It’s hard to imagine a time without Fine Woodworking magazine. My interest in woodworking didn’t start as far back as the magazine’s first issues, but they were still in black and white when I began absorbing what I could. In the 1980s, I was a carpenter, which seemed a natural follow-up to art school. Lunch times were usually spent looking through various woodworking publications, in particular, Fine Woodworking. Fine craftsmanship seemed far off at that time, but knowing those folks and their work were out there grabbed my imagination.

The articles that really spoke to me were those about some of the talented designers and makers who had created amazing work and influenced the direction woodworking had or was taking. I really enjoyed reading about the background, skill, and artistic approach these folks brought to their work.

A few articles stick out from that window of time. Wharton Esherick, “Work of the hand, the heart and the head,” Hans Wegner, “A modern master of furniture design,” and James Krenov, “Reflections on the risk of pure craft.”

A few years later I found myself a student at the College of the Redwoods, learning from Krenov, Michael Burns, David Welter, and Jim Budlong, for what would become a two-year craft awakening. Chasing some level of fine woodworking of my own, I reread with new eyes the articles that had earlier captured my interest as well as technique articles that were finally easier to grasp.

My taste now hasn’t changed that much. I still read about Wharton, Hans, and Jim. And I enjoy reading about other designers and craftspeople who have an important impact on work being done today, folks who have dialed in their own beautiful style and methods of work, and who really chase a high level of craftsmanship. My friend and fellow woodworker John Reed Fox’s work comes quickly to mind.

Finally, the back cover—Jon Binzen’s beautifully written back covers are a real treat. Like many others I suspect, it’s the first thing I look at when each issue arrives.

Craig Stevens

	James Krenov Reflections   Reflections on the Risks of Pure Craft Glenn Gordon
	Hans Wegner, Master Chairmaker   Profile of a historical master of furniture design and his legendary chairs. Irving Sloane
	Wharton Esherick   Work of the hand, the heart, and the head Michael Stone
	Wooden Planes   A small investment in time and materials yields a tool that performs beautifully David Welter
	How to bend wood to your will   Use steam to create strong, curved parts with continuous grain. Brian Boggs
	Australian Windsor   Bern Chandley combines elements from various furniture styles to create unique and visually appealing Windsor chairs. Jonathan Binzen