Comments on: Father’s Day Giveaway From WJ!

By: José Antonio Saráchaga

José Antonio Saráchaga — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:06:28 +0000

Hola para mi la madera es incomparable, pues cuando veo los muebles que se an fabricado y se les da el terminado es increible pues es una experiencia especial
admirar la cabecera ,la mesa,el tocador y todos los muebles que emos fabricado con
poca herramienta es una gran satisfaccion. y ahora que encontre la pagina de ustedes me puse contento y espero que me sea de mucha ayuda.
su amigo José Antonio

By: David Haney

David Haney — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:39:37 +0000

My Dad called me one day 4 or 5 years ago and said “come get my tools, I just cant see good enough any more to be able to continue”. Recently after my 3rd major project, (1)bookcase,(2)amish sideboard,(3)desk, I revisited my dad and found out that my GF was a woodworker too. I had never built anything before but read every woodworking book I could get my hands on. The desk I built was a plan of my own and not without mistakes. The more I do and the more I read, the more excited I am. I built all the projects for my wife, but my freinds/family wanted to see them and now they’re on Facebook. I love the whole thing from start to finish but most of all cutting and sanding the wood. Every time I would walk by my project I would “feel the wood”. My wife made fun of me but it was more satisfaction than pleasure.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:57:51 +0000

My favorite part of woodworking is the feeling of accomplishment when the project is finished and enjoyed by the receiver.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:14:48 +0000

I’m currently in Afghanistan, working as a technician for the Canadian military. In my free time here, which is scarce, is dream of getting back to Canada and getting my little 2-car garage workshop up and running again. I’m hoping that, in the next few years, I can find an enjoyable project that is worth selling, so I can retire to my shop and continue with the real joy of creation. I love getting the online updates from Woodworker’s Journal, and every chance I get, I try to apply what I’ve learned – even to basic projects here for my fellow soldiers. I’m the go-to guy for building simple projects like laptop holders for bunk spaces and fold-away work-tops for tight spaces. Thanks – and keep up the good work.

By: Dick Langill

Dick Langill — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 01:40:48 +0000

In the course of my seventy-eight years, I’ve renovated houses, built decks and sheds, toys like rocking horses, doll houses, bird houses, nick-knacks, furniture and entertainment centers. All of it has been a lifetime of satisfying hobby type woodworking part time. But, now, I’m building a ship in an air conditioned corner of my garage!

I retired from the US Navy on board USS Constitution in Boston in 1993, eventually also retiring from my HVAC/E business and teaching HVACR in a Massachusetts Trade High School. Since moving to Arizona I’ve continued woodworking from my garage and, eventually, in September 1999, the idea of ship modeling hit me. I laid the keel of my “scratch built” model of the USS Constitution and it has been an on-going, and probably the most satisfying, woodworking project I’ve ever attempted. Building a miniature ship (this one is about 36 inches long) takes a lot of patience and calls up most of the woodworking experience and knowledge I’ve acquired….all in miniature. Planking the decks, turning and raising masts and yards, and much more unique wood fitting than most other woodwork would present. Perfect for a small garage area.

Once built, I plan to build and enclose the ship in an oak display cabinet along with a flag that was presented and flown from Old Ironsides. I’m a happy retired sailor and my next ship will be the US Brig Niagara which operated on Lake Erie during the 1800 era that Constitution was fighting for us on the Atlantic.

I’d really like to hear from other model ship builders…Not many here on the desert. Thanks for giving me a little writing space.

By: Dan Hergott

Dan Hergott — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:10:02 +0000

I love machining material through my router/shaper. A flat piece of wood is transformed to a beautiful shaped piece of material.

Dan Hergott

By: Brad Drury

Brad Drury — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:39:30 +0000

My favorite part of woodworking is the accolades I get. Weather it’s from family, or freinds, (I recently scrollsawed a desk clock as a retirement present for the vetranery Dr. I worked for, and everybody OOO’d and AHH’d! over it,) I just like the work being apreceated. (Weather I get paid or not).

