Well, here we are, half way through the year and we have been inspired by many projects, blog entries, discussions, and challenges.

The second half of the year is already proving to be equally exciting as we begin our Summer Awards event and posted projects continue to leave us in awe and challenge us to tackle new skills and to build more woodworking creations.

July also brings us to our "second" eMag issue. We hope you find it helpful as you build your upcoming projects. Please let us know if there is anything specific you would like to see included in the next issue of the LJeM . This is only going to get bigger and better!

A key element of the success of LumberJocks.com is the membership itself. The LJs are "the cream of the crop"!

It doesn't take long to get to know someone on our site, as you read the comments, blogs, and casual bantering that goes on in the community.

Not only do we get a perspective of their woodworking skills, but we often hear about their family, how to tell they are a LumberJock,  their favourite LJ  music and what type of wood they'd be if they were a tree.

And now, thanks to the discussion initiated by Zuki, we know what they do outside of woodworking as well or if woodworking is their primary job.

Be sure to stop by to find out who does what and to take the time to let us know what you do for a living.

One of our members has recently been honored by recognition in a magazine!

Woodcarving Illustrated Magazine has included in their recent issue an article on CarverRog and his creation The Shroud. Congratulations CarverRog for such an accomplishment.

According to CarverRog's profile, he is a commercial construction superintendent and a "wantabe full time woodcarver". His carving skills are exceptional and the creations he makes are masterful.

If you haven't seen "The Shroud" yet, here's a quote from Ellen that might convince you take a look: "WOW, there is nothing I like better than to be fooled by wood or stone or any material that imitates something that flows like fabric and can pull it off."

Again, congratulations to CarverRog on the magazine honor.

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A list of LumberJocks with small or large celebrity status has been started in the forums. Be sure to let us know of your moments of fame.

This site is getting so amazing that the LumberJocks themselves are creating new features for the site.

If you haven't done so already be sure to check out Mot & David's Cyber ToolShare. You'll be glad that you did!! Opportunities galore!

Another new feature is Shop Inspections. To arrange an inspection of your shop, contact Douglas and he will be sure to put you on the list!

Thanks to Mot & David and to Douglas for their vision, hard work, and, well, their sense of humour.

(See SideBar for official "New Features")

Our fellow LumberJocks are becoming quite the video podcasters, with several videos being posted over the past few months. We have seen shop tours, tool set-ups, project creations and other tips and tricks.

The videos come in all "shapes and sizes" -- from short clips to several minutes; some are professional looking and some are plain and simple. We have videos taken by assistants and some hand-held by the Jocks themselves. There are videos made with video cameras, some with the video setting on digital cameras, and some are still photos edited into a movie format.

Here is just one of the videos shared for our viewing pleasure. Thanks to Dick for posting a video of his Table Challenge entry!

And, on behalf of all podcasters (present and future) we'd like to thank The Wood Whisperer for his video posting tutorial. The step-by-step instructions are really helpful.

One of the main components of LumberJocks.com is the "Blog" section. While some members are quite efficient with their blog writing others are a little intimidated by the thought.

What is a BLOG:
The "web-log" is a written commentary about a topic. It can look like a news article, like a journal, or a personal diary. The entries are listed in chronolocial order, with the most recent entry being at the first. That's it. Nothing scary about it.

Why Blog?

• share your thoughts, insights, experiences with others
• document the development of a project, from planning to completion
• keep a record of personal growth and skill development over time
• educate others regarding a process, a product, or a safety lesson
• some other personal reason you might have

1. choose your topic
2. click on your personal "blog" menu and select "Add new entry"
3. if this is to be part of a series, select the series or create a new one
4. give your entry a title
5. type! (No special writing style is required. This is YOUR blog, YOUR thoughts, YOUR style of writing)
6. embed a picture or two if you like (see HELP files for information on this process)
7. add a "tag" or two to make it easy for others to find your blog (ex. safety, carving, table)
8. Post your blog
9. Check in later and look for feedback.
10. Keep blogging.

1. The International Day of the LumberJock
2. LumberJock Picnic
3. LJ Chat
4. Summer 2007 Awards

The International Day of the LumberJocks
In celebrating the growth of our community to reaching 1000 members (and beyond), June 12th has been designated as "The International Day of the LumberJocks". Honoring this special day this year, we wore our LJ T-shirts, if we had them, and talked up the site to anyone and everyone that day. The anticipation had no sooner reached its climax at reaching 1000 when predictions started flying again and we are now looking forward to the 2000th member. Congratulations to Martin and all of the LumberJocks -- without each of you, this site would not be what it is today!

