“Combining style, materials, and technology in a desirable product at a price the market will accept has always been the basic problem facing furniture makers. Since costs are, in part, dependent on the labor intensity of their technologies, manufacturers must design pieces with the capabilities of their tools in mind, constantly compromising between cost and style. This system of give and take is the economic interface between technology and style. It is the economics of design.”
— Michael J. Ettema, “Technological Innovation and Design Economics in Furniture Manufacture,” Winterthur Portfolio, Vol. 16, 1981. (Special thanks to Don Williams for pointing me to this article.)
This is a great reason why one should acquire tools capable of the widest possible range of work, and the skills to effectively wield the tools.
Interesting that words like ‘quality’, ‘longevity’ and ‘fitness for purpose’ don’t feature in the quote.
I think “desirable product” covers those characteristics. To some consumers, those don’t rank high on their criteria, therefore they aren’t “desirable” enough to justify the additional cost. When nobody buys particle board and vinyl bookcases, then the furniture makers will stop making them.
We might find hope in the growth of the slow food movement. If it’s possible to convince people to seek out heirloom tomatoes and free-range chickens for a sit-down dinner, shouldn’t we also be able to educate those same people on the benefits of waiting, and paying, for a well-built table?
why is there no half pin on the bottom of the drawer fronts? Is it to do with the grove for the bottom? (done with a plough plane, not a router) Doesn’t it increase the chance of the front and side moving?
What’s with all the tools hanging in the window? I thought you worked out of a chest.
Those tools are slowly disappearing as I sell them to people. Selling them on the blog created some complaints. So I’m getting rid of them slowly.
That’s too bad about the complaints. I thought that was a great way to move good but unnecessary tools having interesting provenance. It’s your blog, do what you want.
*cough* bring what’s left to Roy’s next week *cough*
We have returned to the days of the elite and the “others.” Unfortunatelyl the “others” can only afford furniture made of cardboard or junk wood that will fall apart in five years and need to be replaced. The elite are the only ones who can afford craftsman furniture, and they are a fickle market. If you are lucky enough to find an angel who will buy your product, you have it made. The only other option, and this is where I fit, is to be one of the “others” who makes his own craftsman furniture. I can barely afford the tools and materials, but I absolutely abhor throw-away furniture. I have made my own furniture to my own design for my own use, and am perfectly happy with it. I don’t expect to go into the furniture-making business.
That’s just it, for the “others” what is the cost of buying repeat products every 5 years? Example, $89 ikea bookcase, every 5 years for one person’s lifetime. Generously let’s say age 20-70, 50 years. That results in $850 for a simple bookcase, not even all that large. You also can’t give it to your kids afterwards. Compare that with a piece costing, even $1000 that can be amortized over two or three generations of not more.
How is that not cost effective? The elite aren’t the only one’s who can afford it, extravagant pieces like a highboy are outside this range, but good work itself isn’t.
How many repeat products are also being consumed by the “others” that can never be heirlooms, that future generations will have to work to be able to afford again and again? I’ve inherited some good pieces and built much of my furniture, ending up as the only 23 year old I know with antiques, and an apartment full of good furniture. All for pennies compared to buying new crap. And all of it will outlast me.
Ah, yes, the cost over a lifetime. Yet most of the “others” are living from paycheck to paycheck and do not have the option of mortgaging quality furniture. And nobody lives in their “homestead” anymore, so there’s no sense of permanency, so it’s cheaper to buy new junk furniture next time you move than to move the old junk. There is a crying need for “affordable” durable furniture, but those that are crying don’t want to buy it!
As a pro woodworker I have made hundreds of non-dovetailed drawers because, as Ettema states, you have to compromise. Does that mean that customers are getting inferior products? I don’t think so. In kitchens I use ApplePly, biscuits, solid lippings, and ball bearing glides. They are used heavily in some instances and bear up just fine.
For my own work or a high-end custom piece, sure, hand dovetails and lots of special details. But the commercial stuff is strong and going to hang around long after me.