LumberJocks Woodworking Awards Summer 2007

So when are you going to post the theme or topic for the awards? or have I missed it?

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

Hey Tony.. there are 2 categories now – Garden Project and Wood Joinery – and you can read about them on the Awards overview page

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

Thanks for the information – I will try to support this.

If people do not read this page how do you find the information about the summer Awards – I pressed every menu button and nowhere did I find a link to the awards pages. Is my version of LJ out of date?

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

Hi Martin;
—-great news!!!
I’m really excited about this one and the prizes are coming up tops also!

Now as to which categories I’m going to be looking at, wellllllllll…......I think I’ll just be silent and see what comes forth. Now where did I leave that maple slab at…. and come to think of it, I know it’s time to start looking for branch wood….ah yes, life is good….

Happy journeys and joineries to all workers of wood as we continue to keep those wood chips curling.

And so again I thank you Martin, for your work in making all this possible and for the wonder-full place you have given us to gather here at LumberJocks. Bye the way I received my LJ shirt last week and thanks for the shirt….now I need to get back to writing a blog story….

Thank you.
GODSPEED,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

I’m in this one for sure… (I came in a little late for the last one)
-Rick

-- Rick, Michigan, rick.blodgettoil.com

I was just about to post a complaint about the Challenges/Awards…that there weren’t enough of them! LOL…Excellent!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

I’ll fire up the tools for this one too.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

sweet prizes, eh?? !!! WOO HOO

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

Very nice plane!

Gosh, can I get away with putting off the stack of projects backed up in the shop to work on this?

-- Paul, Texas

Martin does it again! And look at those nice prizes too. Now, which category to enter….

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

By the way, in case anyone needs an idea for the garden project category, the latest issue of Woodcraft magazine has plans for an Adirondack chair. That could be an easy one to do.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

OK…I’m in this one…. I think I’ll need some more teak….maybe some lypytus too.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

I smell beech. :)

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

aah nothing like going to the beech on a summer day :) Want to JOINtery the trip?

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

I like the time link, Martin.
Looks like the deadline is 4 PM EST for me.

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

Cool Martin! thanks for putting this together!

-- John

Late for the last challenge, just in time for this one. I will be starting my designing tonight.

-- A man who moves mountains starts one stone at a time.

Wow! Great Prizes and Great Catagories…don’t know if I will be healing in time for this or not. Ran in to a bump in the road. Anyway, Good Luck to all and I can’t wait to see the entries. Based upon the past competitions, I am sure we will see some outstanding projects come out of this one.

-- Greg - Charles Town, WV

I hope your recovery gets better and that “bump” goes away.

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

Wow look at those prizes… these contests just keep getting bigger and better.

Now that we all have Thorsen Tables on the brain, lets see how easy it is for us to switch gears and make something for the yard, and something only out of wood!

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Let’s do it! Great prizes, too!

By the way, any word on the Thorsen Table Challenge and the free subscription?

-- Jesus is Lord!

I belive the Thorsen Table Challenge is being judged with results due 15 June.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

OK here is the first serious question about the rules.

Wood Joinery - Let’s get technical – but without glues, metal nails, screws or other mechanical fasteners!

DO WOODEN DOWL PINS OR WOODEN SPIKES COUNT AS MECHANICAL FASTENERS?

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

Tony, if it’s not metal and it’s not glue – then it is OK.

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

Thanks Martin – I must go and find those reinforced kevlar pins, I had!!!!!

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

lol hmmmm I think someone wants to test the rules!!! lol

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

Hmmm, can’t even glue boards together then!

-- Paul, Texas

don’t start building yet… I think Martin is still contemplating your thoughts on the subject

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

—-many ways to join boards without the use of mechanical fasteners or glues!

Tongue and groove, ship lap and then draw pin or wood peg it….butterfly’s and then what about the sliding dovetail which one runs along the edge of the wood and then slides the next board in place, mortise and tenon and wood peg….just off the top of my head.

