I'm in Fine Woodworking Magazine!!!

[scsmith42]

Well, kinda....

What I should say is that my bald head is featured prominently in Fine Woodworking Magazine's Tools and Shops Annual Issue for Winter 2020!




 


Here is the background story.

About a year ago I was approached by a local customer - Jason Stephens (that's him on the left in the photo above) - who had submitted an article idea to FWW magazine about his journey as a woodworker to have treecycle large logs that were overlooked by traditional sawmills into lumber.  Jason is a 25 year Air Force Veteran who had started slabbing when he was stationed in Texas, and then he move to NC.  FWW responded positively about Jason's proposal, and to quote the editor, the gist of the article as explained to Jason is:

 "we'd like to really home in on "why mill your own lumber?" So it'd be less about your own techniques as a sawyer and more about the benefits of milling, how to find trees, how to deal with them before and after milling, best storage practices, and when to seek out which type of mill. In other words, it's kind of the before, during, and after working with a sawyer. "

So the article really isn't about my milling operation, although part of it was photographed here and we're mentioned in it.  Additionally a local portable band mill operator - Roy Lynch - is featured milling some of Jason's smaller logs, and a woodworker from Minnesota - Matt Cremona - who built his own 6' band slabbing mill is also featured in the article.

Jason brought us some large white oak logs in to be slabbed and quartersawn as part of the magazine article.  Last spring the magazine flew in an editor and photographer, and they spent the day with us observing our process.  They flew back home, and quite frankly I had forgotten all about it until now.

Earlier today I received a FedEx from Taunton Publishing with three copies of the aforementioned issue in it, and a nice note from the editor about how he enjoyed his trip here.  This comment in particular really made me feel good:  "You all were so hospitable and accommodating—and your operation is so fantastic—that shoot is one of the highlights of my time here. "

I think that the opening page of the article is a pretty cool photo (but then again I'm biased!)  That's Ken, one of our millers, operating our farm-built 72" slabber.




 


Here's the magazine cover:




 


Ya know, it's nice to have friends that care about you and keep you grounded.  As you can imagine, today around the mill the magazine article was the talk of the day.  

One friend suggested that I should rename my business to "Baldy's burls", another suggested "Chrome Dome Milling and Slabbing".  "Slicks Slabbing" was also put forth, but the general consensus though was "Hairless Hardwoods" would be the most appropriate.

I wasn't feeling the love, to say the least....

Still fun to be mentioned in a national magazine.

Scott

[Southside]

Congratulations!!  That's awesome!!  Of course now you realize you will have to create an in depth post on that "farm built" slabber!!  ;D 

[YellowHammer]

Wow, that's impressive.  Congratulations.  8)

[scsmith42]

Congratulations!!  That's awesome!!  Of course now you realize you will have to create an in depth post on that "farm built" slabber!!  ;D

Already did back in 2014.
http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=76301.msg1158070#msg1158070

[scsmith42]

Wow, that's impressive.  Congratulations.  8)

Thanks Robert.
When my friend suggested "Hairless hardwoods" my first reaction was that it sounded too similar to "Hobby Hardwoods" . 

[Don P]

Way to go Scott 8)
That's a feather in your cap, looks like it'll be a good article. I'll be looking for a copy.

[AK Newbie]

Very cool!  Congratulations looking forward to checking out the article

[doc henderson]

I will have to look at that.  I now am on a forum with a celebrity.  

[samandothers]

Very nice, should not hurt being mentioned in the article!  Good to have friends and coworkers that help slam you back to reality.

[jeepcj779]

Doc,
 I thought you claimed to be a hobbyist before. Now that you have been "published", does that make you a pro?

[doc henderson]

well the OP is @scsmith42  but I do have an article on the TK blog about my operation.  I was just feeling all uppity since I know a famous person (scs)on this blog!   .  glad to see you moving forward with your "after the military" dream! @jeepcj779   God Speed.

?Ol? Doc? has SERIOUS FUN Sawing with his TimberKing 2000 | Timberking Blog

[olcowhand]

That's great, Scott; Congratulations! Just think if I would have had my "Whatizit" contest before that, nobody would be mocking your bald head- because you'd have been wearing your prize FF Hat.....
I hope it leads to even more success for you and your team.
Steve

[doc henderson]

yes that is quite and honor, and I certainly do not mean to take away from it with posting my story.  I have never been published in a wood magazine, let alone fine woodworking, by Taunton press, very good info for real woodworkers.  in this months sawmill and wood lot, there is a article on drone use in forestry.  It was the national walnut council hosted in all places... Topeka, Ks.  I did not go but a friend did.  best Regards and continued success!!!  @scsmith42 

[curved-wood]

Congratulations. It is an honor to be in a top magazine. Good for you

[terrifictimbersllc]

Congratulations Scott, this publicity is well deserved and reflects well on all of us here.   8)

btw I wonder what Mr Cremona is going to do when he needs to move that mill.  ???

[WDH]

When I saw that picture, I knew right away that it was either you or Terry Bradshaw :D. 

[GAB]

@scsmith42 Congratulations.
I wish they had brought you a log with some length to it.
I have heard say "God made a few perfect heads the rest he put hair on".
Gerald

[Stephen1]

Congratulations Scott! Always great to hear of our fellow FFormites being in the news

[tule peak timber]

SUPER !!!! Congratulations 8)

[boardmaker]

Really cool Scott.  I've always considered Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding 2 of the best out there.  It's an honor to grace their pages. 

Now, about Hairless Hardwoods...  Considering my hairline has been slowly changing over the last 10 years, I feel that I may be a little hypocritical saying anything.  HaHa.

[scsmith42]

I will have to look at that.  I now am on a forum with a celebrity.  

You already were.  David Poston is a celebrity!  How many folks have developed their own, internationally acknowledged currency (SGU'S)???

[scsmith42]

When I saw that picture, I knew right away that it was either you or Terry Bradshaw :D.

Danny, I burst out laughing when I read that!

[WV Sawmiller]

   Congratulations and continued popularity and success. I heard rumors you were looking for a bigger hat now.

   BTW - I'd just as soon not know you were reading this thread on the toilet.

[scsmith42]

  Congratulations and continued popularity and success. I heard rumors you were looking for a bigger hat now.

  BTW - I'd just as soon not know you were reading this thread on the toilet.

Yeah, I rethought that joking comment and deleted it.
I'm thinking real seriously of building a band slabber that will let me mill a 10' wide crotch.  Still have lots of thinking to do about it though.

[scsmith42]

well the OP is @scsmith42  but I do have an article on the TK blog about my operation.  I was just feeling all uppity since I know a famous person (scs)on this blog!   .  glad to see you moving forward with your "after the military" dream! @jeepcj779   God Speed.

?Ol? Doc? has SERIOUS FUN Sawing with his TimberKing 2000 | Timberking Blog

That's a very cool article; thanks for posting the link!  You're living a full life indeed.