Issue 247
Issue 247
The “Yes, I’m a Professional Woodworker” CONTEST!
I think the notion of taking your woodworking efforts from a hobby to a vocation is a common daydream for many woodworkers, especially in these tough economic times. Even if you don’t think about it in terms of “quitting your day job,” many of us would like to use our time in the shop as a way to bring in extra money. But actually starting a woodworking business involves a lot more than building a couple of items and trying to sell them on Craigslist. It requires a business plan, marketing and, to be efficient, a well-thought-out means to be organized in your shop with jigs and plans. For most of us, those details are real deal killers.
Why do I bring this up? (Drumroll …) Woodworker’s Journal is excited to announce that we have teamed up with our friends at Eureka Woodworks Inc. and put together a contest that might just help you realize your woodworking dream (and it’s worth over $7,000!).
Eureka sells woodworking “business packages” where you make and sell outdoor Adirondack furniture. They have the most practical program I have ever found for getting into a real woodworking business — and our winner will get their package for free! While no business opportunity is a sure thing, Eureka goes the extra mile to help its partners succeed. To enter our contest, click over to our sign-up page, read the details carefully and submit your entry. The winner will be picked and announced by July 15th. (Note: This Contest Ended 7/15/2010)
Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
What's In Store
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Esherick, Maloof & Nakashima: Homes of the Master Wood Artisans
The book Esherick, Maloof and Nakashima: Homes of the Master Wood Artisans by Tina Skinner serves as an introduction to the work of these American woodworking masters, and a tour of the places where they lived with their own work
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Rockler Interlock Signmaker’s Template
The Interlock Signmaker’s Template, available through Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, is designed to make it quick and easy to rout signs.
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Amana Mamba Thin-Kerf Saw Blades
Amana Tool has expanded its line of Mamba™ thin-kerf saw blades to include blades for decking, framing, ripping and finishing with wood.
Tricks of the Trade
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Paint Your Parking Brakes
Most of my larger shop machines are mounted on swivel casters with brakes, but sometimes it’s hard to see which end of the brake lever to step on without bending over to look closely.
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Illuminating Improvement for Task Lighting
When working at the bench, I found that I couldn’t always stretch my task light far enough to get the light where I needed it.
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Arthritis Won’t Stop This Woodworker!
I’ve been a custom woodworker on and off for 40 years and recently, arthritis in my hands has made it more difficult to get some shop tasks done.
Today's Woodworker
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Nancy Romalov: Music Stands and More
In some ways, Nancy Romalov is a woodworker of dualities.
Q & A
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Woods for Cutting Boards?
Kindly please let me know some types of wood recommended to build cutting boards for chopping food.
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Dust Collector Bags
Do I have to use both of them for the best results or can I just use the 2.0 on the top of the collector and the regular one for the wood particles on the bottom?
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Advice for Outdoor Bulletin Board
I am a Boy Scout planning my Eagle project. I am not allowed to purchase pre-made items and I am having trouble finding plans or advice on what I would like to build.
Industry Interviews
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Ali Industries: Sandpaper from the Space Age
Almost a year ago now, I had the opportunity to tour Ali Industries, a sandpaper manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Dayton, Ohio, just a couple of hours from my home.
Feedback
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Tales of Experience
In response to last issue’s eZine, we heard from readers with firsthand experience of some of the areas we covered.
Reader's Project Gallery
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Mission Bench
I have made the hall Deacons/Mission bench for my daughter’s family and I changed the traditional lift up seat to drawers.
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Loft Bed
My 8-year-old granddaughter saw a loft bed on TV and asked if I would build one for her. I found a plan and modified it. It’s made of pine instead of the plan’s maple because she wanted it painted.
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Workbench
I used 8/4 red oak glued up to 4 x 4’s for the base, a purchased 2″ x 24″ x 84″ maple top, added an 8/4 x 6″ maple apron around the top, and purple heart for the vises.
