"Don Foreman" wrote in message
news snip----

There are still a few craftsmen at large. My youngish neighbor is
one. I purely love working with him, or having him do remodelling
work for me better and a whole lot quicker than I could do. I do
metal, he does wood, we he'p each other out every now and then.

BTW, the "shed roof that looked like a gate" is now in place, got
done the day before it started snowing here. First class work, as
always. That guy can do things freehand with a skilsaw that I'd need
a tablesaw to do. It really is fun to watch. He works quickly and
efficiently, but I think he is utterly incapable of doing a
half-assed job of anything. His "rough carpentry" fits better than
some cabinetwork we've all seen. He makes it look easy. We all know
it isn't.

Funny----when we moved here, we made the acquaintance of a couple guys that
did construction work. We hired them for doing the footings of both the
house and the shop. One of them is likely the fastest (and best) I've seen
in a long time. As you suggest, he makes it look easy----but I know from
personal experience it isn't. Some guys either have a knack, or they have
paid their dues.

I agree-------there are some craftsmen still out there----but they're a
dying breed, and certainly not the highest paid people. My experience
dictates that people with enough integrity to do a good job aren't in it
solely for the money.

Harold