From The Editor
Rediscovering our roots.
It’s funny. If you look into the past issues of Popular Woodworking, you will find a long lineage of Editor in Chiefs. Now, stepping into that role and counting them as my peers feels surreal. Everyone that’s contributed to this magazine has put a little bit of themselves into these pages. And while the magazine’s content has shifted to reflect the people working on it, I always felt there was a “golden era” of Popular Woodworking that made it what it was: a top woodworking magazine full of character.
So here’s my goal — bring back the soul and get this magazine its identity back. I want you to look forward to each issue. To want to sit down to read it. Every project, technique, or tool may not interest you. And that’s okay, because the next one might. Above all else, I want you to be inspired. Inspired to build, to design, to try a new technique, or try a traditional technique. Inspired to try something and not be afraid of failing. If you fail, but learn something in the process, did you actually fail?
As we work through the next c0uple of issues and some of the articles and projects that had already been set in motion, it’s my hope that you’ll see a shift in content. I hesitate to label my vision for content as “traditional,” but I guess the shoe probably fits. Does that mean that you will never see a CNC article appear in these pages? No. But, you’ll probably see fewer of them. (Don’t worry, there will still be plenty of that content on our website.)
So, who am I? I’m a woodworker, just like you. Somehow, I'm lucky enough doing this for a living. But this isn’t just a job to me. I can honestly tell you that if I wasn’t doing this for a living, I would be spending just as much time in my shop. Woodworking is my passion.
I have an affection for Shaker furniture, and my house is starting to reflect that. I continue to build and add more pieces to my collection. And even though my soft spot is for hand tools, I’m practical enough to supplement my hand tool use with power tools. Furniture aside, a recent vice of mine has been turning. I can’t get enough of it, and I understand how people get caught up in it and leave all other woodworking behind.
Outside of my family, one of my deepest loves is running my sawmill. During the summer months, I’m often found outside, covered in sweat and sawdust with the largest, stupidest grin on my face. To me, there’s something magical about turning a tree into lumber.
So, am I a realist and know that I won’t please everyone? Absolutely. Only a fool would think they can do that. As I said, if a certain project doesn’t speak to you, that’s okay. Wait for the next one, because that one might. So, here’s to looking towards the future — cheers.