What does the word ‘handmade’ mean? 

The past few weeks I have set up an online store on Etsy and last week my new web site was launched. For this process I researched several other websites and some on Etsy for custom woodwork, wood signs, and furniture. All these sites claim their products for sale are handmade, but so many are obviously produced by CNC routers, which are computer numerically controlled.

Both the design and production with a computer and CNC routers are faster, more precise, and can produce many duplicates. There are untold digital templates available for design. The operator only has to choose a design shape, copy font style, other details if wanted, load a blank onto the router table, and press the start button. The router does the rest and the product is then basically ready to apply a finish. 

Of course, this does require a sizable investment in machinery, computer programs, and operator learning. But can we call these products handmade?

I guess if we go way back in history, everything was produced by hand. They made everyday necessary items as well as monumental structures using primitive tools and equipment powered by human and sometimes animal labor. 

Can we call this handmade?

Over time ingenious people designed tools and machines to make everything easier to produce. They also figured out how to harness wind, water, and fuels to power more and more productive machines and tools. 

Should we call this ‘machine-assisted production’ if the machines completed some or most of the work?

Today, with the advent of all the progress made with the use of computers for design and machine control, most all art and craft can be produced with very little human input.  

Can this be labeled handmade or is this false advertising?

In thinking about this, I guess I have to say everything I make is machine-assisted. I have a table saw, jointer, planer, band saw, and a good assortment of powered hand tools. For the most part these allow me to achieve greater accuracy faster with a lot less labor.

The one thing that I do that I call handmade is the incised copy and sculptural elements on the signs I produce. These are hand done with carving tools, files, sandpaper, and a knife. So, can I call this handmade or hand-carved? Or should I describe these items as machine-assisted with some elements produced by me with the aid of hand tools?

I suppose most consumers don’t know or care about this semantics issue. They only want something that they think looks good at a price they can or are willing to pay.

Unfortunately, it is difficult for me to compete on price. That requires me to have to try to produce more unique designs, hopefully for a more discerning clientele. 

Ken Kaiyala
11-12-2023