Saying goodbye, saying hello
One who enjoys learning about woodworking as much as I do, being employed at a woodworking publication is a real treat. I’m in a fortunate position to absorb information from a knowledgeable, talented readership, a stable of expert contributors, and of course, the best staff in the business. One such staff member is Paul Anthony, the magazine’s most senior editor. He has not only consistently fed my insatiable appetite for woodworking knowledge through the years, but he also taught me the value of good work and what it really takes to produce that work. After over a decade with the magazine, Paul is retiring. This is his last issue.
Paul started working with Woodcraft in 2010, but his career began nearly 50 years ago. He ran his own custom woodworking business in California for 20 years before moving to Pennsylvania in 1994 to join American Woodworker magazine. When the publication was sold a few years later, Paul immediately began working as a freelance woodworking photojournalist. During that time, his writing and photos graced the pages of all the major woodworking magazines. He has also written three books on the subject, edited a dozen more, and has been featured in a number of instructional videos. In addition to his journalistic commissions, he has taught woodworking classes around the country.
For his final duties with us, Paul expertly designed and documented the build of a Parsons-inspired table. There, you’ll find a sensible approach to flattening large panels using a belt sander, as well as other reliable shop-proven practices. Technique-filled projects by the rest of the staff continue with a bowl turned on three axes by Ken Burton, a cleverly designed bowed wall shelf by Derek Richmond, and a pair of my own shop ponies, which provide a great platform for practicing joinery techniques. Finally, try out sharpening your hand tools by plugging in.
I’ve already learned a few things from Paul’s replacement: Baltimore-based furniture maker Sarah Marriage. (Learn more about Sarah in News & Views) I’m looking forward to my continued education working alongside Sarah and the rest of the capable crew at Woodcraft Magazine. Together, we’ll no doubt produce a fresh mix of projects and techniques to learn from. Stay tuned. Paul will surely keep in touch, and you may find his work on these pages in the future. But for now, here’s to my mentor, my friend, Paul Anthony. Happy retirement, pal.
