't find any real derision directed at the other camp – perhaps some good-natured kidding, but nothing I would ever classify as mean-spirited. If I'm missing something here, I prefer to go on missing it and enjoying my association with other woodworkers, whatever their stripe.” - Hank

“I was thinking that some of the large separation between hand and power tools right now may be generated by vendors, magazines and businesses. Hand tools are big business right now, so of course if people are pushed to work hand tool only, you make money. While I may see things as lopsided towards hand tools right now (as opposed to a power tool-central market in years past), it is overall a good thing. When we balance out, I'm hoping we end up with great power and hand tools on the market.” - Stephen

“Alternatives beget adherents. Adherents beget jesting, rivalry, then friendly controversy. Any controversy begets perceptions of 'them and us' polarization, and that attracts single issue radicals. The problem is the single-issue radicals, not woodworking, politics, whatever, which attract them. Normites and Neanderthals can coexist and benefit from each other's dedication. The best approach to quelling hateful polarization is for sensible folks to unite in derisive laughter. Those who profit from polarizing dialogue are contemptible, be they woodworkers or extremist suicide bombers.” - Forrest

Routing Miter Slots in Outfeed Table from Sawmill Creek

This discussion focused on a very practical, specific matter of woodworking: the poster wanted to know whether he should use a 3/4” or a 1/2” bit to rout miter slots in the outfeed table he'd created. One suggestion was based on a project with which we here at Woodworker's Journal eZine are pretty familiar. - Editor

“So, I finally got around to building an outfeed table system. I call it a system because it comprises a fixed, folding outfeed table and then another outfeed table that attaches to the fixed table when more surface is required. When not in use, this attachable table can be stored on top of the TS or hung from the wall. For the fixed table, I need to rout a couple of miter slots. Is it best to use a 3/4” bit to rout these slots, or should I use something like a 1/2” bit and make two passes?”- Greg

Most responders voted for the 3/4” bit – including one who based this suggestion on a Woodworker's Journal project. - Editor

“I will probably have to do just that this weekend. I am building the folding outfeed table that was featured in February 2009 Woodworker's Journal. The author of the article used a 3/4” bit.” - Eric

“Since the dado doesn't have to be a specific size, I would just use a ¾ “ and take a couple of passes. There is no perfection needed here, just wide enough and deep enough to prevent the slide from touching. I make mine a little oversized to prevent a small alignment issue from causing issues.” - Van

“You want some clearance in the miter slots in the outfeed table to prevent binding of the miter bar.” - Tom

With one for the 1/2” bit.

“I used a 1/2” bit and was able to sneak up on the width so it was snug. It also allowed me to adjust slightly to make sure the dado lined up exactly.” - Steven

Posters also brought up a couple of other things to think about.

“I don't even have any outfeed slots in my table 'cause my miter gauge (Incra SE) clears the blade without touching the outfeed table. Be sure to leave a bit of 'drop-off' on the outfeed table height.” - Bill

“You can leave the OF table below the saw table, but I just use a large panel-raising bit to give a nice slope, so the height isn't as big an issue.” - Van

“My outfeed table isn't attached to the saw, either, so I made my slots 1-1/8” wide. Keep in mind that, depending on the jig in your slot, you might need to accommodate the key as well as the miter bar.” - Sean

“Something else to consider is, on my outfeed table, I made the slots so that my large sled runners contact the ends of the slots. This is my stop for the sled.” - Dan