Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 8/25/97

Free For The Taking: By Chuck Ring Most of us are small shop owners or we're otherwise involved in the business of woodworking in a limited way. I suspect most of us will remain small scale, but that doesn't mean we can't take advantage of some of the same resources the "big boys" utilize to ferret out the latest in technology, sources of supply and methods of work. There are many "trade rags" which are directed toward the large manufacturer, but are also available to the small shop operator. Many of these magazines have a WWW or Internet presence, where for a few moments of your time spent in registering, you can obtain a free subscription to a magazine, post questions and answers, post employment information and read various articles which are pertinent to our business. Additionally, as is the case for most sites, there are links to many other helpful and information packed sites. Set out below are several magazine or similar sites which offer most of the services discussed above . . . in some cases much more: http://www.woodweb.com/ Homepage for the magazine, "Wood And Wood Products". You must register to obtain a subscription to the magazine or to participate in the forums. http://www.iswonline.com/ Sister site for the above URL and for the magazine, "Custom Woodworking Business" and a searchable database, "Redbook Online" which provides sources of supply and similar information for the woodworking and related industries. All services and subscriptions are free to qualified institutions completing the registration process. http://www.fdmmag.com/ Homepage for the publishers, Cahner Publishing with links to the magazines, "Furniture Design And Manufacturing", "Upholstered Furniture Industry" and "CabinetMaker". "CabinetMaker" is actually geared to the small cabinet shop and caseworks business Subscription and services are free upon registration. http://www.thomasregister.com/index.html Homepage for The Thomas Register a listing of manufacturers worldwide. You have to register to use their service, but the service is free. Try some of the sites and if the magazines appear useful, complete the subscription process for your very own hardcopies of the magazines. -- C.E.(Chuck) Ring Madera Encantada (Enchanted Wood) Chuck Ring is a frequent contributor to online magazines, websites and discussion groups. Look for an archive of his contributions soon.