By: Glenn

Glenn — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:25:47 +0000

I like the challenge of projects/tasks that I have never done before. Before I research how to accomplish a task, I like to sit down and think through how I would do it. What machines will I use, what jigs I need to create to accomplish the task, and how I will overcome any obstacles. Then I search out methods that others have used. I compare my idea to theirs. Sometimes I use my method, sometimes their method, and a lot of times, I will try to combine both methods to better accomplish the task. Then I like to share my ideas with others. It all comes down to continuing to learn the craft.

By: Norm

Norm — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:42:34 +0000

First of all I am a scroller and my greatest joy is to have a customer pick up one of my pieces and say something nice about it. I don’t use plywood as I feel a nonwoodworker should know he/she has a real piece of real wood in their hands, so my medium in 5/8″ hard and exotic wood, mainly red oak. It is fun for me to do more difficult patterns to see how far I can push myself in my trade. There no doubt that once I am in my shop and cutting, I am in another world that only the smell of fresh cut wood could deliver.

By: Ray Niedbalski Jr

Ray Niedbalski Jr — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:08:56 +0000

I’m sure that most of us would agree that there are too many things wonderful about woodworking to single out one favorite item. Foremost is the material itself, appreciating that it was once a living thing, most likely much older than yourself. Choosing from the myriad varieties for the intended result. Appreciation of the many steps needed to mold the raw material into a starting point for your project. The limitless ways you can use the material to create function, fiction or, simply, beauty. The satisfaction of arriving at either your initial vision or a surprise… rarely the same.
I must admit that high on my list of woodworking favorites lies timber framing, a most wondrous form of woodworking requiring a high degree of skill, imagination, and great attention to detail resulting in a durable, functional, and awe inspiring product. I could go on and on…

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:07:14 +0000

I really enjoy trying new techniques and creating something unique. I also like building new more efficient shop furniture and fixtures.

By: Beth Perry

Beth Perry — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:41:46 +0000

I love the challenges involved in learning and performing all the many different facets of woodworking. The sheer volumes of information on the internet and in print has been a huge boon to this adventure and adds fuel to the fire on a daily basis. I only wish I had more time to explore it all.

By: John

John — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:05:17 +0000

The thing I enjoy the most is, the looks on the faces of the people that I give my wookworking projects to. I love the smell of the wood as I’m cutting on the saw or lathe.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:31:39 +0000

It’s very rewarding to see my creations used and loved. My daughters each have a cherry stump jewelry box I made them. On the back I wrote them each a little something right from the heart. It’s burned in the pieces forever. I’ve also made them each a custom wall hanging shelf they helped me design. They will cherish these for the rest of their lives! BTW, much of my inspiration comes from the mag and website. Thanks!

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:05:35 +0000

As an aspiring woodworker and totally amateur wood carver, I love the scent as new wood is revealed, and the emerging form begins to take shape. Creating anything from the whimsy of my mind is always the greatest creative flow, and the pleasure I get each and every time I pick up my knife or look at previous works, never fades.

By: Donna Siegl

Donna Siegl — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:01:05 +0000

Gee! My interest is HIGH! My time is NOT! I’d love to get involved with woodworking—I love the smell of wood, and I see some really beautiful work in wood—in fact, my cousin is a master carver! So–my interest remains high—maybe I need to “carve” out some time to get involved!

By: Ted Arrington

Ted Arrington — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:54:22 +0000

My great-grandfather was a cabinet maker who came to Texas from Missouri in 1911 in a covered wagon. My grandfather was a carpenter, and my Dad was a woodcrafter. I especially enjoy woodturning and hope to build a treadle-powered lathe one day. My adult son now builds furniture, and we are beginning on a sailboat together. When I am working with wood, I like to think that I am part of a family tradition that is now five generations long.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:24:20 +0000

My favorite part of woodworking is creating a unique design that is uniquely mine. To much of what is available doesn’t have much style or at least not the style that I like. When designing there is nothing to hold back your creative side… if you don’t know how to make it, that just leaves you the opportunity to learn a new technique or create a new solution that is all your own.

