Bimonthly mentor – FineWoodworking

In the 1970s I worked in a cabinet factory for three years and then started my own little custom stereo cabinetry shop. When I saw Fine Woodworking for the first time, I was in my hardwood lumber supplier’s showroom: Issue #12, September 1978, the Greene and Greene issue. I could not know at that time how the parallel development of this periodical would intersect my life, again and again. I was just happy to discover a professional woodworking resource full of in-depth, useful information emphasizing principles of the trade and highlighting impressive workmanship, not yet another planter or doll bed for a homeowner to build over the weekend. I immediately subscribed.

I was highly motivated by what I read about the successes of others. Bruce Hoadley and Tage Frid taught me wood technology and engineering via their articles and books. James Krenov and Sam Maloof taught me design. Their…