Lumberjocks is such a cool place!!

I have to agree, Chris.

I live out in the sticks, not too far out of town, but about 60 miles from the nearest “big” city with a woodworking club or guild. I’ve always wanted to have some friends that had a like minded interest around here, and quite frankly, there just isn’t any that I have found.

I had a friend of mine whose father in law was an extraordinary woodworker, and he also had a sharpening business on the side. I was told that if I wanted introduced to him, he could arrange it. I put it off, and put it off… always things to do, too busy… you get the idea. A year later, he passed on from a massive heart attack, young at 60(ish). So, I missed that terrific opportunity. So, I stumbled around my messed up shop, with no vision really.

Then, (inspriational music now beginning to play in the background)... I found LumberJocks. What a blessing this site has been. I have still yet to find anything that matches this caliber of nice folks and talent on the internet, and if you do find a forum that is potentially something you would “consider” to sign up for, then the site really isn’t put together very well at all.

Martin has done a fantastic job with this site. He is a man with a serious vision, and much talent. I’m very appreciative of this site, Martin, and all the good folks that make up the community. Thanks for everything you all do.

—Steve

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Christopher…you said it all…its a great place…and my experience is quite similar—-though married and living in the most populous state…we can all share experiences!!!

I love learning from people all over the world—-not just the woodworking…though we come here is fellow woodworkers…its the friendships that keep us coming back…

I have been a member for quite a while…and something keeps bringing me back…

-- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity...

Great post, I agree with everything. Since joining I have learned alot and put some of the members good ideas to use in the building of my shop. Currently I am in Iraq and reading LJ and looking at the projects bring me a bit closer to home. Even my buddies here have started reading LJs. Thanks to all the members. Cheers/Wudbutcher.

-- Big Steve

And don’t forget the best part – it’s free!!!

-- Jim

I could hear the inspirational music!

It was an amazing find to stumble across LJ, it is well run, maintained and not too commercial.

-- Rich, WNY, www.nyrockingchairs.com

Christopher, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, LumberJocks is the best place to be. The people here are an amazing collection, from the raw beginners to the seasoned pro. I’m pretty easily intimidated when learning something new, but the environment here encouraged me show my efforts, the good the bad and the ugly. When I did that I received even more encouragement and was motivated to try things I would have never considered. I’ve been gently prodded to improve without ever having been told my work was bad. You can’t buy that kinda stuff. I have no clue how Martin found the people who were here first and created the environment, but those seed folks started something totally unique in my experience. So, kudos to Martin and kudos to the founding members.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

I chose all of the above.
Sometimes it has been a small comment from one to another that has helped me with my own project. I have learned a lot here just sitting aside and reading.

Thanks Martin and the LJ community.

-- Ron Central, CA

I am not good at putting to paper my thoughts so thank you Christopher for doing it for me.

Thank you LJs and Martin.

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.

ditto :)

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I have said it also, but again.

Thank you Martin for running such a well moderated place for us to join and share ideas.

Que the music, roll out the fog machine and dim the lights :)

-- "so much to learn and so little time"..

I’ll ditto MSDebbie’s ditto and raise with a “Thank you Martin and fellow LJs for such a great site”.

-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark