Greg,

I find that there is often more than one way to do something. When watching Paul’s videos, he oftentimes says and then shows different ways to do something. But, I think that as viewers of the videos we become fixated on one thing – the thing we are looking at that moment.

I try to do a particular technique until I get it right and then a few more of doing it right before I really begin to understand that technique. I do the same with the next technique even though it is accomplishing the same thing. What this allows me to do is to make a judgement about what is most comfortable for me in both body and mind. Personally I like chiselling a dado over using a saw. But, I have to admit, the saw is quicker for removing waste for me. However, I don’t like the sawdust the saw makes. I like the “chunks” of wood and I concentrate/focus more because I have to get the chisel to the knife line. I “zone out” for a bit with the saw because I know it is going where it is going. Whereas with the chisel, I am more “zen like” living in the moment because I have to in order to make the next cut.

Therefore, I am aware of the advantages and disadvantages (the tradeoffs) that I have taught myself by doing it myself between techniques which helps me make better decisions the next time I “cut dados” instead of watching someone else and not fully understanding what their state of being is.

Hey, I am starting to sound like a self-help guru 🙂 How did that happen? I though this was a woodworking forum!!! lol

Hope that helps.

Jim