Not an easy decision. Hand cut or not? After seeing the process what would you think? Is cutting tails on the band saw and pins by hand cheating if you call them hand cut?
Tails - My position is if the hobbyist wants to use the bandsaw why does that matter. I have heard the argument from both sides and frankly it should be done in whatever way he/she wants. Case closed.
Tails! Is using a jig or template cheating? They're all tools that you use to help you create something, so at some point you have to draw the line. I think the best litmus test for someone in this case is if it personally feels wrong to oneself.
Tails! In both methods, you are using your hands and the help of some tools. So, no, it's not cheating, it's just getting the job done two different ways. I wish you a happy and safe woodworking!
Tails. It's not cheating. Cheating is having. A computer doing it. I cut my dovetails on my table saw and never have to use a Chisel. Looks as good as if someone did it by hand.
Tails. Cheating? This isn't a board game. Unless you go 100% caveman there is SOME level of mechanical intervention in your wood. So I say do what makes you happy.
Tails. I don’t think it’s “cheating” but if you are selling something with partial machine worked pieces, just be honest about it. I do think completing machining dovetails with a router is a different story.
