Happy New Year Everyone.
The "7" is gone and we have now entered 2008. I am excited about what lies ahead of us, as we become a stronger site, a stronger family, and stronger woodworkers.

The current woodworking event has begun and I look forward to seeing the ingenious entries. I also look forward to future events, with the personal challenges that they will provide for each of us. It will also be interesting to see how woodworkers of the future are inspired to try their hand at the craft and the skills of yesteryear are passed on to yet another generation.

As I look back at last year, I realize that it was exactly one year ago that I joined LumberJocks.com as I explored the possibility of creating something out of wood. Now, here I am putting together a newsletter and creating many "somethings" out of wood. Where will I be at this time next year? Where will you be at this time next year? The possibilities are endless. The opportunities are waiting. I'm ready for the challenge. Are you?

In Memory The LJ shop was shaken this past month with the passing of our fellow Jock's, Oscorner. For many, his was one of the first greetings received upon joining the site. With over 4500 posts, Mark was clearly a cornerstone of the site's success. Through his projects and always kind and supportive words he has been an inspiration and shall be greatly missed. Condolences to the family may be posted on Mark's profile page.  Also, watch the blogs for a special tribute being created by Dusty and Karson. It will provide everyone with the opportunity to honour Mark and his wishes for us to help others. Note: Martin has created an "In Memoriam" page, linked from the Jocks page.

Save The Children Our Fall Philanthropy event has wrapped up. We had 5 entries generously donated and sold by LumberJocks. The final sum donated is yet to be calculated. Our contact at Save The Children Canada is currently in Africa, helping the children there. Upon her return we will find out what our total donation amount was and she will then contact Lee Valley with the names of donors. Lee Valley has graciously donated a thank-you gift for those who participated.

Winter Woodworking Awards 2008 Our semi-annual Awards is off and running. Entries to the categories (Not Just Any Box and The Multi-Purposed 2x4) may be posted until the end of the month.  Each category will be judged by the LumberJocks and the Award Recipients will receive lovely gifts donated by our sponsors Freud, Microplane, Canadian Woodworking, Grex and LumberJocks.com. A grand prize, a bandsaw donated by Steel City Tool Works, will be given to the member with the highest combined points from both categories. We look forward to seeing all the entries.

See the official rules for more information on this special event.

LumberJocks Picnics Arlington, Texas: February 16, 2008. Host: Betsy Brant County, Ontario: July 13, 2008. Host: MsDebbieP your picnic listed here

Did you know that our sister site, GardenTenders.com, is hosting its first event? Check out the event page for more information

A new year: new beginnings and new year's resolutions. What better way to start a new year than with a clear vision and an organized place to create. Whether your workspace is in a dedicated shop, the garage, basement, living room, or even the attic, having room to work and knowing where everything is really helps with the planning and creating process. This is a much discussed topic in the LJ shop, as woodworkers try to maximize their space and find creative ways to store their wood as well as their tools.	(In Karson's  Shop)
When MyronW asked for help to get him passed a mental block regarding organizing his shop, he received some great advice from fellow woodworkers. Start in one corner and sort things into clear bins and garbage bins and work your way around the space.
(Of course, this may sound like way to much work and you can always just build a shop as Calgirl did!)
Next, look at the workflow that you need for your type of woodworking. What big tools and big workspaces do you need and what accessories go with each. At this point you may want to draw a floor plan to help visualize the end result and what works best for you and for your space. Brad_Nailor provides a link to Sketchup resources that can be used to help plan where the big equipment will go in your shop.
Wood storage is often a challenge. Creativity and ingenuity comes to rescue. Check out this unit created by mrtrim and Dadoos storage unit that swings out from the wall. Or, perhaps one of these many ideas works for you.
So the tools are organized, the wood is stored - you think you have thought of everything? Wrong... what are you doing with your pencils? Ha. We've got that covered. Check out these ideas to help keep those pencils at the ready. Now, you're ready. You are going to be so thankful that you've put all this effort into organizing your shop. You will be whipping through those projects left and right and have lots more time to hang out online at the LJ shop with your fellow woodworkers!  (PS. And remember: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. No need to try and do it all at once.)
Projects Tagged "Storage" Blogs Tagged "Storage" Forums Tagged "Storage" Shop at the LJ Store: Storage Items

Shop Tours Tour Manager, Writer, Designer: Douglas Bordner In December, Douglas Bordner and MsDebbieP made a visit to jpw1995's  shop to conduct a shop inspection. Congrats to JP for the pass!! Company Tours This past month, MsDebbieP interviewed the Sales/Marketing Rep for General/General International.