After all, wood lives and wood moves….
GODSPEED,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

Or you could use some fresh pine, the sap could help act as a natural wood glue.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Frank/Scott.. those ideas are really helpful.
Speaking for myself, I don’t know much (or anything) about joinery so this will help me as I plan what to build and how to do it.

Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thank you , thank you. You made the “no glue” sound do-able.

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

I wonder if you use superglue as the finish and some of that seeped into the cracks, would that still be OK? LOL

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

I promise I won’t make any more comments, but I think the exclusion of glue should be rethought.

Found this on the Internet:

“Nearly 4,000 years ago, the Egyptians were using hide glue for their furniture adhesive. This is proven by hairs found in Pharaoh’s tombs and by stone carvings depicting the process of gluing different woods. Hide glue is still in use today for wood gluing and over the years much has been written about the manufacture and use of hide glue for hundreds of other adhesive applications. With the evolution of synthetic (ready to use) adhesives, hide glue has taken a lesser role in industry but has maintained a major role in repair and restoration of antique furniture, reproduction of period furniture, restoration, production and repair of musical instruments as well as numerous other applications.
Most of the hide glue literature was written from the mid 1800’s to the mid 1900’s, and unfortunately much of this literature has been lost or abandoned.”

No glue – sure it’s possible – it’s doable – I mentioned the same methods Frank did to join boards in another part of the blog. Yet, I believe Frank makes the point for glue rather than against it. Wood lives and moves! Therefore, whatever we build will try to move and loosen and fall apart on it’s own – no matter how tight our joinery is when we enter the competition. There are only a handful of joinery methods that will last without glue. Others methods might look great during competition month but will result in a piece that looks “rustic” or is a pile of parts in a year or so – especially if there’s any strain of use. Thus, no glue actually limits our realistic options and creativity. Many wood joinery methods are so strong not only because of a strong mechanical bond but because they increase the glue surface area in the joint!

I told Deb that I’m not trying to be a sourpuss or rain on the parade, but I just don’t see the point. “No glue” is not more “traditional” unless you’re shooting for prehistoric traditional. “No glue” doesn’t make it harder or prove skill, it just limits the options. Perhaps what you’re shooting for in the joinery skill competition is really “all-wood-by-hand” joinery vs. metal assisted and/or jigs and machines/power tools joinery?

I’ll shut up now and have fun participating in the best way I can within the rules that are outlined.

-- Paul, Texas

I AM SO EXCITED!!! SCHOOL IS OUT!!! Grades are in!!! THE WOODSHOP IS OPEN!!! This is the GREATEST SATURDAY of the YEAR—-Christmas X’s TEN!!! To wake up and get a weekend without anything to worry about only happens twom months out of the year…

So I am soooo happy—-and where did I go on the first saturday of my new life—-LJ…And now I will have time to learn my new tools (just got a new Shopsmith two weeks ago) and build away…Before the “summer awards” came out I was planning to still do Challenge 1 on my own after watching everyones brilliant work for 3 months…I may still do it…

This challenge is a bit different…since the project choice is soooo wide open…I will have to pick up some super glue—-based on the comments above it looks like the competition is going to get a bit sticky…

cant wait to see some great projects…

matt

-- Matt, Napa, CA...142 days to sanity...

Hi Paul;
—-when you say; “I believe Frank makes the point for glue rather than against it. Wood lives and moves!”....

I believe you have mis-understood what I am saying…..
Yes wood does live and wood does move and in the end, the result of this action will be, that the wood all-ways wins. Therefore what I have learned from this is that by building to allow for that movement from the start, produces much better and more satisfying end results.

GODSPEED,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

The glues we have today are an absolute miracle no doubt, and thank God we have em. I think i understand the challenge to build without it though. Where you would normally use glue to make a flush and flawless joint, you now will be put in a position to accent and even draw attention to a “live” joint or connection. Sounds like an interesting challenge to me. Just pretend youre in a woodshop on a remote island and theres no dang glue to be found!

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

I promised to let it go and have fun.

Considering the wood species and joinery used, my single vote may not go to the prettiest. tightest or most difficult to execute, but to the one that will last without glue.

