Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Last October, Rockler announced its #TryThatChallenge, encouraging participants to tackle a new project using tools, methods or products they’ve never tried before. It was a smashing success! The three prizewinners are Kyle Hagerty, from Atlanta, in first place with his Twisted Side Table; James Waugh III, in second place for an ultra-modern Bent Lamination Office Chair; and Lia Parker, third-place winner, constructed a Carved Hand Chair you have to see to believe.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out all the contest entries — and please do! — you can see them here.

Woodworking is one of those hobbies that offers a lifetime of new techniques, designs, materials and wood species to try! And expanding our boundaries as craftspeople is where personal growth happens. If your woodworking feels as though it’s getting a little stale, ask yourself when the last time was that you tried something entirely new. I’ll bet that turns things around in no time.

Congratulations #TryThatChallenge winners and all others who participated! Keep up the great work.

Chris Marshall, Woodworker’s Journal

March/April 2024 What’s in Store

Take a closer look at the latest tools from the March/April 2024 issue, including tools from Rockler and Metabo.

Turning Your First Bowl

Scott Belway of the American Association of Woodturners offers a primer on bowl-turning skills, perfect for your first project or your 1,000th.

Slab-built Bookcase

Ruggedly beautiful as it is practical, this bookcase’s red elm slab lumber was milled with a new Benchtop Slab Flattening Jig from Rockler.

Bed/Desk Combo

Here’s a new twist on the old Murphy bed, featuring cherry lumber and some innovative hardware.

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