Popular Woodworking 2003-04 № 133, страница 8

Out on a Limb

It's a Great Time for Home Woodworking

Just in case you haven't noticed, it's a really great time to be a woodworker. And there are lots of reasons. In fact, I honestly believe there is something of a renaissance going on all around us, and we just may be too close to actually see it.

I base my thinking on a number of observations which, although unrelated on the surface, actually add up to my conclusion. During the past few years I've noticed tremendous growth in the variety of woodworking going on. Turning has had explosive growth, and the quality of work being produced is impressive. Also there are growing numbers of musical instrument makers all over the United States. And the level of cabinet- and furniture-making is rising. Scroll saw and in-tarsia work has matured.

What's significant though is not that there are a handful of superb woodworkers in these and other areas of woodworking - there always has been. No, what's impressive, I believe, is that there are so many talented craftsmen now, and the overall quality of work is rising. You can see it at woodworking shows, galleries and student work from the remaining high schools and colleges that offer woodworking classes.

But there is other evidence, too. Just look at the quality and innovation of some woodworking tools and equipment being offered today. Whether it's competition among manufacturers or more sophisticated and demanding customers, equipment available today, even at exceptionally good values,

is remarkable. For example, there are major innovations in band-saw design, a machine that had seen little change in decades. New models feature bigger motors, better guides and quick-tension release mechanisms. Some band saws, like the so-called "European" design, are new in every respect. Woodturning lathes, like the Oneway, models from Jet and Powermatic, and the steel bed from Delta, offer impressive new designs or features.

Then there's the quiet revolution going on in the heretofore sleepy world of hand tools. Not so many years ago it was almost impossible to buy a good, new hand plane. Today, we have beautiful looking and performing metal planes from Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Clifton, Veritas and Ashley Iles. There are even wooden planes of exceptional quality being made by Clark & Williams and Knight Toolworks. Other companies offer quality planes you build from a kit.

Even plane blades are becoming better with the introduction of A2 steel and cryogenic blade treatment.

Woodworking is maturing, and it's producing wonderful results. Just think about it the next time you are in your shop fussing over some project detail - you're part of the renaissance too! PW

Steve Shanesy Editor and publisher

CONTACT INFORMATION

Steve Shanesy

Editor & Publisher Specialties: Projects, techniques, article and project selection 513-531-2690 ext. 1238 steve.shanesy@fwpubs.com

David Thiel

Senior Editor Specialties: Projects, new products and tools, tricks of the trade 513-531-2690 ext. 1255 david.thiel@fwpubs.com

Christopher Schwarz

Senior Editor Specialties: Author liaison, web site, projects, hand-tool techniques 513-531-2690 ext. 1407 chris.schwarz@fwpubs.com

Kara Gebhart

Assistant Editor

Specialties: Special issues, author liaison, copy editing 513-531-2690 ext. 1348 kara.gebhart@fwpubs.com

Linda Watts_

Art Director

Specialties: Magazine and cover design, photo direction 513-531-2690 ext. 1396 linda.watts@fwpubs.com

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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!

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Popular Woodworking April 2003