Swingman,

You're reading something into my original post that wasn't there. I am not
attacking the author nor questioning his capabilities, simply used the
expression he stated and asked how it's achieved. Note I didn't use his
name since I'm not trying to discredit him in any manner.

After doing some searching (and prior to posting my question) I noted that
Frank Klaus, Thomas Nisbet, Edward Jorgensen, Kyle Kinser and others are
referenced as master cabinetmakers but no reference as to how they achieved
that status. Hence my question. Not a slam or a dig at the author but I
used it since it was a recent post and thought it would be fresh in
everyone's mind and thought it might be good to know how one gets to be a
master cabinetmaker. My initial thought was perhaps they studied in England
or France or somewhere they may have a recognized program that does bestow a
legitimate title because the title is achieved through mastering techniques
and being measured against specific criteria.

When someone states they're a professional of some sort or a master
whatever, then I tend to ask for credentials and look for supporting
evidence that they know what in the hell they're doing and can prove it in
some fashion. It may be through some accreditation program, years of
apprenticeship and self-study or even just day-to-day experience but can
show end results that exceed expectations.

So no matter how good John is or isn't, wasn't the issue.

Bob S.

"Swingman" wrote in message
news.com...
IIRC, John was at one time in charge of a big cabinet operation ...
perhaps
that was his job title.

Hell, if an insurance company can call you a "Professional Insurance
Claims
Expert", who's to say a cabinet company couldn't call their head man a
master cabinet maker?

In John's case the proof is in the pudding. Build a kitchen cabinet box
using his method and good materials and you have a stout, well made box
that
will last a couple of lifetimes. Want to change the doors and drawer
fronts
out a couple or three times in the next 10 to 20 years for a different
look
and style? Go ahead, they will be as solid as the day they were installed
... but don't try that with a lot of cabinets being put in homes today.

Not everyone needs that kind of craftsmanship, but those who appreciate
the
difference, and build them like that, don't mind John taking the title.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 9/21/03


Would seem that to be called a master cabinetmaker, there must be some
form
of testing, certification or review by a recognized organization that
confirms your work meets the degree of craftsmanship required to be
considered a master.