THE STORIES THAT ROSE ABOVE THE SAWDUST
To everyone who entered, thank you for sharing your passion and creativity with us.
Submissions came from every corner of the woodworking community. From first-time builders to seasoned pros, each story reflected the craftsmanship, grit, and pride that define the shop, along with the drive to push the craft further. Now, we're proud to introduce the winners of the JET Tools Share Your Story Sweepstakes. These woodworkers shared the heart behind their projects, their process, their challenges, their inspiration, and the JET Tools that helped bring their vision to life. Because with the right tools and mindset, builders don't just finish projects. They raise the standard for what's possible in the shop.
SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS
FIRST PLACE
FRANK CLEMENT
THE CREATION OF THE SHRINE CABINET FOR THE BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTER
JET TOOLS USED: Bandsaw, Planer
Frank custom-built a large cherry wood shrine cabinet for a Buddhist meditation center to both store and display their statues. As the builder, Frank was responsible for creating detailed working drawings from minimal design specifications, constructing modular sub-assemblies over six months, and managing extensive woodworking and finishing. The cabinet featured robust structural elements to support heavy statues, precise joinery for doors and trim, and glass installations.
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SECOND PLACE (TIE)
SHAWN BROWN
BUILDING A CUSTOM WOODEN BICYCLE
JET TOOLS USED: Bandsaw, Drill Press, Jointer
Shawn, a lifelong bicycle enthusiast was inspired by a video of a wooden bike and set out to craft his own, blending woodworking skills and modern design. Using SketchUp for virtual planning, he customized the frame with aggressive styling, a chrome fork, 29" wheels, and multiple gears. The frame was constructed mainly from Baltic birch plywood, reinforced with walnut, purple heart, and padauk, and assembled using JET tools. Features include internal cable routing, disc brakes, and a highly adjustable seat post. After 18 months and around 200 hours of work, the project resulted in a unique, functional wooden bicycle with a gloss varnish finish.
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SECOND PLACE(TIE)
RICHARD PAETH
FIFTY YEARS IN WOODWORKING: HOW IT ALL BEGAN
JET TOOLS USED: DrillPress, Dust Collector
Richard Paeth’s woodworking journey began fifty years ago when his stepfather introduced him to the craft. Starting with simple tools, he built unique projects for family and friends, including personalized wedding cake toppers. His most meaningful work was creating a custom pulpit for his church, featuring the names of the apostles and Jesus. Woodworking has become central to his life and identity, making his retirement deeply fulfilling.
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THIRD PLACE
BRADLEY MEYER
CRAFTING MY LEGACY: A WOODWORKER’S JOURNEY
JET TOOLS USED: Oscillating Spindle Sander
Bradley’s woodworking journey began with family traditions, growing up in an environment surrounded by craftsmanship and tools passed down through generations. Inspired by the mountain landscapes of Big Bear Lake, he creates functional art from reclaimed materials, blending rustic design with authenticity. His current project—a 14-foot Ponderosa Pine dining table—reflects the character of the mountains and challenges his skills. Bradley relies on his JET Oscillating Spindle Sander for precision, and woodworking connects him deeply to his roots, community, and the environment.
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