This morning (May 1st, 2009) The Sawdust Chronicles 2009 Spring 30-Day Build Challenge (I’m trying to think of a longer name, so send me suggestions) began!
With 43 actively interested contestants (23 Beginners, 15 Amateurs, and 1 Professional woodworker), 4 sponsors (Rockler, Woodcraft Magazine, Kreg Tools, General Finishes) over 250 emails, and about 150 hours already devoted to breathing life into the contest, it is now up to the contestants to determine how it all proceeds.
Upon publishing of the latest episode of The Sawdust Chronicles podcast, and the corresponding web pages , we revealed that the project to build is a simple desk organizer.
The base plan was designed by Joe Hurst from Woodcraft Magazine. But the ‘challenge’ part of the contest is that the contestants must design their own desk organizer following some strict requirements – to include not buying more tools to complete the project, restrictions on how much wood can be used, and more…
Please follow the contestants progress here and on The Sawdust Chronicles website and podcast.
PS: The vast majority of contestants happen to be fellow LumberJocks!
-- Splintered Board Podcast - Woodworker Un-extraordinaire






















5 comments so far
TheRecklessOne
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15 posts in 224 days
posted 208 days ago
Sounds like a cool contest…
The Sawdust Chronicles 2009 Spring (semi, bi, etc.)Annual 30-Day Build Extreme Challenge Extravaganza
-- Sponsored by craigslist brand power tools!
spaids
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460 posts in 589 days
posted 197 days ago
Well I’m in.
I have seen the list of names that mark my competition and am wondering if there is a graceful way to fold this hand. Ouch! I thought a beginner contest would mean that everybody would suck at this like I do.
There are 5 Saturdays in May but I’ve only been able to play in the garage for about 3 hours. Milling lumber is not my best skill and its taking forever. Plus I’m trying to figure out how to do this with scrap only and it means a lot of glue ups to get workable pieces.
I spent a lot of time trying to come up with a unique design. I made the sketchup and wallah…. an ugly piece of crap. At least I didn’t waste any material building it before I realized how ugly it was.
Take 2: I came up with a less ugly design. My new contest is just to see if I can get it finished.
-- Wipe the blood stains from your blade before coming in.
GaryK
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9533 posts in 884 days
posted 197 days ago
I’ll sit this one out. Too busy with my pie crust table project.
Good luck to all those who enter!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
SplinteredBoard
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51 posts in 502 days
posted 197 days ago
Spaids,
Don’t worry about all the other contenders. As far as I know, no one is on pace to finish the contest. Yet… Plus, some of them are categorized as Amateurs. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be judged as a beginner.
Keep plugging away! I’m actually leaning towards having you on the show. You can tell people about the troubles you’ve been having and they can help you out.
-- Splintered Board Podcast - Woodworker Un-extraordinaire
a1Jim
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16910 posts in 473 days
posted 197 days ago
I’m totally involved with about 8 proects may be next time
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon