Habitat for Humanity and Guild Members

Most of you know that I am deeply involved in working with Habitat for Humanity. The correlation between woodworking, as we in the Guild might perceive it, and being a construction volunteer with Habitat is one of similar skill sets applied in a different manner. We use many of the same tools, that is to say table saw, miter saw, router and measuring tools, but on a different scale. But, in both cases, we understand the end towards which we work. In my shop, I work towards a variance less than 1/32”. When framing a new house, 1/4” in most cases is good enough. Wood moves in the weather, and framing lumber twists, bows and bends with all the skill of a teenage break dancer.

The greatest difference is that a Habitat volunteer works toward the satisfaction of not only seeing a finished product of which we can take pride, but in seeing the result of that finished product as providing the opportunity to 'own' a home to a family who can't afford to 'buy' the home conventionally. There is still a mortgage, taxes, utilities and all that we pay for our own homes. The qualification process is just different. That mortgage is no-money-down and interest free and recovers the cost of building. The more volunteers, the less we pay to sub-contractors. The more materials donated, the less we pay to lumber yards.

Habitat provides an opportunity to own a home to military, first responders, health-care providers, teachers, public employees and others who work tirelessly to make a difference, as well as to make a life for their families. Volunteer with us for a day. Apply your sklills to make a difference. Surf to http://shrhabitat.org and join us.

Thanks, Karl Bogott (editor)

From the President

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At the Next Meeting - Don't miss this one!!

• Bret Lancaster will give a brief on his entertainment center design/construction plans.
• Karl Bogott will kick-off the dovetail puzzle box project. He'll show us his own box and talk about materials, tools, plans and variations on the theme.
• Gary Stephens will introduce the six-pack carrier design/build challenge. 

When I first saw this picture of a beer 6-pack caddy made of wood I said WOW. Why didn’t I think of that? I could make lots of those in my shop and give them away as Christmas presents next year. Fast forward, the picture was sent to Jim and the 6-pack challenge was initiated.
After looking at the design my mind was already trying to improve its look and function. This unit looks heavy, what if I just used ½’ or ¼” material. I could make the ends slightly wider and dado the side pieced into the end for a clean smooth look. What if I used dovetail joints on the side pieces? What about using contrasting woods? Does it need a middle divider? The thoughts raced on. On Monday see an example of this beer caddy and see what you might do to make the most creative 6-pack beer caddy.
Gary Stephens

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Last Meeting Notes - Inspiration

Don Newsome and Fran Foster gave us inspiration to try new things. Never stop learnng or working. It was a great lead-in to this month's introduction to projects and challenges.

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Tip of the Month - Wipe, Baby. Wipe!

Keep a plastic container of baby wipes in your shop for removing wet glue from your clamps, tools, hands and projects. They're always moist, just the right size and have more cleaning power than a damp rag..

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Editors Notes

Somewhere out there is a Guild member who is social-media savvy who would like to make our newsletter and website POP! I've had this position long enough. I'm seeking new blood (or sawdust) to take over by the end of the year. See me at any meeting. I'm willing to teach, mentor and advise.

See you Monday - Karl

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