The summer edition of the LumberJocks Woodworking Awards is fast approaching and it’s time to brainstorm the prizes and contact potential sponsors. We have raised the bar with the Steel City Bandsaw grand prize quite high this winter ;)
I’d like to know the answer to the simple question: What’s you dream prize? Post your ideas and suggestions – even the crazy ones. The comments will help in the process…
So what’s your dream prize?
-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://profile.to/msojka






















79 comments so far
GuyK
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141 posts in 958 days
posted 540 days ago
1. A complete set of Forrest Blades – Table saw/Miter saw
2. Two hundred board feet (each ) of – Pine, Cherry, Maple and Walnut
3. Saw Stop Table Saw
4. Woodworking lessons from one of the many wood masters.
5. A complete set of Festool tools.
Martin. I know anything on this list would make me happy for sure.
-- Guy Kroll
toyguy
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699 posts in 716 days
posted 539 days ago
- Maybe a shopping spree at one of the exotic wood places…....... I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t want more material to work..
- After seeing the pen trip here at lumberjocks, a mini lathe would be nice.
- World Peace…... you said even the crazy ones !
-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/
Scott Bryan
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20080 posts in 701 days
posted 539 days ago
I agree with Guy about the Saw Stop.
How about a trip to spend some time in the shop and make a guest appearance on a video with Charles Neil or Mark Spagnolo.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Ryan Shervill
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238 posts in 691 days
posted 539 days ago
I guess the ultimate prize would be a 3-5 HP SawStop. I mean, it’s something that most people, hobbiests and pro’s alike, don’t own and could use. :)
-- If you can't set a good example, at least serve as a horrible warning... www.rarewoodcreations.com
Dadoo
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1724 posts in 869 days
posted 539 days ago
A nice stack of exotic wood would be nice.
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
Obi
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2191 posts in 1116 days
posted 539 days ago
Popular Woodworking just had a sweepstakes where they gave away a complete shop. So that would be the “Ultimate”.
My idea of the Ultimate Prize includes one or all of the below
The Saw Stop (or actually any 3-5 hp cabinet saw would be a great prize),
18” Bandsaw,
Lathe,
Floor Standing Drill Press,
Planer/Jointer,
12” Cutoff/Chop saw,
Dust Collection System,
3 1/4 hp Variable Speed Plunge Router and Complete set of router bits,
the Leigh 24” Dovetail Jig and complete set of Templates,
topped off by the Ultimate U.S. Woodworking Tour that starts on one coast and travels to all the coolest Shops in the U.S. Where the winner and a guest get to visit places like the New Yankee Workshop, Sam Maloof’s Shop, David Marks, maybe stop of at the Woodwhisperer’s and sample Nicole’s cooking… (o.k. Nicole is a hottie)
-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/
Eric
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784 posts in 663 days
posted 539 days ago
As a hand tools guy, I would love a gift certificate for Lie-Nielsen or a high-quality hand tool maker. I’m guessing that even power tool guys would love one of those as well.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
scottb
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3391 posts in 1206 days
posted 539 days ago
Ditto on the Saw Stop – Cabinet or Contractors Saw (the latter would actually fit in my basement, the former would require either building a garage or (preferably) moving.
A domino, or choice of other Festool tools – circ saw, routers, sanders, etc….
dust collection/air filtration
certificate for classes
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
teenagewoodworker
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2470 posts in 647 days
posted 539 days ago
my dream prize would be a 5 hp SawStop with a 50” fence or a 20” Steel City 2.5 Hp Bandsaw. Too bad i can’t fit any of those in my shop though
more realistically i would love something like a Steel City Hybrid Saw (granite), a Steel City 18” Bandsaw, a Steel City 8” Jointer (granite), or maybe a Laguna i think its 14-48 2 hp lathe
Jon3
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435 posts in 984 days
posted 539 days ago
A Sawstop.
A big Oneway lathe.
Some Lie-Nielsen hand tools!
