Some Myths about Amish Built Furniture

Let me start out by saying that there are many fine Amish craftsmen building furniture. Some are actually building their furniture pieces without the use of power tools, but some are using the same tools that I am. The main difference between our building process is the power source. My power tools all plug into the wall socket and run off of electricity. Amish power is a little different since they don't believe in the use of electricity. Many Amish shops, at least the ones in my area, have a diesel engine to power their machines. This process is similar to the water wheel systems of days gone bye. A belt and pulley system is powered by the diesel engine to create the power needed to operate a machine. Their table saw will run off of this belt system the same as mine does off of electricity, the only difference is where the machine gets it's power from.
As a woodworker and furniture builder, I do get a little offended when I hear the term " Amish built furniture." A craftsman is a craftsman, no matter what his color or creed. People misinterpret the term "Amish built" to mean that it's better built, and it is better built than some, but not all. Quality built furniture comes from many different places, not just the Amish.