By: John

John — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:36:31 +0000

My favorite part of woodworking is creating original pieces. Knowing that it was my idea, design, and hard work that made the project a success. My favorite original was a little pink nightstand my 4 year old daughter helped me design for her room. Makes me smile everytime she uses it.

By: Dave Sr

Dave Sr — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:51:55 +0000

My favorite is very simple, take a rough cut board and watch it turn into something very special. That very first pass through the planer is very exciting and it continues to build from that point forward.

By: Michael Wright

Michael Wright — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:48:38 +0000

I’m new to woodworking, but I am looking forward to working on a lot of the projects I have been reading about on this ezine

By: Randy

Randy — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:31:36 +0000

Mine has to be the time i spend with my grand-kids. Teaching them how to sand and mark the projects.

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:24:37 +0000

The gratification is when I finish a project that took twice as long as I planed and step back take a long look and pat myself on the back for a job well done . Of coarse other comments from friends when they say Wow you do great work . The smell of wood when I walk into my shop gives me a eurphoric sense, feeling as I’m connected with nature.

By: VWT

VWT — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:20:13 +0000

I love being able to “lose” myself in the current project, concentrating on the challenges presented, and essentially shutting out the rest of the world to allow my entire focus to be in the present. It is then very rewarding to see the raw materials transform into completed (hopefully attractive and/or useful) objects.

By: Vernon

Vernon — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:56:21 +0000

The thing I like best about woodworking is my wife! No, I did not hit the wrong key and no I am not nuts. My wife and I met in 2007, we are both around 60, she is an Electrical Engineer/Patent Attorney and I am a Turfgrass Agronomist. We discovered early we both had a love of woodworking. We were married in 2008 and spend as much time as we can creating, designing, or repairing pieces that have had a little to much “love”. So the best thing I like about woodworking is being able to do it with my wife. Probably a close second is the time we get to share with our grandson in the shop. He has his own work bench and tools!!

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:55:07 +0000

I’m new to woodworking, but so far I really enjoy creating something that is functional from wood.

By: Donn

Donn — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:38:59 +0000

My fovorite part of woodworking is the actual construction phase. I enjoy the cutting and fitting of a project as well as the assembly.

By: wayne

wayne — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:24:02 +0000

my favorite part of woodworking is haning out in my shop, and the smell off sawdust when i start to cut wood for my projects.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:35:28 +0000

My favorite part of woodworking is the appreciation from whoever receives the final product.

By: Duke

Duke — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:13:56 +0000

Honestly, my favorite time is during glue up. Watching pieces of wood come together to make something always gives me a sense of accomplishment!

By: Bake

Bake — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:44:30 +0000

Just finished two Life Saver Chairs for a friend of ours, with a removable table for food and drink connecting them. Seeing over 130 pieces of wood come together completing an idea that developed while we were all discussing what we thought would be a nice addition to their place overlooking the TN River, more enjoyable. The idea of Life Saver Type Chairs was suggested so my Son, Steve and I decided to build them. It is so satisfying taking on a project that you know will be appreciated by a friend, we find it very satisfying. They turned out perfectly and our friend saw them for the first time yesterday and loved them,. He’s picking them up Thursday and is thrilled with the chairs. That’s what I find so satisfying in woodworking.

By: Carl van Katwijk

Carl van Katwijk — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:39:17 +0000

I like every aspect of woodworking. I have a little sawmill, solar kiln and an adequate shop. I love the entire experience. From finding the trees, cutting the logs (we joke about this being a woodworker’s pornography as we anticipate each new board that comes off) to planning a project with the boards. I love the feel, smell, creative thrill of building something that I think is beautiful and maybe someone else will like. I get a sense of satisfaction that can rarely be experienced anywhere else.

By: Steve Bigelow

Steve Bigelow — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:20:17 +0000

Favorite part of woodworking? The opportunity to get out in the shop and just enjoy a little alone time with wood and tools, creating something for that someone special to enjoy.