The Adirondack Chair Have you always wanted to make an Adirondack Chair but weren't sure where to start? Betsy has put together a blog series, walking us through the steps that she takes to build this special chair.	Blog Starts Here
Dowel Making Mot shares, through a series of photos how to make a jig to make your own dowels.	The Dowel Preparator
Learning the Language Over the past year there have been repeated requests for a list of woodworking terms and their definitions. Blake has initiated a list. Please take the time to ask for a definition and/or post a description of a woodworking word or phrase.	"What does THAT mean?"
Sanding Schwingding walks us through the basics, and not so basics, of putting the finishing touches on a wood project. This series on "sanding" looks at the elements of sanding that every woodworker needs to know.	Is your sanding enhancing your finishes?
Making Models ( A Toy Motorcycle) Toyguy has written a blog series, teaching others the skills of his passion: building replica models. In this series, Toyguy provides the steps to building a miniature motorcycle.	Build a replica - why not? Here's how...
Shaping A Handrail Miles15 not only helped out a fellow LumberJock by creating a handrail transition but he also shares the "how to" process on the site to share with others.	Shaping a Handrail
Sharpening Planes & Chisels Cajunpen initiated a wonderful discussion on sharpening irons. The responses are filled with tips, tricks, and other vital information.	A sharp tool is a safe tool is a useful tool.
Hall Table Karson shares with us the step-by-step process of building Thorsen-style hall table. This blog series is filled with close-up photos, giving us a clear view of each step.	Everyone needs a hall table!
Making a Honing Stone Daren Nelson, in his new series about tools that he makes, shares the technique he uses to making his own honing stone.	Are your irons sharp?
Using a Router Inlay Kit Ask and you shall receive! USCJeff responded to a question by providing the steps to using an inlay kit.	Using an inlay kit
Arts & Craft Finishes Putting the right finish on a project takes it beyond a job well done. Here, some finishing strategies are discussed.	Finish Recipes
Contractors License Working out of your area? Do you have the right permits? Something to think about!	Do you have the right license?

Plans in Sketchup
Our members were looking for a place to compile our plans made in Sketchup. Jaromad came to the rescue and set up a Collection for LumberJocks to use.
This will be a great resource for our members. Thanks Jaromad.

LumberJocks - Project Plan Repository

Chisel Selection Mitre Trimmer Box Making Video Ryobi Power Hand Planer DeWalt Brad Nailer Water Stones Old Scroll Saws Computer Designing Bandsaws Clamps Ridgid Spindle Sander HVLP Systems

As of December 31, 2007 We are 2,362 woodworkers making 113,146 comments on 4,190 projects, 1,789 forum topics and 2,867 blog entries. New Milestone Dec. 20, 2007: 4000 projects posted
First Project of 2008 I'm not sure if this is really the first project completed this year, but since Jamie made it right after midnight, it has to be one of the first at least. Happy New Year!

Why Promote?

• more activity means more advertising potential
• more advertising = site maintenance fees covered
• more advertising = more "perks" and services for the members

• word of mouth: talk about the site with woodworkers and woodworking companies' managers/employees
  
• distribute press releases, flyers, etc as they are provided, for special events
• place a link to LJ.com on your personal websites/blogs
• use your LJ profile as your business website
• use the badges and widgets provided, on your sites
  
• let potential advertisers know about our advertising information
• take the time to check out the company interviews posted
• make a personal donation to the site
• purchase items through the LJ Store
• and of course, don't forget to wear your LJ t-shirt!

Come and discuss this issue at the dedicated forum topic.

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