:)

-- Paul, Texas

Thanks for this great discussion, Paul, Frank and others! Here are my 2 cents ;)

As you know I’ve first started this topic to request the ideas for the summer awards categories. And there you can find the reply made by Frank:

——-

This could fall into two themes for the projects:

1.)—-which would consist of ’Wood Joinery’
a) ‘Wood Joinery’ in the purist sense of the definition means joining the wood without the use of glues, metal nails, metal screws or any type of mechanical fastener.

....and….

2.)—-joining the wood by ’Traditional Methods of Joinery’
a) ‘Traditional Methods of Joinery’ would include the use of glues, nails, screws, mechanical fasteners; or any and all of the above combinations.

——-

So you can see the exact descriptions of both proposed themes by Frank.

Then I decided to add Wood Joinery (not Traditional Methods of Joinery) defined by Frank into our Summer Awards poll where all of you could cast the votes for the favorite categories. Aaaand, maybe surprisingly, Wood Joinery won so it become one of the categories. It was chosen in the democratic poll.

As you can see above the entries in this category should follow this rule: ”joining the wood without the use of glues, metal nails, metal screws or any type of mechanical fastener.”

I know it can be very challenging… but it was chosen by the majority plus we have another category to participate. And we will have different categories in the next Awards ;) So by deciding to participate in this category you’ve actually decided to use pure wood joinery.

As you know from th Winter Awards I have no intention to ban the entries. You will be the judges. And you will also judge how each respective entry follow the rules…

Hope this makes sense ;)

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

well said Martin – and very good points.

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

Paul, I respect your point of view and how you have verbalized your perspective.
It isn’t always you hear someone speak their mind so AND look forward to participating. Bravo :)

As Frank often says, “it “JUST IS”...

I also have to say that I have enjoyed reading the informative discussion about glue and joinery – so even if I don’t try to build something for the category, I sure have learned lots!!

Thanks everyone for their thoughts and their expertise.

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

Been doing some research with Mr Google, as Frank calls him. Thought I would share this lead – it looks like our Chinese brothers/sisters might have something to teach me (us) in this joinery challenge! Stuck in the Western box? Think Eastern (Japanese, too)! Many refer to this source:

Chinese furniture : hardwood examples of the Ming and early Qing dynasties
by Robert Hatfield Ellsworth

Too much to buy ($100+ on-line) – only about 5 library copies in the state of Texas according to the internet. I’ll see if I can get it through inter-library loan.

-- Paul, Texas

I was just remembering some Japanese box joints I’ve seen earlier, and I know are linked around LJ somewhere… some really fancy stuff – mind boggling. Some versions of dovetails that look like the tails are on both boards, in lieu of pins, and the pieces slide together diagonally, and once together… that’s it. can’t take em apart – not without the risk, or likelyhood of damage…. I was thinking to look east. Looks like I won’t be the only one in that camp.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

This is going to be fun…...I have about 5 ideas already…..

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

I think Frank posted those links in an earlier post. They were AMAZING and if I remember correctly some of the joints just looked like they interlocked and were just for “eye candy” while the actually interlocking part was much simpler… that’s what I remember of the joints hehehe that was back in my “use screws to put a simple butt joint together” days.

Yup.. this is sure going to be interesting

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

There’s getting to be too much on LJ to keep up with. I’ll have to go find those links!

-- Paul, Texas

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/145

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

Deb-

Thanks. I missed that whole discussion somehow.

-- Paul, Texas

Wow! Lots to think about…

-- Ron, Twain Harte, Ca. Portable on site Sawmill Service http://westcoastlands.net/Sawmill.html http://westcoastlands.net/SawBucks2/phpBB3

it’s easy to miss something these days.
Now if only someone could design my project, show me how to do the glueless/screwless joint… and stand beside me while I attempt it all—I’ll do just fine :)

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

Just pull out the willow Deb and you will be fine, with or without us bystanders….

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

with all the debate on the joiner contest i think i may win garden projects by default!!! yippeeee!!!

-- Matt, Napa, CA...142 days to sanity...

hahahaha. now THAT”s funny!

“what/? there’s a garden category???”

