From the Bench: Moving Day

Paring things down is an ongoing chore in our household. This time, the attic was in our sights. My wife had asked me again to please find another place to store my Fine Woodworking magazines. I had resisted this task over the years, offering up one excuse after another: no room in my shop, no safe location, harder to access when I need them. But this time I agreed. Maybe I could find a handy, safe spot for them in the shop after all. I had been thinking about this as a laborious task of lifting, hauling, and organizing. Nothing prepared me for an emotional journey.

I began my subscription in 1984. My high school shop teacher, Mr. Thomas, had subscribed, and I scoured each of his issues. I was in awe of the projects, craftsmanship, and information. Exposure to so many techniques and the sharing of knowledge was inspirational. After graduating, I took out a subscription, and I have never…