Do we need

[Black wallnut]

A few years ago we held a contest to help raise funds for the site. It was the BT3Central 2"x6" Contest. Since we seem to have stalled in our fund drive I wonder if we should do another contest.

Entry would be $20 in the form of a new donation.
Prize(s) would have to be donated.
Judging would be by popular vote.

Ideas and thoughts?

I'd like to see a 4 bf max of hardwood and to keep it simple all one species, no more than 2 single boards or evenly split two species. 1 bf additional species for accent uses (ie contrasting border, pulls, keys.) With categories:

• turned
• open
• BS box
• Other small box
• toy

Let the ideas commence......

[dbhost]

I think that's a good idea...

I keep seeing the old 2x6 Challenge, and wondered why it didn't become an annual thing...

[chopnhack]

Ditto that, I haven't been around much lately, but I recall seeing the 2x6 challenge listed from eons ago. I never got to see the pics though...

[twistsol]

I loved the entries from the 2x6 challenge. I have neither the time nor talent to enter, but can kick in a prize.

[dbhost]

I don't have a lot of disposable income, but I can chip in a prize of some sort, or at least contribute to a prize... Any ideas?

[wardprobst]

I'll do what I can,
DP

[pelligrini]

I'd probably be game for it.

While I like the idea of using hardwood, we'd probably see some really neat projects. The thing I liked best about the 2x6 challenge I read about was that everyone started out with the same material. There could be a big difference in cost and just stock selection using hardwood. I think doing the 2x6 challenge again would produce more entries. Maybe have the option this time to throw in one board foot of hardwood too.

I think a challenge would draw back some interest into BT3 that seems to be waining a bit lately too.

[Shep]

I'd probably be game for it.

While I like the idea of using hardwood, we'd probably see some really neat projects. The thing I liked best about the 2x6 challenge I read about was that everyone started out with the same material. There could be a big difference in cost and just stock selection using hardwood. I think doing the 2x6 challenge again would produce more entries. Maybe have the option this time to throw in one board foot of hardwood too.

I think a challenge would draw back some interest into BT3 that seems to be waining a bit lately too.

I agree that keeping to a 2x6 would be the best option. It really allows for creativity, while keeping costs low.

[dbhost]

I agree that keeping to a 2x6 would be the best option. It really allows for creativity, while keeping costs low.

And with our current economy, keeping costs down is important..

How about a 2x10 challenge? 2x10 would allow for more material out of a single piece, and might, with the right resawing, and panel glue ups, make for some tables and the like... Just a thought... Probably a dumb one...

Here's a thought, feel free to laugh your tails off, but here goes nothing...

DBHOSTS proposed BT3Centra 2x10 Challenge 2011.

Build your best using nothing more than a single 2x10x12 (believe it or not 2x10x8 is tought to find around here!).

Additional inclusions can be melamine, plywood, OSB, or tempered hardboard (I am thinking products available at Home Depot type shops that everyone should have access to on the cheap).

Additional inclusions must be limited to no more than 10% of total content.

Categories are.

* turned
* open
* BS box
* Other small box
* toy
* Furniture
* Shop Jig / Fixture.

[jackellis]

I'm not a skilled woodworker but I would attempt to make something, even if it's silly, just to take on the challenge. I might also donate a prize, though it would probably not be something terribly expensive. If someone has ideas for prizes, either post 'em here or PM me.

[dbhost]

I am thinking affordable, but somewhat interesting door prizes. I had offered to pony up the Milescraft double tall featherboard set. Maybe a digital caliper, or Hock Iron for hand plane, decent but not terribly spendy 10" blade, clamps etc... Just throwing ideas out there folks!

Does anyone know if Rockler or Woodcraft has gift certificates? Those would be a LOT easier to get in the mail!

[pelligrini]

Might ask Rockler or Woodcraft Corporate for a gift certificate donation, as they do advertise here. Or just use a percentage of the entry fees as a payout.

[Black wallnut]

Here is my entry in our first contest. Did not even make honorable mention as the competition was so fierce......

[dbhost]

Here is my entry in our first contest. Did not even make honorable mention as the competition was so fierce......

You got that out of a single 2x6? Nice...

[Black wallnut]

Yessir I did. Careful planning and resawing. After the contest I donated it to LOML's Bowling Assoc. for their fund raising auction. The final owner is to this day using it as a plant stand.

I would prefer hardwood simply because of strength issues. With 4 bf it is possible to make a stellar end table.