Scott- what an interesting question. With me its as much about HOW I made a part, than the part quality itself. Each time I create a technique that makes a quality part possible my satisfaction is just as great as it is in the part.
When I get one of those moments where I think to myself "what I really need is..." and then answer that question with something I can create. That is deep satisfaction.
I was looking at Mr Burkhardt's exploration of mazes. Quite likely the process of coming up with the software to create the mazes is more satisfying than the maze. Obviously he speaks for himself, and doesnt use those words, but I suspect the feeling is there just as it is for me.
Scott probably the best answer I can give, is the software I write to create SBP files is the most satisfying. The cutting is one step in the production process, but creating the design software is just awesomely fun! When somebody admires the final part, I have a deeper sense of how it came into existance.
D
"The best thing about building something new is either you succeed or learn something. Its a win-win situation."
--Greg Westbrook