Russel
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2033 posts in 818 days
posted 539 days ago
I like the idea of a couple hundred feet of lumber. Tools are cool, but unfortunately the diversity of shops makes that somewhat difficult. Not everyone has the power or the space for top notch tools, and those that prefer hand tools have minimal need. However, I can’t imagine any of us saying, “No I really don’t want any wood.”
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
trifern
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7890 posts in 646 days
posted 539 days ago
Stubby lathe.
$1.25 gas.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
itsme_timd
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676 posts in 710 days
posted 539 days ago
A full shop would be an amazing prize!
To pick some ‘simpler’ ideas…
- A SawStop
- Festool tools (maybe a gift certificate?)
- Classes at Woodcraft/Rockler
In Georgia we have a “Win for Life” lottery game that pays you $1000.00/wk for life. How about free LUMBER for life? Now there’s a dream prize! :-)
-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA
Toolz
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304 posts in 621 days
posted 539 days ago
I agree with Russel, wood would be best.
-- Growing older but not up!
motthunter
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2079 posts in 678 days
posted 539 days ago
Dream Prize???
Hands down… A LEGACY MILL
-- making sawdust....
bbqking
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332 posts in 602 days
posted 539 days ago
More wood. My choice of type and dimension.
-- bbqKing, Lawrenceville
GaryK
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9496 posts in 867 days
posted 539 days ago
A 12” jointer
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
ChicoWoodnut
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894 posts in 694 days
posted 539 days ago
This little gem would be sweet. Gary would get what he wants too if you could get Jet to sponsor it.
Of course, targeting Gary’s wish would put us all at a little of a disadvantage LOL
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net
Jarrod Zion Murphree
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347 posts in 602 days
posted 539 days ago
So many great ideas so far….
1. Scholarship to a 3-month/9-month/1-year furniture making program
2. Ditto on a Festool package (definitely to include a Domino…)
3. Ditto on a SawStop cabinet saw
4. Ditto on a Lie-Nielsen/Veritas/other high-end hand tool manufacturer package
5. Ditto on a 12” combo machine
6. 18” or 21” bandsaw (Laguna preferred, but any decent manufacturer would do including Grizz)
7. WoodMizer hydraulic lumber mill
Yep, that works…
-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/
jeanmarc
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1750 posts in 595 days
posted 539 days ago
A full shop would be an amazing prize!
-- jeanmarc manosque france
DAN
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6402 posts in 862 days
posted 539 days ago
Domino
Legancy Mill
Trip to India
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
ShannonRogers
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370 posts in 667 days
posted 539 days ago
This is like the “what would you do if you won the lottery” game. I love it.
The sawstop is a nice idea having just come out of safety week
A Sauer and Steiner infill plane or any fine hand tool maker.
I really like the non tool ideas like woodworking schools: Mark Adam, Kelly Mehler, Mike Dunbar, etc.
All expense paid trip to Woodworking in America in Berea, KY this November would be cool too.
-- Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog
RusticElements
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166 posts in 604 days
posted 539 days ago
Personally? I currently have so many tools I have no room to work (but yes, we all still need more tools) or room to store wood. So for me, a shop extension would be ultimate. I think many would have use for this, and some could just use a shop since they don’t have one.
-- Michael R. Harvey - Brewster, NY - RusticElementArt.com - SpaceAware.org - AnConn.com
FrankA
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136 posts in 658 days
posted 539 days ago
I also think a new SawStop contractors saw would be a great prize,
of course a complete shop would go far beyond a great prize.
-- Frank Auge---Nichols NY----"My opinion is neither copyrighted nor trademarked, but it is price competitive."
FlWoodRat
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575 posts in 788 days
posted 539 days ago
It’s not the tools, it’s the skills that make one a master craftman. I’d opt for the learing experience at any of the high quality schools. A one Month class would be great. Now, if I can get the LOML to let me go when I win, that’s just a bonus.
Hey, here is an idea. Why not ask Marc “Mr. Wood Whiperer” Spagnuolo to host a LJ one week school in Az for 4 Grand Prize winners?
-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
tpastore
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90 posts in 695 days
posted 539 days ago
Sawstop is my vote. Either one.
gizmodyne
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1658 posts in 969 days
posted 539 days ago
I like the idea of a week at a woodworking school.
or….new idea: Martin makes over your personal website.
