Popular Woodworking 2000-06 № 115, страница 5
Out on a Limb R. J. DeCristoforo Taught millions of woodworkers through books, magazines. It is with deep regret that I report to you the passing of one of woodworking's titans and one of our most highly regarded contributing editors, R. J. DeCristoforo. What you may not realize about Cris is that he was your champion. His writings spanned the entire second half of the last century and earned him the well-deserved title, "Dean of Home Workshop Writers." Above all else Cris wrote for the hobbyist, the "Joe woodworker" who puzzles out a project in his garage or basement. His place in the pantheon of woodworking greats was earned by his genius for explaining complex processes in clear and simple prose. As such, he was arguably woodworking's greatest educator. And educate he did, publishing thousands of magazine articles and more than 40 books. His magazine career began as a contributor to Popular Science in the post-World War II years. In 1951 he moved from New York to California to prepare a book for Magna Engineering, the parent company of the venerable Shopsmith multi-purpose woodworking machine. That book, "Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone," was the "how to" bible for the Shopsmith machine. The book continues today as the holy grail for Shopsmith owners. This work laid the foundation for what became his tour de force, "DeCristoforo's Complete Book of Power Tools, Both Stationary and Portable." It is encyclopedic in its presentation of power tool use. For example, his discussion of the radial arm saw spans an amazing 99 pages and shows more than 60 different operations, ranging from simple cross cutting to "carving" bowls, "turning" tapered legs, cutting perfect circles, even edge boring. It was not uncommon for manufacturers to comment that Cris found new ways of using their machines that dazzled even them. DeCristoforo's first column appeared in Popular Woodworking late in his career (1994) under the title "Cris Cuts." He also wrote columns for us on tools and jigs under the heading, "Tool Talk." That R.J. DeCristoforo: 192 6-2 000 first column shared his "system" for approaching any project. "One," he stated, "don't accept the dimensions on the materials list or a drawing, yours or another's, as bible. Two, most projects have a main component that should . . . be the basis for accurately determining, or checking, the sizes of other parts before sawing. Three, design always follows function." That's the sort of practical advice you'd get from Cris. The quality, quantity and genius of his work earned his installation in Wood magazine's Woodworking Hall of Fame, one of only 16 to thus far be named. Some of the company he keeps in the "Hall" is impressive: Sam Maloof, Norm Abram, Gustav Stickley, Wharton Esher-ick and George Nakashima, to name a few. But keeping company with luminaries was not DeCristoforo's style. He much preferred the solitude of his home, the company of his loving wife, Mary, his three sons and his workshop, where he continued to produce books and articles for Popular Woodworking until his death. His final column appeared in our last issue. Fittingly, it had Cris reflecting on the tools that had changed woodworking over the course of his incredible career. His wisdom and his friendship are sorely missed. 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 Senior 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! 10 Popular Woodworking June 2000 |
