^ Thanks _the_, much appreciated.
RBD,
I have nothing but big time respect for you and your above opinion. I, however, disagree with some of what you say
"think it’s important to keep in mind the distinction between hand made and machine made."
I have thought a lot about it. I think you and I just have different ideas as to what the differences are.
"Using a bench tool with guides to cut a part vs using the same tool to shape a part."
This is a pretty arbitrary line. Both activities change the shape of the part. I consider myself a pretty average joe with average joe tools. One of the things I like about this competition is that other average joe's out there show me new ways to accomplish things I didn't realize I could accomplished the same or other average joe tools. Restricting how tools are used limits the range of things that can be be accomplished. That reduces what I consider one of the "funnest" parts of the competition.
Yes, there are people with even more limited means than me. That is why I proposed that there be true handmade category with no electric tools allowed at all. That way, those people and people that want that type of challenge can compete on a fairly level ground. The current "hand made" category left that concept behind long ago. To invoke it now requires some arbitrary lines to be drawn such as the one you chose above.
"There will always be grey areas and if you chose to go there then just be sure the results justify the risks."
Agreed, but the grey areas don't have to be such large easy targets.
"It’s supposed to be fun so worrying about winning or loosing points because of methods is contraindicated."
This is a contest, right?
That being said, I have no illusions that I have a chance of winning this competition. I, however, would like to comply with the rules if I participate.
"Just do it, don’t let the rules stifle your imagination. "
Trying, but the rules combined with my desire to compete fairly is stifling my imagination. This is the planning stage. Trying to brainstorm and map the path ahead. It's a bit hard to do when you don't have clear boundaries to operate in.
"In the hand made category it’s all about doing the most with the least and sharing creative ways to get it done."
Here is probably the core of our difference in perspective. The rules would be much more restrictive if that was the case. To me, this competition is all about making the most with what you have available (and is permitted by the rules). It's great to see the amazing things people can imagine and make real. Vague restrictions will hamper that and cause the end products to be much more similar.
EDIT: Fixed some typos and clarified wording in a couple spots.