First off, I think you need to be a master to actually make an accurate assessment of this question. Having said that I am no master at anything. I am just a hopeless tinkerer, I do a little bit of everything, wood working, metal working, mechanics, and just about anything that I can do with my hands. I just don't have the focus to do just one thing as I will get bored with it pretty quickly. That is why I do a little bit of everything, not just in wood working, but in all aspects of life. What's that old saying about variety being the spice of life? But for conversations sake and to stay on track with the question I'll try and stick with wood working. Again, I am no master, there are folks here that are way more talented than me. But I do love the craft. I still consider myself a hobbyist and that's all I will ever be. To the novice I would say, always be open minded, try new things that challenge you, listen to the veterans of the craft, always set up for cuts and joinery using scrap wood before you use the expensive stuff, buy the best possible tools that you can and remember that tools don't make the craftsman but that the tools can help the craftsman. I worked with a crappy lathe for a long time and still managed to make some nice stuff and learn, In my journey through this wood working craft I still try new things that I have not done before, always upgrading my tools as funds allow, and I share what I have learned with other people. I share what I have learned but also listen still and take advice and criticism as well, as long as it is constructive and intelligent in its form. I believe that we never stop learning and that it is an honor to be able to teach. Also be true to yourself and who you are, don't try to be someone or something that you are not, know your strengths and weaknesses, always remain humble and remember where you have come from. People will be more likely to help a good person that is kind, honest, and humble rather than an arrogant A$$. One of my idols, Sam Maloof, was a master yet remained very humble and kind and he gave of himself unselfishly and shared his craft and his love for it, he was loved and admired by many, he is missed. Aspiring to be a master wood worker also includes aspiring to be a good person as people will turn to you for advice someday. So you see it is not only about the tools and the craft and techniques but also about what kind of a person you are and become in your journey.
and Gilligan too...
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