Have you ever been to a friends workshop before and just marveled at his or her attention to detail and organization with their shop tools and equipment. Or perhaps just their unique approach to a project or cutting situation. Maybe they are making something you've never seen before or they just wow you with their woodworking accomplishments in quality, quantity or both.

I recently paid a visit to the shop of fellow Incra enthusiast and woodturner Roger McClure in Kentucky for the purpose of learning some basic woodturning skills. I got much more than I could have ever hoped for. First of all, I picked up some valuable tips and techniques to help me become a better woodturner. I also gained some inspiration, not only in listening to his instruction and insight, but also in viewing his many examples of different turning styles and techniques beautifully displayed throughout his home.

As I walked from room to room, I was overwhelmed by not only the quality and quantity of his work but also the great variety. Yes, he love's to turn, but I saw beds, chests of drawers, trunks, mirrors, end tables, coffee tables, display tables, a highboy, jewelry and trinket boxes, kitchen cabinets and the list goes on. In short, his home was a monument to his woodworking talents, which seemed to have no limits.

Just like many of us, Roger made these things for a couple of simple reasons, necessity and good old-fashioned fun. He needed a piece of furniture and wouldn't it be fun to make it in his own shop. My point is, Roger is not the first person I've met who displayed his level of enthusiasm, innovation and dedication to his craft, and I'm sure you know of someone like Roger as well.

I'd like to dedicate this little corner of our website to folks like Roger, to unique woodworking techniques, interesting projects, wonderful workshops and cool tools. My hope is that the next time you visit this site you'll find an interesting article that inspires you in much the same way that people like Roger inspire me. And if you or someone you know has a story to tell or photos to share about an individual, techniques (especially those that revolve around Incra Tools), a unique workshop, or just a favorite project, we would love to share your story with others.

So, Perry's tool zone is not just about tools, it's also about the people who use them and the projects they make. Drop me an email at perry@incra.com if you would like to submit a suggestion for one of our articles.



Hoping your cuts are always on target,
Perry McDaniel