LumberJocks Picnic: July 15
Mark Sunday, July 15th on your calendar and start planning your picnic!
LumberJocks around the world will be laying out their picnic blankets, wearing their LJ T-shirts (and sweatshirts for those experiencing winter now), and talking up woodworking with their family, friends, and passersby. This is going to be one BIG picnic. I can hear the cheer already: "I... AM... A... LUMBERJOCK!!". I expect to see some videos and photos, following the picnic!

LJ Chat
I bet this caught your attention! On  Sunday, July 8th,  David will be hosting our very first LJ Chat. The topic of discussion will be "veneering" and everyone is encouraged to join in and ask David about his "first time" experience at the woodworking technique. This should be an informative and fun time.

     Date: Sunday, July 8, 2007
     Time: 3 -5 PM EST

     Date: Wednesday July 25, 2007
     Time: to be announced

How do you participate?
Log-on to lumberjocks.com/chat,  and get your questions and keyboard ready!

What if you are around the world and sound asleep?
(Or maybe working and unable to attend?). Unfortunately we won't all be able to make it to the live chat, for one reason or another, but there will be a transcript available in the near future and further questions can be posted in the forums. 

Get your questions and comments ready. Let's make our first chats something that will be talked about for ages!

Summer 2007 Woodworking Awards

We will then have one week to vote and the recipients of the Summer Awards will be announced. Check out the Awards page for all of the rules and list of prizes.

Wood Joinery: this category has had lots of discussions as we struggled to move out of our comfort zones into one without glue and mechanical fasteners. Amongst the discussions have been a variety of tips regarding such joinery techniques.  The following are some of the blogs/topics providing tips:

• Traditional Japanese Joinery - by Damian Penney
• Chigiritsugi used in Wood Joinery - by frank
• Journeys into the Joints of Joineries (2 parts) - by frank
• and don't forget resources available in the LJ Store

(Remember to blog your experiences during the building of your project entries -- the journey itself is what it's all about.)

We'd like to give a special thanks to organizations for spreading the word about our upcoming event.  A big thank-you for the support goes to:

• About.com
• Blanchard Creative Woodworking
• Matt's Basement Workshop Podcast
• The Wood Whisperer
• Fox Valley Woodworkers Club

There has been a lot of talk about veneering here at LumberJocks.com, over the past little while. We've had projects posted, (checkerboard seen in photo is by HandsOgold), questions asked (and answered), and how to directions written out as well as provided in photo and video format.

Blog Series

David has provided us with a series of informational blogs/videos that have been well received as a helpful guide to working with veneer. He has shared with us with a list of resources, a display of tools that we need, and the steps to completing a veneering project. The following link takes us to the whole 8-part series: Beginner's Guide - The Vacuum Press & Veneering

Karson has also provided us with some "hands-on" experience with veneering this month, sharing his "how to" instructions from his Kitchen Remodel. He, too, provides a display of tools needed as well as information of what to include and what not to use, helping us get prepared prior to beginning. His step-by-step photos create a great guide to veneering.

Thanks to David, Karson and everyone else who has provided questions and answers on the topic of veneering.

If you have thought about trying your hand at working with veneer or are struggling with some "learning opportunities" then make sure to join David during our new LJ Chat (see LJ Events) to ask your questions about the process.

TAG It:

Projects tagged with "Veneer"
Blog Entries tagged with "Veneer"

There's no doubt about it, the hand plane is a vital part of a woodworker's shop.

Some woodworkers, (ok, maybe just me) have never used a plane but have one or two lying around, just in case. Some are collectors, captivated by the beauty and the history of these special tools. And some, have a set of "old faithfuls" that are used on a regular basis and have become an extension of their own hands.

Throughout the LumerJocks' site we find an extensive list of information and support regarding the plane. If you need to know how to sharpen them -- the information is here. Trying to find out the age of your plane? Again, the LumberJocks are here to help you out. Are you just thinking about buying your first plane? We have the information to walk you through the decision-making process. Storage? Got it covered! Refinishing it? Got that too!

These are just a few of the discussion regarding planes. For more information be sure to do a "Search".

