Why do I use hand-tools?

“You can't reach old age by another man's road. My habits protect my life but they would assassinate you.” (Mark Twain, 70th birthday speech, 1905)

My shop has no electricity, other than an extension cord which I use for 3 things:

• Fine Woodworking photo shoots (they use lights)

• My tormek grindstone - every few months. 

• Steambox - also an occasional thing

Otherwise it’s all hand tools and natural light. And there’s several factors in that decision - first and foremost is very personal - I just plain don’t like the noise and dust associated with machinery. Ear protection, eye protection, dust collection equipment and of course maintenance of the machines - something I am incredibly ill-equipped for - all of these are things I’d rather have nothing to do with. 

As for lighting, much of my work involves low-relief carved decoration. I find raking light ideal for this work, it helps me see the depth and shapes of my carving better than overhead light. My shop might have too many windows - but I’d rather that than the reverse. When our kids were headed to the first grade, a tour of the school showed that several of the classrooms were interior rooms - no windows at all. My wife expressed her concern with the woman guiding her around and she was surprised it was an issue - “It’s never been a problem before...” she said.