Last time out, Rob mentioned his lifetime of “making stuff” in his editorial. In the tradition of eight-year-old Rob’s submarine, we heard about this reader’s first (attempted) project. – Editor
“My first attempt at ‘making stuff’ was a go-kart. I tried to use our lawnmower for the motor and wheels. Needless to say, my dad was less than pleased!” – Dan Ackermann (WWJ fan)
Kentucky Coffee Bean Wood: He’s Used It
A woodworker in last issue’s Feedback section wondered if anyone had any input on using wood from a Kentucky coffee bean tree. Turns out, someone did. – Editor
“I am a high school woodworking teacher. We have used Kentucky Coffee Bean in the past. It is a wood similar to oak in its appearance. The grain is more closed than oak and it can burn like cherry. I and my students liked working with it but the dust can be somewhat irritating to the nose. We made some very nice step stools out of it. I do not have pictures though. Thanks, Love the eZine.” – Bryan Bates
Reader Spell Check
“As a woodworker and shop rat of 40+ years, I’m writing to compliment you on your most excellent publications, the wonderful Woodworker’s Journal and your fine online eZine. They are two of my most enjoyed shop-related sources of information and inspiration.
“I am also a big fan of Micro Jig products and own several of them. Today I was catching up on a few eZine articles, and while reading ‘Micro Jig: Helping Woodworkers Get a Better GRR-Rip,’ I took note of the following paragraph. As a copywriter and editor, I feel compelled to point out an oft-committed writing error.
‘In 2001, Henry incorporated Micro Jig and sought an exclusive distributor for the GRR-Ripper. The former JoinTech was first to take on the product and demonstrate it nationwide on the woodworking show circuit. When JoinTech went out of business, Peachtree Woodworking was Micro Jig’s next principle dealer.‘
“Yup, that highlighted word is…the wrong one. Your writer intends to use the word principal (‘main’) but uses principle (‘law; ‘rule’) by mistake. (I’ll bet your copy editor didn’t get a chance to check this piece!)
“I point this out not to be a grumpy old grammarian twit, but rather because I know that your publications take great pride in precise and professional writing.
“I’m just sayin’…” – Stan Bidlack (a devoted reader)
Oops! Thanks for pointing that out, Stan (and by the way, we fixed the original article). – Editor
