Fred.....I find that very profound, and I can relate wholeheartedly. There is a peculiar "group think" or what I've called "herd think" that pretty much dominates main stream thinking among woodturners. Right on these forums, I've been called out on my methods, because I don't conform to the current turning trends. This nonconformity is particularly evident with my usage of faceplates and traditional grinds......both which were the only way it was done, prior to the introduction of self-centering woodturning chucks and side ground gouges. I guess I cling to the old ways of doing things, while the herd has moved on. These herd thinkers believe they are on the "cutting edge" of the art.....and, if I'm not doing things the way the "herd" does it, it really doesn't matter what my results are.....I'm simply doing it the wrong way!
I think we are of similar thinking on this.......I have no intention of changing for the sake of conformity, because my results are the "bottom line" for me. If I'm getting the kind of results that give me a sense of satisfaction.....then there is no need to change course.
Of course, this doesn't mean that I'm not open to change,
IF I feel it would result in an improvement......and, over the years, changes in my methods have happened consistently, and frequently.....and will continue to happen in the future. I am in control of my destiny, and will remain so.
-----odie-----