Website Changes

Fibonacci is Not a Pizza Topping - Redux

by Andrew Davis

What does a nautilus and the seeds of a sunflower have in common?  Their structural arrangement follows the Fibonacci sequence of numbers. Andrew revisits his superb article from April 2020 on the golden ratio with emphasis on the Fibonacci Series.

The golden ratio is a proportion or scale factor when measured against another dimension (think length versus width).  The golden ratio has been used as an aesthetic feature since Euclid discovered it around 300 B.C.E.  It was used by Vitruvius, a Roman architect and author, whose treatise called De Architectura inspired others including Leonardo da Vinci, a devotee of Fibonacci, to draw the Vitruvian Man.  Even the design of the Mona Lisa uses Fibonacci's Golden Spiral, which Andrew formulates in his article.

The golden ratio, like pi, is an irrational number so it's rounded to 1.618.  But it provides utmost rationality, that is, aesthetic found in nature and used as a design rule for architects, artists, builders, and woodworkers.  Treat yourself - not to pizza - but to an entertaining read of Fibonacci is Not a Pizza Topping - Redux.

Allow Time for Acclimation

Rob Carver

Wood acclimation is an underemphasized preparatory feature to woodworking.  Higher levels of moisture in lumber can lead to unwanted and unintended movement if cut too soon.  Perhaps we overlook this issue due to exclusively obtaining kiln dried stock.  But depending on certain species and how the stock was milled can raise the concern for acclimation.  Certainly any air dried stock is an acclimation candidate.

Rob in this month's essay speaks more to this and another application for acclimation.  As you know we promote the adoption of, and education and improvements in woodworking in an inclusive and integrated community.  And that's were Rob leads us to in Allow Time for Acclimation.

by James Goodwin

This set of instructions can be found under the Member tab and clocking Member Help. 

Starting and Running a Small Custom Furniture Shop

Presentation was made at Lowell Makes, Inc. a maker space in Lowell, MA.

Members > Member Help > How to Subscribe to Forums

Text and Photos have been moved to the Google directory.

Members > Member Help > How to Print My EMGW Member ID Card

Woodworking Subspecialties

by Andrew Davis

Like other careers or hobbies, woodworking falls into varied specialties.  Lawyers have constitutional, real estate, tax, marital, patent, and other specializations.  Clearly, doctors are known for being specialists; just pick an organ for a short list.  Even athletes have chosen to specialize in a certain sport.  So, the thought came to Andrew after a recurring question was posed to him, to develop a list of woodworking specialties or subspecialties as he would call it.  When you read his list, you are asked to add any that he didn’t list.  So, I’d like to add marquetry and Japanese woodworking like Kumiko and Shoji to his list.  Have a look.  Can you add any more Woodworking Subspecialties?

Andrew welcomes your feedback.