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
Brad_Nailor
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1192 posts in 836 days
posted 539 days ago
It’s hard to say since you didn’t specify any price restrictions…I think a good first prize could be:
A Saw Stop cabinet saw..not the contractors, or if you couldn’t do Saw Stop then a Steel City granite hybrid with a 52” fence table board and mobile stand.
A mid sized open sided drum sander, like a 22-44 or something similar
8” or better Jointer ..maybe with spiral cutting blades and a mobile base
A mid sized planer with spiral cutters..
Second prizes:
Festool Domino, router, or dust collection set up
3” HP or better dust collector with metal upper canister
Leigh or similar dovetail jig setup
Ezee Feed setup
Essential collection of Lie Nielson hand planes
Portable planer setup Like the De Walt DW735 with the cart and the table extensions and the chip hood
Steel City or other quality floor standing wood working drill press
Third prizes:
Quality 8” Dado set
Set of Forrest WW2 10” table saw blades
Kreig master pocket hole set
Rigid drum/belt sander
Quality chisel set
Grex 23ga pinner
Consolation prizes:
Lumberjocks T shirts or other assorted shwag
I guess this is allot like a personal wishlist..LOL, but I would think most people on here would like these prizes
-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"
Napaman
home | projects | blog
3421 posts in 956 days
posted 539 days ago
Tools are great…but I like the idea of scholarships to wood working schools (BTW—-MArtin with the diversity of levels of woodworking here—-I would think schools wood love to advertise—-and give special rates to LJ’s)...
Wouldnt it be cool to have 15 LJ’s from all over the world take a class together for a week???
How about an all expenses paid trip—-to a group of LJ’s to a big woodworking show/convention??? The group could be wined and dined by different sponsors who have booths at the show…
Trust me—-they treat the group right and word will get back here…
I HAVE ANOTHER DREAM—-FREE T-SHIRTS TO ALL THAT ENTER!!! (OR AT LEAST MORE RANDOM WINNERS THEN ONE OR TWO)...
Shop Upgrade—-new electrical system…and dust collection set up by the pro’s…
ok…my two cents…
matt
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
dalec
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581 posts in 767 days
posted 539 days ago
How about airfare and choice of woodworking class or two hours of one-on-one (for those who are more expert) with Charles Neil or Mark Spagnolo?
Dale
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30 posts in 860 days
posted 539 days ago
My Top 5
1. Saw Stop Cabinet Saw
2. Festool Domino
3. Scholarship to Marc Adams School of Woodworking
4. Gramercy Dovetail Saw
5. 15” Powermatic Planer
-- Dale, Pittsburgh PA
DAN
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6402 posts in 862 days
posted 539 days ago
domino
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
Blake
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2715 posts in 753 days
posted 539 days ago
I’ll have to think some more.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
dennis mitchell
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3785 posts in 1193 days
posted 539 days ago
...a bigger shop…
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Napaman
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3421 posts in 956 days
posted 539 days ago
ooooh…a shop makeover…!!!
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Kevin Violette
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214 posts in 742 days
posted 539 days ago
- Fully loaded woodworking bench (diefenbacher, sjoberg, etc.)
- Cyclone Dust Collector
- Lee Valley “Tucker” Vise
- Drum Sander
- I like the lessons or school idea with airfare and accomodations
Just some ideas…....
-- Kevin -- (http://www.furniturebykevin.com)
gator9t9
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295 posts in 583 days
posted 539 days ago
Well my first pick would be GAS for a year to power my vehicle to get to the Wood Store or Wood Tool Store …
and
All the tools mentioned are really nice and would be prized by all of us …..But my dream prize would be a Dream Shop! Build me the building on my property and i will provide the tools …
if that is not possible and
With the space limitations of my garage/shop, a Saw Stop or New Diefenbacher would just not fit ….given that …
Then
I think a complete Festool collection would be my selection …
thanks for listening
-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."
jockmike2
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7222 posts in 1125 days
posted 539 days ago
A new Stubby. mike
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
kshipp
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117 posts in 657 days
posted 539 days ago
I would cast my vote for a woodworking class of some type or the choice of the winner. Maybe something to show us how to use the tools we have better instead of just getting new tools.
