Popular Woodworking 2000-12 № 119, страница 6

sears

Letters

Western weather makes wood move differently

Wood in Coastal California Doesn't Shrink in Winter

Every time I see a reference to wood expanding in the summer and shrinking in the winter, I am briefly irritated. Your article in the June issue said it one too many times (Issue #115, June 2000, "The Way Wood Works").

Winter shrinking/summer expanding is true for you Eastern/Midwestern folk, but not everywhere. Where I live, in coastal California, wood expands in the rainy winter and shrinks in the dry spring and summer. I know this because my bathroom door sticks a little in winter, and flies open at a touch in the summer (in fact, it's already shrunk enough to stop sticking).

I'm sure there are other places in the country where this is true. In the future, please clarify that any statement about when wood shrinks isn't universal, but based on climate, so you don't mislead some young neighbor of mine.

Bill Houghton Sebastopol, California

Editor's note: You are absolutely right and thanks for reminding us. The last thing we want to be is regional chauvinists. And I should know better. I lived in California for more than a decade before moving back to my native Ohio where I saw firsthand what real wood movement is.

Power to the People Who Power Their Own Tools

Thanks for the treadle lathe article by Roy Underhill! It's great to know I subscribe

to a woodworking magazine that recognizes the value of hand- and foot-powered tools. I am a huge fan of Roy and it is because of him and a handful of my grandfather's tools that I am a traditional woodworker. When I am not being a carpenter, I do my best at craft shows to show people that early technology is practical and efficient. It amazes me that every month Popular Woodworking has an article about some aspect of woodworking that I can apply to my own work. Keep up the great work and how 'bout some more articles by Roy!

Wilson Burnham Allens Park, Colorado

Thanks for the Article on European Combo Machines

I read with interest the article on the combo machines because I have one. Mine is an Emco Star 2000, which I have been using since 1984. It was manufactured in Austria. I say "was" because I do not think it is being made anymore. Luckily, I have been able to get some parts through Blue Ridge Machine and Tools Inc. of Hurricane, W. Va.

The machine I have is capable of doing much more than the ones you wrote about. Mine is a circular saw, band saw, moulding maker, lathe, mortiser and has a flexible shaft tool. For my purposes, I use the circular saw and band saw most of the time.

The only drawback to the unit is that it draws 17 amps. I use it on a 15-amp circuit, and the circuit breaker will kick out continued on page 10

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Popular Woodworking welcomes letters from readers with questions or comments about the magazine or woodworking in general.We try to respond to all correspondence. Published letters may be edited for length or style. All letters become the property of Popular Woodworking.

How to Send Your Letter:

• E-mail: Popwood@FWPubs.com

• Fax: (513) 531-0919

• Mail carrier:

Letters • Popular Woodworking • 1507 Dana Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45207

Circle #137 on Resource Directory Coupon

8 Popular Woodworking December 1000