Last issue out, Rob’s editorial was about woodworkers’ participation in online social media. Some woodworkers sent us their thoughts via email. – Editor
“I must be an ‘old-fashioned person. I don’t ‘text’ (or even use a cell phone); I don’t go to YouTube, MySpace or Twitter; I do not use computer-activated ‘sculpting or carving’ tools, and I still wear a shop apron (not a framer’s tool belt like a well known TV woodworker) and use a hand plane.
“I try to do and teach woodworking as an art — not a technical tool. Blogs and the other ‘social media’ may give you access to more information, but I prefer to keep my work less ‘public.’ To each, his (or her) own, but you won’t find me on any ‘electronics’ other than this one.” – Dave Barrows
“I have not been, nor am I, anything but a novice woodworker, but I found your comment ‘online woodworkers interesting. I have searched the Internet now for hours and have found no wood, saws, chisels, lathes, etc. that could be actually operated on the computer and have an end result that I can hold/touch. Yes, I found some high-end tools that can be programmed by the computer, but no tools to use and wood to touch from the computer. How do ‘online woodworkers do it?” – Bill Gates
Back from Scout Camp
A few months ago, a Boy Scout queried the eZine asking for advice on an outdoor bulletin board to be constructed for his Eagle Scout project. He provided an end-of-summer update. – Editor
“Back in May, I checked out eZine issues #247 & 248. I wrote a response thanking everyone, but it does not seem if it ever went through. I have had an extremely busy several months, away for half the summer, including three weeks at different Boy Scout camps.
“In any case, my Eagle project proposal, which took into consideration your readers’ advice, was approved. I start work in the next several weeks.
“I wanted to make sure that everyone who contributed knew how much I appreciate their comments, and I apologize if my earlier thank you’s did not get communicated. If there is any way you can convey this to them, I would be most thankful.” – Ben Cournoyer
Drying Wood Without Warps
Readers also wrote in to share their experience and suggestions relating to a question in last issue’s Q&A section about wood warping. – Editor
“The easiest and quickest way to dry wood that I have found is to put the wood in a freezer. It is limited by the size of the freezer, however.” – Robert Finley
“After reading eZine issue 255, there was a Q&A request dealing with wood warpage that I may be able to help with considering I really don’t have that much of a problem. Regardless what a person may do for wood storage, there’s going to be some warpage. But if a person has wood floor,walls, ceiling, etc., a lot of moisture is absorbed and warpage can be a minimum. I also have a heat furnace (for those cold winter days) that keeps the air circulating, which I think helps. I hope this suggestion can help someone with this condition because nothing’s worse than having a project go wrong over stuff that may be prevented. Thanks for the good work you do in the newsletters.” – Gary Belich