-- Kyle Shipp, Michigan, http://battleshipp.blogspot.com
Tom Adamski
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309 posts in 650 days
posted 539 days ago
Table saws are nice, but most LJs have one. Same is true for most of the large tools
My top 3 choices would be…
1) Drum sander. Delta X5 would be nice, but even a small Performax will do.
2) Shopping spree or gift card from Lie-Nielsen. Oh, the damage I could do… (maybe even a LJs custom plane)
3) A full suite of Freud Blades. Rip, Cross, Ply, Box Joint, Dado… etc.
Tom
-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.
teenagewoodworker
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2470 posts in 647 days
posted 539 days ago
maybe you could get sort of passes to the New Yankee Workshop for a weekend over the summer (when I’m out of school) that would be AWESOME!
Blake
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2715 posts in 753 days
posted 539 days ago
I second the new Workbench idea.
Geez Martin, you’ve turned us into a bunch of kids writing our Christmas wish list for Santa.
I’ve been a good boy, I PROMISE!
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
GMman
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1178 posts in 576 days
posted 539 days ago
I have most of the tools I need some of them are not expensive like I have only a portable table saw but what most of all I wish to have is a larger shop so I could enjoy myself more and do more things to give away, I have never sold any of my woodworking projects only gave them away, so a larger shop with some heat in the winter months would be my dream.
-- <<<<<< I will not stop until I get it right. >>>>>>--
DrSawdust
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230 posts in 977 days
posted 539 days ago
Wood !!!
-- Making sawdust is what I do best
bhack
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241 posts in 599 days
posted 539 days ago
I go with the Lie-Nielsen planes.
-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.
teenagewoodworker
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2470 posts in 647 days
posted 539 days ago
I like wood too. it answers every woodworkers need. you can have all the tools in the world but you need wood to actually do something with them!
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 965 days
posted 539 days ago
I’m with Dennis….a bigger shop…..of course…his shop would be a much bigger shop for me.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
ChicoWoodnut
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894 posts in 694 days
posted 539 days ago
I think I like the workbench idea too! Second. (LN makes a sweet one ;)
I also like a woodworkers school (although it might be tough to leave for very long)
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net
Greg3G
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770 posts in 964 days
posted 539 days ago
Here’s my wish list
A “Masters” program at the Mark Adams School
A set of Lie-Nielsen or Veritas bench planes
Legacy Mill
Life time subscriptoin to either PW or FWW mag.
-- Greg - Charles Town, WV
GaryK
home | projects | blog
9496 posts in 867 days
posted 539 days ago
ChicoWoodnut – That 12” combo machine would be nice!
Though I was thinking something with a spiral cutter head.
.
.
or better still, a stand alone with a long bed.
.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Paul D
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2125 posts in 627 days
posted 539 days ago
I vote for a day of 1:1 time with someone like Norm Abrams, David Marks, etc. That would be very very cool.
-- Paul D, Atlanta GA
woodup
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145 posts in 822 days
posted 539 days ago
Things I havn’t seen mentioned yet, but would be great to have…..
Tormek wet grinder sharpening system.
Incra percision tool products (fences, mitre gauges, rulers)
MasterCarver rotary carving tool
WoodSlicer Bandsaw blade
-- Michael, Fort Worth, TX. "I wood if I could!"
ChicoWoodnut
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894 posts in 694 days
posted 539 days ago
Gary,
Here I thought you were all happy with your router + Planer technique LOL
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net
Tom Adamski
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309 posts in 650 days
posted 539 days ago
Hey Scott… How about the bench from LN plus whatever you can fit on top?
-- Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsman can hide his mistakes.
GaryK
home | projects | blog
9496 posts in 867 days
posted 539 days ago
ChicoWoodnut – I said that’s for people that didn’t have a “16 inch” jointer. :-)
I have nothing against making things faster and easier.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Eric
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784 posts in 663 days
posted 539 days ago
Yes, I’d like to second (maybe it’s “sixth” by now) some time at a workshop or with a woodworking guru.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
Martin Sojka
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1385 posts in 1351 days
posted 538 days ago
Lots of great ideas, thanks!
