On hand planes and phase converters...

Interesting publication, John.
I'm a College of the Redwoods grad so my interests are not exactly mainstream, but I thought some feedback might be useful to you. I took a look at your article on hand planes, and it looks pretty good overall. I especially like your laminated glass and plywood lapping plate idea. I'm inclined to disagree with the assertion that "trying to hone a bevel freehand is asking for disaster," since I can do this quite well. I think that honing guides, while nice for getting a very straight edge if your stones are flat, are rather confining; if you want to make the edge a bit convex to keep the corners from leaving lines, you're still stuck with freehanding it. Besides, there are so many tools (knives, gouges) that can only be shaped well by hand... why not encourage people to learn?
I also liked the article about different types of motors induction & universal. I think it's very useful to understand these sorts of things.
I also took a look at the article on three-phase. The information about the relatively pricey commercial units is probably interesting to medium-to-larger shops, but as a one-man operation I'd be really interested to see an article about improvised converters that can be put together with an investment of time rather than cash.
I wish you luck.
Jon

Hi John,
I wanted to let you know I am encouraging the assistance of anyone interested in helping me build a catalogue of American woodworking tools online. You can see the effort underway at www.finetools.com .
Please spread the word.
Thanks,
Steve Johnson

Do you deserve a NICHE Award?

Hi John,
The NICHE Awards, sponsored by NICHE magazine, recognize the outstanding creative achievements of American craft artists who produce work for craft galleries and retail stores. Application forms for the 2005 Awards are now available online [www.americancraft.com].
A revamped web page provides updated information about the Awards ceremony and special display, as well as application and winner notification information. Entry deadline for professionals is September 1, 2004. Categories of interest to your readers include Wood, Jewelry, Clocks, Garden Art, Goblets, Mixed Media and Recycled, among others.
Judging criteria include technical mastery and creativity, both in surface design and form; market viability; and a distinct quality of unique and original thought.
Finalists are invited to display their work in the NICHE Awards exhibit at the February Buyers Market of American Craft, February 18-21, 2005, and will be included in the Winter 2005 issue of NICHE magazine. Winners will be announced at the February 2005 Buyers Market and featured in the Spring 2005 issue of NICHE magazine.
Applications for the 2005 NICHE Student Awards are also available online. Deadline for student applications is September 15, 2004.
For more information, send me an e-mail.
Thanks,
Kristi

Blowing our own trumpet...
Hi John,
This is the first time I've heard of your web magazine. I took a look and think it's the best I've seen - so sign me up.
Pat

Hello John,
I have looked at (woodezine) and was very impressed with its content on the turning side. That is not to say that I was unimpressed by the rest of the magazine. It is just that I don't get enough time to keep up with what is going on in turning, let alone following other disciplines as well.
I like the clarity of your photos and also the brief 'no nonsense' approach of your writing. I will be interested to receive the "very brief e-mail once a month", but can't guarantee to read every issue in any depth.
Regards,
Reg

Thanks from New Hampshire.
Keep up the good work. Very ambitious.
Bill
http://www.customfurniture-doub.com

Ed note: Folks, you just have to click on the link and see the incredibly beautiful work that Bill does. The man is an absolute poet!
This is his "swan bed"...

Greetings from Down Under
G'day John,
I run a completely free, no obligations, no spam, no popups etc. site for woodworkers.[http://www.ubeaut.com.au]. We describe it as "the all Australian Woodworking site with Woodworking, Woodturning, Woodcarving, Timber info, Tools, Finishing Products, Woodworkers Bulletin Board and much more."
Cheers,
Neil Ellis
Australia