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

Debbie… you could try carving some screws out of wood. That would help keep you in your comfort zone without breaking the rules.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Wooden screws that were decorative. Now that’s thinking outside the BOX. Let me get my Beall Wood threading kit out. Time to try it out.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Wasn’t sure if I should mention that, or keep it to myself…. but not having the right tools…. lets see someone else tackle that one!

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

I don’t think I’ll do it for my major entry. But a suplemental entry might be fun.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

screws sound difficult… maybe a nail to start with?? :)

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

We have new sponsor – Jim Barry's Woodworkers Workshop.

Jim will donate $100 CDN gift certificate to the hardware/lumber/tool store of choice to each category winner.

Thanks Jim!

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

So If I build a garden project without mechanical fasteners, can I win both categories?

Erik

-- Erik garagewoodworker.blogspot.com

hahah nice try Erik!! lol

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

The answer is yes. You can enter the project into both catagories.

You could also use glue and screws and enter it into the joinery catagory, but then probably no one would vote for it.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Build two Erik, and enter one in each category!

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Hello to all;
—-just thought that I would pass along a ’helps’ for any that might be wanting to figure those makings of the dovetail out by hand….Dovetail Calculator

....and then if any are wanting to try a….twisted dovetail, well here you go….Twisted Dovetail Calculator

Most of mine are by eye, hand and calculations of what ‘just is’ needed, but then we all want a place to start!
Thank you,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

Hi All, I was wondering if the entries for the summer awards have to have been made this year? I made a deck and pergola last year that I would like to enter. What are the rules on time?
Thanks,
Doug in AZ.

-- Failure is not an option.

Hey Doug,

there are no time restrictions in the rules since there is no way to validate this.

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

COOL!

-- Failure is not an option.

I might be a little thick, but I can’t recall seeing how you actually enter your project in this contest. I assume tht its by means of a tag.

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.canterburybaptist.org/

http://lumberjocks.com/awards/summer_2007

there’s a button for “Submitting Entries”

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

Is there going to be some kind of ruling on the Wood Joinery projects? It sure seems like some of them have used glue and/or other kinds of fasteners. Will it be up to the voters to weed them out?

-- Mike - http://inquisitivewoodworker.blogspot.com/

Mike,

the entries in the Wood Joinery should follow this rule: At least one joint and NO glue or mechanical fasteners used to create the joint(s)

Anyways I have no intention to ban the entries. Each voter can interpret the rules at the time of voting and then decide who followed them and who not.

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

Thanks for the clarification:)

-- http://rjoneswoodworks.com/

I wouldn’t want anyone banned. I guess I was trying to get and understanding of the rules and how this whole process was going to work. I’m working on a small project and I’m not even letting myself edge glue any boards together :).

-- Mike - http://inquisitivewoodworker.blogspot.com/

Wood only joinery, means wood only, no glue or anything that isn’t wood. But all we need is your say-so that the entry is valid. The word of a lumberjock is good.

The garden project must be made out of garden materials only. Soil, manure, tomatoes… oh, wait. there’s no restrictions there. Nevermind ;)

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Very good Scott. That’s why I’m not in the Garden project.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Sounds like a lot of ”Bull Tweet”, if you ask me, Scott.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I think the voting will let us know what the rule is—unfortunately we wont know until it is over. Haha.
This will give us more practice at clarifying the rules for next time, before we start building.

Scott.. thanks for the clarification of the Garden project. lol That would be interesting!! :D

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

I agree on a rules clarification at contest announcement or early thereafter. If questions are asked.

On the garden project anything goes.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Ooops, I guess I didn’t read the rules about no glue. My only comment is … doesn’t this severely limit the entries in a wood joinery contest??? I thought it was more of a furniture category utilizing joinery skills VS nails and screws. I guess I could have pegged all of the tenons in the blanket chest. Hmmm something to think about I guess.

I will see if I can pull my project.

Hey Steve,

yes it may be limiting, hence challenging.. and that’s good. This category with its exact description provided by Frank was voted up in our poll. Of course, we may have Furniture category in the winter or later ;)

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

No problem I see the point. I reread the description and sure enough it says no glue. I could not find a way to remove my entry. Can you do this for me?

