Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
20th Anniversary *LINK*
Bob Lang
Around this time twenty years ago I was wondering if the book I wrote would be a success. Thanks to guys like you it was and led to a new chapter in my life. I especially need to thank Ellis for his kind words about "Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture" way back when. 
20th Anniversary of my first book
Re: 20th Anniversary
Dave Bair
I would also applaud your superb, full-size plans from the series.
Those were the days
Ellis Walentine
Twenty years ago, WoodCentral was three years out of the chute. You and I had both been editors at the helm of significant woodworking magazines at the high point of their influence. We knew a ton about woodworkers from all the subscriber and newsstand surveys we conducted in the 90s, including their preferences for furniture styles. Craftsman-style furniture was always at or near the top of the heap. (Shaker style was the other perennial favorite.)
I always felt that it was the sensibility and honesty of the Craftsman style that appealed to woodworkers, not to mention its bulletproof construction. It was furniture for Everyman, made from plentiful materials -- particularly quartersawn white oak -- with tools that most homeowners had access to. Your books, with their meticulously researched drawings, now comprise a definitive record of this style of furniture and interior architecture. Kudos to you for your vision and accomplishment.
We haven't crossed paths in quite a while, Bob. I hope you are well and happy. Thanks for checking in, and for the estimable legacy you've bestowed on our fellow craftsmen.
Ellis
Re: 20th Anniversary
al morgan
Mr Lang...Thankyou! I built your 21st Century bench many years ago, and has been my pride and joy since. Knocked down and moved to Indiana, and was the first thing I put up in my shop...and it took down and went up in about 15 minutes. Thanks to your design I hope to pass it on to my son.
Re: Those were the days *LINK*
Bob Lang
Thanks Ellis,
Lots of changes in the last 20 years, but thoughtful craftsmanship lives on despite the vulture capitalists who killed the magazines. I'm alive and well, now editing the annual journal of SAPFM, American Period Furniture.
I think the social aspects of Craftsman furniture are almost as important as the design aspects. Stickley's magazine "The Craftsman" is worth reading, and it's online thanks to the University of Wisconsin digital archives.
In early 2002 my website was brand new and one day I had a huge jump in traffic thanks to your review here on Wood Central. I continue to appreciate that. http://www.woodcentral.com/books/lang.shtml
Best Regards,
Bob Lang
American Period Furniture