• Buying Your First Plane - discussion started by Obi
• Sharpening Information - discussion started by SST
• More Sharpening Information - initiated by Wayne C
• And what about oilstone sharpening? - initiated by Barbs
• Restoration Blog Series (17-part series and still counting) - by Wayne C. This Blog will really help you get to know your plane, which in turn will help you care for it and use it to its greatest potential.
• Storage discussion  - initiated by Wayne C
• Veritas Mk.II Sharpening System Quick Review Video - by mot

TAG It! check out all the entries tagged with "plane"

So you want to start/increase your woodworking business and you aren't sure what promotion strategies you should use. Where do you start? Why, right here at LumberJocks.com of course!

Mark DeCou initiated a great discussion about promotional strategies and how and when to use them. Our fellow LumberJocks jumped right in with lots of ideas, insights, and words of wisdom. 

Following a lengthy discussion, Mark summarized the information by saying:

A few key principles have emerged from the responses:

1) Business Cards are a must.
2) Make them professional and memorable.
3) Be thoughtful, but proactive when handing out printed materials.
4) Marketing by printed media is important, and required, at least at first.
Additionally, there has been some input as to Internet marketing with a website.

For more information and ideas on promoting your business, see the full discussion and be sure to check out all the discussions about the business side of things at the Sweating for Bucks forum.

The Ultimate Workstation by RJones

Are you working in a limited space and don't have room for a big work area? Or perhaps you work in your garage and have to move things around to make room for the car? Well, RJones has provided the plans for the "Ultimate Workstation" that is not only made for the small spaces but is also movable!

Designed for the small shop this extremely functional workstation combines the look of fine kitchen cabinetry and the functionality unlike that of any workstation you have ever had the pleasure of owning.

It includes ample storage, compressed air, electrical power and dust collection all in a compact mobile unit perfect for today's small workshop.

Thank you RJones for creating and sharing these detailed plans.

The following discussions and reviews have taken place in the forums and blogs over the past month. These reviews are made by woodworkers like you who are simply sharing their points of view. It is important to note that these are not paid endorsements.

• Veritas Mk II Sharpening System - by Mot
• Kreg Mitre Gauge - by David
  
• Jessem Mite-r-excel - by Wayne C and LJ the Peacock
• Jointers - started by Dano
• Incra Mitre Express - by Mot
• Angle Gauge and Others - by Tikka

If I tell two people and you tell two people and they each tell two people who tell two people, who tell two people, and so on, and so on, and so on...

...before you know it LumberJocks.com  will be known in every nook and cranny of this planet (or close to it anyway). And with this "spreading the word" we will also be known by more businesses and sponsors which means we can provide more events, more awards, more prizes, and so on, and so on, and so on.

Here are some ideas to help you "tell someone":

• word of mouth -- if they look like they work with wood and even if they don't (because I bet they know someone who does) -- then tell them about LJ.com
• invite people to the LJ Picnic on July 15th. Invite the neighborhood woodworkers; invite the local woodworking club; invite the Scouts who are working on their woodworking badge....
  
• have LJ Business Cards available to give to those people you talk to (available soon)
  
• tell people about the upcoming Awards and Challenges
• wear your LJ T-shirt
• post some Awards Flyers around town

Keep spreading the word... we have only just begun!! 2000 members, here we come.

Oh yes... July 10th here we come -- the prediction date for reaching 1000 members here at LumberJocks.com.

Well, we beat the deadline way back in mid-June. It was really exciting as the countdown began and all eyes were on the membership number as it approached the magic number. Now, as we head towards the 2000 mark, we continue to be very active and continually growing in numbers:

LJ Stats as of June 30, 2007: 1094 members; 1783 projects;  596 forum topics; 1333 blog entries

Upcoming Club/Guild Meetings

Do you have a meeting coming up? Or perhaps you would like to get some people in your area together to talk woodworking. Let us know and we will be sure to add it to future issues of the LJeM.

Come and discuss this issue at the dedicated forum topic.

Bessey BGPKIT General Purpose Clamp Kit
List Price: $87.99
Buy New: $59.95
You Save: $28.04 (32%)

Mini-Browser
Allows you to use any dedicated photo/video sharing site you like and still access/upload/embed the assets directly below the text area when writing your long blog entry, project story or even new comment. Read more.

Wider pages, Larger Pictures
After the major redesign, content area supports embedded images up to 640px wide plus your project and workshop pictures are resized to larger format as well. Read more.

Tool Basics for a Newbie

You Know You're Hooked When

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