Yes, Blake, it seems like Christmas santa list ;)
-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://profile.to/msojka
Jon3
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435 posts in 984 days
posted 538 days ago
That grizzly combo machine would be awesome. I’ve been considering one myself!
MsDebbieP
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14096 posts in 1039 days
posted 538 days ago
traveling from around the world to a class might be over the top, but what about a new computer/video system so the winner would get a free online class with a master right from his own shop with direct tutorial.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
BrianM
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115 posts in 631 days
posted 538 days ago
Having Tenotim clean my shop every day for a year. :))
-- There is no such thing as scrap wood!, http://www.saltrivergallery.com
Tony
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808 posts in 909 days
posted 538 days ago
Dream #1- a complete set of Lie-Nielsen or Veritas tools
Dream #2 – 1800’ custom built workshop (2 storey)
Dream #3 – Sam Maloof for a year in my workshop
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
GaryK
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9496 posts in 867 days
posted 538 days ago
How about a CNC router?
http://www.shopbottools.com/products.htm
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
trifern
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7890 posts in 646 days
posted 538 days ago
How about a pre-loaded mastercard good towards the tool of your (my) choice.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
lazyfiremaninTN
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528 posts in 832 days
posted 538 days ago
Saw stop
Lathe
Band saw
Jointer
Planer
Rigid Spindle/Belt sander
Quality Hand planes
-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"
mrtrim
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1700 posts in 759 days
posted 536 days ago
well heres a tool i dream about right here …......
Kevin Violette
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214 posts in 742 days
posted 534 days ago
I would like to take back my answer and get the remote control above!
-- Kevin -- (http://www.furniturebykevin.com)
lew
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4413 posts in 634 days
posted 533 days ago
500 bdft of red oak- wormy preferred.
Lew
Napaman
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3421 posts in 956 days
posted 532 days ago
Mr. trim…LOL…now that would be a prize…just dont let those batteries go dead…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
WayneC
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5858 posts in 976 days
posted 530 days ago
Mine would be a a week off from work so I could clean up the shop and get back to work. Thinking about it I would probably need 2 weeks.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
John Dorans
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19 posts in 520 days
posted 519 days ago
1. I would vote for a week or two at woodworking school.
2. Sawstop cabinet saw
-- John N Ireland
WayneC
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5858 posts in 976 days
posted 518 days ago
A. full set of Lie-Nielson bench planes
B. A woodworking class from one of the master craftsmen
C. An assortment of hardwood from a supplier
D. One of Mark DeCou’s canes
E. One of Phil Edwards handplanes
F A shop “makeover” by the staff of one of the woodworking magazines
g. A high end workbench
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
Grumpy
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14852 posts in 730 days
posted 518 days ago
Everyone has their own idea on tools & machines but timber stock will always be popular.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
beaudex
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43 posts in 517 days
posted 507 days ago
I must echo the thoughts of many people and say I would love a woodworking class as a prize. Barring that I would say Lie-Nielson gift certificate.
-- Derek Tay, Venerate the Tree Design
DAN
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6402 posts in 862 days
posted 507 days ago
I like the woodworking school idea too
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
Blake
home | projects | blog
2715 posts in 753 days
posted 505 days ago
I really like the “high end workbench” idea.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Betsy
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2381 posts in 775 days
posted 505 days ago
I think the shop makeover idea would be cool.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
CelticDreamer
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35 posts in 533 days
posted 504 days ago
A complete dust collection system installed by the pros.
Wood, wood and more wood!
A weekend at New Yankee Workshop to watch an episode being filmed..
-- last night I played a blank tape at full volume - the mime next door went nuts!
matter
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209 posts in 648 days
posted 504 days ago
A 20 yr old Inca tilting table, tablesaw (I may be the only person who loves them)
A gift certificate to A&M Wood Specialty
You’ve heard of the Maxim/Coor’s light golf tourney? How about a Maxim shop assistant, instead of the caddy?
-- The only easy wood project is a fire
Napaman
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3421 posts in 956 days
posted 501 days ago
And the winner is…??? So what is the status of a Summer Awards…this may be the year I actually get a project in!!!!
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...