Thanks

ScottB, I can’t seem to find that jewelry box I made entirely out of laminated carrot peelings. Did you CTS it? ;D

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

Martin,
I must I had no idea what I could possibly make without glue or fasteners and to be honest I thought you were a little crazy for such a challange but as I sit in traffic everyday I have come up with many ideas:) I just hope I can find the time to put it together:) I am thinking that if I do get a chance to get something together it could possibly be one of the most fun projects I will ever build:) I can’t wait to see what others come up with!

RJ

-- http://rjoneswoodworks.com/

I had a couple ideas for the wood only joinery one… will be a little timeconsuming to make, but pretty easy. (If it would ever STOP RAINING!!!!

Sorry about that box Doug. I was snooping anound and feeling a little peckish. Just kidding. I left it uneaten.

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Vincent Van Gogh -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

Hello to all;
I’m a little surprised at a point that Don made on his entry into the catagory of ‘Wood Joinery’ and how one might be able to interpret the rules. So I’m asking as to what goes here:

”At least one joint and NO glue or mechanical fasteners used to create the joint(s).” My feeling was that this clarification was so that, any entering into the category of ‘wood joinery’ would be entering a project with-wood joint//joints and not an entry with-no-wood joint//joints. Now it seems as if one might interpret this rule to mean only one ‘wood joint’ with no glue or mechanical fasteners and the others in their project with glue and mechanical fasteners.

The requirements for ‘wood joinery’ might limit some from having the time or knowledge to do some large project when it comes to only ‘wood joinery’, but what of those who have followed the rule and then find that some have ‘loosely interpreted’ according to their own rules. And then I also totally disagree with the statement that Debbie has said in her comment of; ”I think the voting will let us know what the rule is—unfortunately we wont know until it is over. Haha.” I believe there is a time for HaHa and then there is also a time for being ‘according to the rules’....the voting is not what determines what the rule is, as the rule has already been voted on and is already stated. The voting that remains to yet come, after the entries are closed and voting starts, is to determine who has been judged to have the best project in that category they choose to enter.

I for one am an artist and a professional who works in wood and when I enter a contest, I agree to follow the rules of the contest….and now I’m to be told that if I labor to follow those rules of ‘wood joinery’, I’m not really going to know what those rules are, until the the voting determines what those rules are//were! This type of thinking, would make me wonder as to what I am doing entering a contest, where the rules are to be determined after the contest is over….and so once again I’m asking what is going on here?

Thank you.
GODSPEED,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

Since I guess this is directed at me, I’d better be the first to respond! :)

My apologies if I offended anyone; it was not (nor is ever) my intention.
I personally don’t really like contests because the interpretation of rules are always skewed and it is so difficult to judge apples and oranges.
I also appreciate that someone puts their heart and soul into an entry and sometimes is “bested” by something that doesn’t even seem to fit the rules as well. And on this thought, I guess my personal bug-a-boo appeared to belittled the efforts being put into this category’s entries. Again, this was not my intention.

The category, I think, is a brilliant one, challenging us to try new things and to become better woodworkers. If someone doesn’t want to participate in the challenge, that is up to them.

What is the category? Wood joinery that doesn’t use glue or mechanical fasteners. To me, this seems clear: show us some creations using wood joinery that doesn’t use glue or mechanical fasteners. But then I’m just a beginner and am limited as to what this can mean. I have to leave the questions/clarification to people with more experience and more skills. And so, I will be learning about this over the next month—and after the voting is complete.

And now, I’ll back out and let the clarifying take place by those with more experience with joinery.

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

Frank:

I’m with you I thought the rules stated:

Wood Joinery - Let’s get technical – but without glues, metal nails, screws or other mechanical fasteners! Yes, this is the “WOOD JOINERY” challenge for all you LumberJocks out there.

That tells me no glue anywhere, no screws anywhere, so nails anywhere. No other mechanical fasteners. I’m reading that as other mechanical like turnbuckles or metal, plastic parts. I