Popular Woodworking 2000-01 № 112, страница 5
Out on a Limb Welcome Aboard If you're a regular reader of Popular Woodworking, you've probably noticed some new faces in the magazine. In this issue, we introduce yet another so I thought it's time you met these guys. After all, shouldn't you know something about the source of information and advice you're getting? We welcome Nick Engler as a new contributing editor in this issue (that's him on the cover). Nick is a very well-known author. He's published 52 books that have sold more than 5 million copies, including his best-selling "The Workshop Companion" series. Nick's woodworking career started in the early 1970s making traditional American musical instruments — one was exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution as part of the American Bicentennial. A few years later he founded Shopsmith's Hands On magazines. Later, his books covered nearly every facet of woodworking. We think Nick's strongest suit is ingenious jigs. It's an area where his affinity for problem-solving runs free. You'll find one of Nick's "must make for my shop" jigs in every issue. There's probably no better source for finishing information than Bob Flexner. Chances are you already know Bob's work. His "Understanding Wood Finishing" book is the textbook for anyone who wants to understand the finishing process. I'm certain there's no one more dedicated and passionate when it comes to unraveling the "mysteries" of finishing. Bob was a finisher for 15 years when his curious mind led him where few finishers had gone before — the chemistry section of the library. Thus began a six-year quest for understanding why things work, or don't work, in finishing. We should be grateful to Bob. Because of his work, we don't have to learn chemistry. The best part is, Bob teaches finishing without mentioning molecules or chemical reactions. Troy Sexton and Glen Huey, whose work you've seen lately, never gave much thought to being in a magazine. Both have been busy these past 20 years making beautiful furniture for a living. For many of those years, Troy built antique reproductions. His work was sold through specialty shops all over the eastern United States. When I first saw his work six years ago, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship and the amazing efficiency he applied to construction. From Troy, you'll get wonderful furniture projects and you'll learn how to build them better and faster. Like Troy, Glen builds antique reproductions. His work exhibits a nice blend of traditional woodworking with inventive ways to produce quality work in a timely fashion. You'll see what I mean when you read about his tenoning jig in this issue. With Troy and Glen, it's nice to have some help from guys who have built more drawers than they can count and who hang more cabinet doors every year than many of us will in a lifetime. All done with an eye toward quality and the good sense of a successful commercial woodworker. For all their experience, which is formidable, I would be remiss if I didn't mention our long-time contributing editor, R.J. DeCristoforo. Working with him can only be called a privilege. No one can take a complex process and explain it more clearly, more simply than "Cris." Just how big a warehouse of woodworking wisdom is he? In the introduction to his 1972 book, "De-Cristoforo's Complete Book of Power Tools," his editor at Popular Science magazine wrote that he first met DeCristoforo in 1952, the start of a 20-year relationship. He concluded by saying, "Universities often reward achievement with honorary degrees, I believe DeCris is worthy of one — and I hereby offer the idea to any institution that wishes to honor both itself and a leader in the world of tools. Make it officially R.J. DeCristoforo, Master of Tools." Popular Woodworking is honored to have the Master's regular articles. We're proud to share with you the knowledge of these exceptional men. PW CONTACT INFORMATION Steve Shanesy Editor & Publisher Specialties: Projects, techniques, article and project selection (513) 531-2690 ext. 238 steves@fwpubs.com David Thiel Senior Editor Specialties: Projects, new products and tools, tricks of the trade (513) 531-2690 ext. 255 davidt@fwpubs.com Christopher Schwarz Managing Editor Specialties: Author liaison, website, projects, photography. (513) 531-2690 ext.407 Jim Stuard Associate Editor Specialties: Projects, carving, turning, project illustrations (513) 531-2690 ext. 348 jims@fwpubs.com Amy Schneider Art Director Specialties: Magazine and cover design,photo direction (513) 531-2690 ext.471 amys@fwpubs.com Got Questions or Problems With Your Subscription? To report problems with your subscription visit our website at popwood.com, call our subscription offices at 515-280-1721, or write to Popular Woodworking,P.O. Box 5369, Harlan, IA 51593. Our Privacy Promise toYou We make portions of our customer list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services we believe you may enjoy. If you do not want to receive those offers and/or information, please let us know by contacting us at: List Manager, F & W Publications, 1507 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207 SAFETY NOTE Safety is your responsibility. Manufacturers place safety devices on their equipment for a reason. In many photos you see in Popular Woodworking,these have been removed to provide clarity. In some cases we'll use an awkward body position so you can better see what's being demonstrated. Don't copy us.Think about each procedure you're going to perform beforehand. Safety First! 6 Popular Woodworking January 2000 |
