What I would like in a magazine:
1. Projects across a variety of design aesthetics.
I have my personal preferences, but when I am designing something myself, I want to know how to incorporate what I want. I generally like clean lines without a lot of elaboration, but I like to throw in some more complicated details. But I want to know how to make it all, or more to the point, know that I have a magazine where I can look it up.
2. Description of how to make things with something less than a fully equipped, tricked out, shop that is the bastard child of Norm Abrams and Roy Underhill having every specialized power and hand tool in existence.
I am a hobbyist, and I assume the magazine market consists mostly of hobbyists. I may not have that $100 router bit or a plow plane or even
a bandsaw. A little explanation of how I might compensate for a lack of equipment would be great.
3. Good, detailed, and accurate plans.
'Nuff said.
4. Explanation as to why.
This was mentioned earlier, and I think as someone who is learning, this is imperative. Why was something done a particular way instead of another? Even if there was no particular reason, it would be nice to know that.
5. Practical projects.
How many blanket chests, highboys, and bookcases can I make? Seriously -- I can make one or two, but I have a small house. I would like designs for (a) a docking station for phones, iPods, laptops, etc. (b) a filing cabinet for bills (c) a hutch to hold bills -- the list goes on.
I have tried to cobble together my wish list from a couple of magazines, but I haven't managed to get what I want yet.
So -- what do people think about the idea of a Sawmill Creek Magazine?
Cheers,
Chris