We are :

• mechanics
• electricians
• welders
• auto-body technicians
• appliance repairmen
• carpenters
• plumbers
• and much more.

We work long hours, in all kinds of weather, for people who seldom take the time to realize what it takes to be a craftsman.

1. Being a “skilled” craftsman requires a high level of intelligence.

People assume that because we work with our hands, we must be less intelligent than people who work in more formal professions. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Every craft-related profession requires both a better than average understanding of mathematics as well as the understanding of how to apply it (math) in “real-world” situations. From basic math functions to algebra to trigonometry – we use it every day.

• Plumbers need to determine how much “fall” or “drop” a waste line needs for a certain length of pipe so that the waste will migrate to the septic system and not cause your house to stink.
• Carpenters need to be able to “layout” a set of stairs or rafters in minutes.
• Auto-body technicians must be able to work with ratios so that the paint going on your car will last.
• Electricians must be able to calculate resistances, amperage and voltage.

Every craftsman, no matter what field his craft is in, must be good in math. Not only that, they must be able to make their calculations quickly and accurately because time is money.

2. Being a “skilled” craftsman requires great spatial vision.

This is the ability to imagine in three dimensions – the ability to take a two-dimensional drawing and in his mind, convert it to a 3–D image.

The craftsman must be able to take a drawing and in his mind

• work out all the possible contingencies
• make mental alterations
• provide possible suggestions to foreseen problems
• explain why something will not fit or work as drawn
• see how the project will progress, once it is started

When the architect or engineer gives us his blueprint, we see this blueprint as a suggestion rather than a recipe. It is a place to start. We evaluate it and then figure out how to make it work.

It’s all spatial vision and without it, nothing can be built.

3. A craftsman must be patient.

People change their minds – regularly – usually halfway through a project. This is frustrating to the craftsman, because no matter how small the change, it will probably cost (the craftsman) money. But we are patient.

Sometimes a customer will want a project done “his” or “her” way. The “patient” craftsman will explain why this is not such a good idea, but the client says to do it anyway.

Guess what! It doesn’t work or doesn’t look quite right or something. Yes, patience is a necessity, because it will take all of your patience to explain to the client why doing the job over (and as you originally suggested) is going to cost more money.

These “traits” are just the tip of the iceberg, but the point is that a “skilled” craftsman is just that – SKILLED!