By: Jack B

Jack B — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:07:10 +0000

My favorite part of woodworking is giving away the things I have made.

By: Poppa Jim

Poppa Jim — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:05:39 +0000

For me, its the whole process…from the idea that spurs the design, to the wood selection, milling, parts making, assembly and finish. Watching your creation come to fruition is so satisfying, whether you are a craftsman or just a weekend hobbiest.

By: Gary dunlap

Gary dunlap — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:59:45 +0000

When I WAS A CHILD, MY GRANDFATHER WOULD LET ME PLAY IN THE SAW DUST AND CHIPS.WHICH STARTED MY INTEREST IN WOOD WORKING AND THE SMELL AND LOVE OF WOOD. I LOVE COMING UP WITH THINGS TO BUILD OUT OF NOWHERE. JUST SEEING THEM COME TO LIFE IS WHAT I ENJOY.

By: Paul S

Paul S — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:58:47 +0000

My favorite aspect of woodworking is creating beautiful objects that are unique and enjoyable by others. I especially like working with wood that still has its natural edges and/or faces.

By: Jim Mason

Jim Mason — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:57:40 +0000

The favorite part of woodworking for me is, whether furniture or turnings, is the thrill of seeing the wood come to life when the finish is applied. I am age 75 and I have enjoyed making furniture for years, but it is woodturning that has become an obsession.

By: Kirk Olson

Kirk Olson — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:55:27 +0000

My favorite part is being able to hold the project in my hands that I have thought about, designed and then built.

By: Chuck Ballinger

Chuck Ballinger — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:48:43 +0000

I enjoy creating something my wife appreciates. While by and large things I’ve made don’t mean much to others, they mean something special to her and that’s all that counts.
She recently bought a distressed dresser and my first thought on seeing it was – Gee “I can fix those dings and dents”. So much for guys knowing all the meanings of distressed……

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:40:15 +0000

I love the look on the recipient’s face when I present the finished project!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:28:11 +0000

My favorite part is just spending time in the shop. I spend all day every day behind a desk and to simply have time to work with my hands is a joy!

By: Jerrie

Jerrie — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:34:51 +0000

I like being able to make something unique and then giving it away. I have a table saw and the best thing I’ve made so far is a Buckle Display Case Table that sits behind a sofa. The table is made from weathered fence boards. My friend has an eight year old nephew who is quite a rodeo star and has won lots of trophy buckles, and now they are able to display them, without them gathering dust! They have framed photos on the shelf below. It’s great when folks love what ya made.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:46:41 +0000

I love woodworking with my boyfriend! It’s some together time and I get to learn new things and he gets to do what he loves!

By: DR

DR — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:58:21 +0000

I going with the post-project beer. That’s when I see how everything has come together. I tend to procrastinate on projects, so it’s great to finish one and not have the deadline pressure. It’s also great to see the looks when the intended recipient receives it.

By: Wes Bielinski

Wes Bielinski — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 03:16:35 +0000

I love it when I turn a piece of plain wood & and I uncover some gorgeous figure

By: chris kanda

chris kanda — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 01:07:49 +0000

My favorite part is when I am fitting the pieces togather and it really looks like what I have in my mind.

By: Gordie C

Gordie C — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:29:45 +0000

I’m relatively new to woodworking so my favorite part is doing a new technique with the tools that I have. A new joint, laminating sheets of wood, type of finish, etc.

By: Dominic Palazzola

Dominic Palazzola — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:10:12 +0000

my favorite part of woodworking is making something for a family member, other projects can drag on for months but if its for my wife or daughter i cant stop till its finished and the joy i feel completing them is overwhelming.

By: Ricky

Ricky — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:08:50 +0000

My favorite thing about woodworking is there are no screaming bosses, spouses, kids, no ticking timeclocks, no deadlines, just a perfect outlet to use to evaporate all of the stresses of our normal existance, with something nice to give away, look at, or use at the end of it all to boot!