Woodcraft Magazine June/July 2017 (77)

How does a former chief editor of Fine Woodworking end up pedaling on the hundreds of bike trails that wind in and around Portland, Oregon? Asa Christiana clearly has some “splaining” to do. “My wife and I quit our jobs in 2015, left one daughter in college, and drove cross-country with our middle-schooler, one dog, one cat, and all the woodworking gear and furniture we could fit into a PODS container. It was a long-planned move for all the usual reasons people move to Portland: nice people, mild weather, amazing outdoor recreation, and an emphasis on experiences over things.” The photo shows our “Welding for Woodworkers” (p. 42) author at the summit of Mt. St. Helens. Brendan Whitehead’s adventures in woodworking began in England, building rabbit hutches and repurposing bed slats into…

Woodworking encompasses an impressive range of activities—from making toys and turning bowls to building cabinets, carving spoons, and creating furniture in different styles. Here at the magazine, we can’t possibly touch on all the possibilities in a single issue, or even a year’s-worth of issues. But that’s not going to stop us from trying. We’ve recently heard from readers who think that we’re giving too much coverage to traditional furniture styles, and too little coverage to contemporary designs. I can’t argue with that contention. Many woodworkers get their start by practicing traditional techniques and mastering the basic joinery tasks in traditional Shaker and Craftsman-style projects. But there are plenty of other folks who come to woodworking with an affinity for contemporary design and a desire to combine wood with metal and…

I’m not often in the right place at the right time. But I got lucky in 1988. I was looking for work, and Norm Abram was planning the first season of The New Yankee Workshop with producer Russell Morash. They needed help producing a book to accompany the TV show. I worked with Norm as coauthor and photographer, while my wife Barbara did all the graphic design and layout. None of us had any idea how successful the show would become. Recently, Norm and I had a chance to talk about the show and his journey from building contractor to TV personality to woodworking superstar. Here are some highlights from our conversation. WC: You started your career as a building contractor. Did you ever imagine you’d make the change from carpenter…

I finished the standing desk from Issue #70. It is a Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday/Happy Valentines/ Happy Father’s Day gift to my husband! He is already putting it to use, but we may add wheels to make it higher and more portable. I am looking forward to my next big project. This desk wouldn’t have happened without your help. Thank you. P.S.- Someone said that I should wax the drawer glides. What do you suggest? Chief Editor Tim Snyder responds: Congratulations on a job well done. The desk looks great, and I’m sure your husband is pleased. As for your next project, you’re in luck. I think you’ll find a worthy desk accessory on page 21. Regarding the advice about wax, lubricating the drawer slides (and the bottom edges of the drawer sides) is a…

I am a longtime subscriber and enjoy your magazine. I understand the “Safety First!” disclaimer at the beginning of the magazine, but the photo in last issue’s “Customize a Keyhole with an Inlaid Escutcheon” (April/May 2017, #76), left me worried. It appears that Chris’s fingers are inches away from the blade. If the inlay were to shift, there’s a chance that his fingers might come in contact with the blade. I think a pushstick, or some other mechanical device, ought to be used. Contributing editor Chris Hedges responds: Thank you for your note. Safety should always be at the forefront of any woodworker’s mind. However, there are mitigating factors that can shift the line between safe and unsafe practices. In this case, there were a couple of things working in my…

Entries are being accepted for the 24th annual Wharton Esherick Museum Woodworking Competition and Exhibition. This year’s theme, “Creative and Imaginative Vessels,” was inspired by an intricate oak mug carved by the artist in 1927. Esherick (1887-1970) was a sculptor who worked primarily in wood, extending forms to furniture, buildings, and more. His studio in Malvern, Pennsylvania, now a National Historic Landmark for Architecture, features more than 300 of his works. The competition’s purpose is to encourage resourceful and innovative thinking that results in objects that surprise and delight. Winning pieces will be exhibited at the museum. The entry deadline is July 1. For more information, visit whartonesherickmuseum.org.…