Popular Woodworking 2005-02 № 146, страница 10
Out on a Limb Not-so-big Shops, And a Silver Jubilee Big-shop envy is a misplaced sentiment. Sure, it would seem that when it comes to your workshop, bigger is better. But I've learned that a one-person shop that's more than 500 square feet is probably too big (my own home shop is just less than 400 square feet). In a bigger shop, you can spread out, but that means your tools are spread out and sometimes harder to find. There's more floor to sweep, dust to clean up, and more space to heat, cool and adequately light. A small shop does have challenges. Large projects require planning and "staging." Some machines may need to be moved aside when not in use and set up again when needed. But in a small shop, everything is comfortably within reach. You can find most everything blindfolded. Plus, a small work space forces me to be more tidy than is my habit - and that's a good thing. When thoughtfully set up, a small shop is a lot like a comfortable old sweater, roomy enough to move in, while "fit" enough to be cozy. Our 25th Anniversary This year, Popular Woodworking celebrates its 25th year of publishing. There have been many changes in format and content - even the name. It started under the banner Pacific Woodworker, as a tabloid-sized newspaper . A few years later the name was changed to Popular Woodworker for one issue before settling on Popular Woodworking. I can say unequivocally that Popular Woodworking is today a better magazine than it has ever been. Much of the credit goes to the enthusiastic and tireless efforts of the staff. Particularly noteworthy are David Thiel, who has contributed to all 64 issues published on my 10-year watch; and Chris Schwarz, who has played a key role for the past eight years. Linda Watts, our rock-steady designer, makes every page look great; and Kara Gebhart does wonders keeping us on schedule. Bob Lang, a recent addition, brings even more depth to our staff. Al Parrish, our photographer, and John Hutchinson, our technical illustrator, are remarkable professionals whose skills inspire and guide our work. Our regular contributors have helped us improve as well. We're fortunate to have worked with Bob Flexner for so many years, as well as Glen Huey and Troy Sexton. Lon-nie Bird, Bill Hylton, Nick Engler, Don McConnell, Paul Anthony and Judy Ditmer deserve a heartfelt thanks for the wisdom they have shared, too. A special thanks also goes to Popular Woodworking's parent company, F+W Publications, and its CEO, Steve Kent. The company has given us the freedom to craft the magazine we believe best serves our readers. Still others - Don Schroder, Megan Fitzpatrick, Mark Fleetwood, Lynn Kruetzkamp, Vicki Whitford, Krista Morel - all work behind the scenes and make important contributions. I would be remiss in not thanking our advertisers. Their financial support helps make this magazine possible. Lastly, and most importantly, the biggest thanks goes to you, our readers. Our first and last reason for publishing is to serve you, and that's what makes creating every issue a special event, even 25 years later. PW Steve Shanesy Editor & Publisher CONTRIBUTORS TROY SEXTON Troy Sexton's Sunbury, Ohio, woodshop is 3,600 square feet. "That's about right for one man," he says, laughing. But unlike the home woodworker, Troy has good reason to have a big shop - it's his business. Since 1984, Troy has built more than 3,000pieces of furniture for his company, Sexton Classic American Furniture. His shop is filled with permanent setups, and he enjoys thinking about shop efficiency and flow. His favorite tool? "My bow," says Troy, an avid hunter. After rattling off 10 tools, he finally admits, laughing (he loves to laugh) that his favorite "tool" is a shop - full of tools. Troy loves building furniture for his family, including the dresser on page 40, which was a gift for his wife. LONNIE BIRD Many woodworkers know Lonnie Bird as an accomplished craftsman. Many more consider him a fine teacher, too. Classes at his school, Lonnie Bird's School of Fine Woodworking (in Dan-dridge, Tenn.), are selling out faster than ever before, he says. Classes are limited to nine students and recently he added a Woodworking Essentials prerequisite class to his advance classes with great success. Lonnie uses several mediums to teach his craft. An author of several books, "Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Using Woodworking Tools" (The Taunton Press) just hit the streets. He's also a frequent magazine contributor. "Your First Hand-cut Dovetail," begins on page 60. Our Privacy Promise to You 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 offers and/or information, please let us know by contacting us at: List Manager, F+W Publications 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 CEJmtm] YEARS 8 Popular Woodworking February 2005 |
