Issue 71
Issue 71
Home Improvement: The Saga Continues
A couple of Zines ago, I asked you if you considered home improvement projects woodworking or not. Wow, did I hit a nerve. It would appear from the volume of emails I received that almost all of you have considered the question at one time or another, and that many of you feel strongly about the fruit of your analysis. (To read a compilation of your replies, go to our Reader’s Response page.)
One curious thing jumped out at me as I read though your missives: gender made a significant difference in how you would answered the query. Women (as determined by this highly scientific survey) are much more likely to think of home improvement tasks as woodworking. Men, for some reason, seem to think of the exact same projects as just work. On the other hand, men are often willing to use the promise of home improvement projects as a reason for purchasing expensive new woodworking tools. Which could lead to my proposed new book: “Men are from Toolville, Women are from Lowe’s”. Don’t look for it on bookshelves any time soon; I’ve got some tasks at the house that I’ve just got to get around to first. (Maybe a couple of new tools will help me get going.)
– Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
Industry Interviews
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Incra Jigs: Serendipity and a Couple of Killer Applications
A real story of overnight success, Incra Jigs’ reputation for making extremely precise, very trusty jigs has just continued to grow over the years.
Today's Woodworker
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Vince Giannetto: Making a Living as a Woodcarver Leads to White House Honors
Though he didn’t dive into full-time carving until he was over forty years old, Vince Giannetto’s favorable reputation has grown with every year.
What's In Store
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A Sure-footed Clamping Solution from Rockler
Designed by woodworkers, for woodworkers…the Rockler Sure-Foot pipe clamp really does solve a pesky problem all home woodworkers have experienced.
Q & A
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When to Build a Fence to Protect a Fence
Wondering about sacrificial fences, this woodworker turns to Michael Dresdner and Lee Grindinger for an explanation.
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Using Copyrighted Plans
A smart legal question posed by a furniture-maker thinking about selling items made from copyrighted plans.
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Saw Upgrade Choices
Rob Johnstone offers some practical advice to a woodworker in the midst of an upgrade.
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Choosing Between a Planer vs. a Drum Sander
Confused by the choice between a router and a planer, this woodworker presents his quandry to the experts.
Feedback
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Is It Home Improvement or Woodworking?
Newsletter readers have all sorts of opinions to share when it comes to the distinction between home improvement and woodworking.