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Student Woodworkers of Two WCA Shools Take Top Prizes in Castle USA Contest

Reed-Custer High School students worked together on a custom ktichen that impressed judges in Castle USA’s What’s Your Angle student woodworking contest.

High School students of woodworking programs in Illinois and Nebraska took top honors in Castle USA’s 2022-23 “What’s Your Angle” student contest.

Students of Reed-Custer High School of Braidwood, Ill., won the Class Entry category for a custom kitchen cabinet build. DJ Shaw, a student at Lincoln East High School of Lincoln, Neb., won the Individual category for a Side Pocket Chair. Both winning schools are EDUcation members of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America.

DJ Shaw, a student at Lincoln East High School of Lincoln, Neb., won the Individual category for a Side Pocket Chair.

The Reed-Custer High School woodworking program won a TSM-12 Pocket Cutting Machine. DJ Shaw won a Castle 110 Pocket Cutter Professional Bundle.

The judging panel included Will Sampson, editorial director, Woodworking Network; Rob Johnstone, publisher, Woodworker’s Journal; Logan Wittmer, editor in chief, Popular Woodworking; Jim Heavey, master woodworker, Wood Magazine; Phil Johnson, master craftsman.

Contest entries were evaluated based on the overall look and presentation of the project as well as the most effective and innovative use of screw pocket joinery. The use of Castle machinery or products was not required.

Castle USA Accepting Entries for Student Woodworking Contest

Castle USA is accepting entries for its student woodworking contest, “What’s Your Angle?.” until April 15, 2023.

Entries will be evaluated based on the overall look and presentation of the project as well as the most effective and innovative use of screw pocket joinery. The use of Castle machinery or products is not required.

Contestants will compete in three categories: Individual Student, High School Program/Class, and Secondary or Vo-tech Program/Class.

Winning prizes include the Castle 110 Pocket Cutter, a TSM-12 Pocket Cutting Machine, or the foot-pedal operated, TSM-22 Pocket Cutter. These prizes have MSRPs ranging from $659.99 to $4,899.00.

The judging panel includes:

  • Will Sampson, Editorial Director, CCI Media/Woodworking Network, FDMC Magazine, Closets & Organized Storage
  • Rob Johnstone, Publisher, Woodworker’s Journal
  • Logan Wittmer, Editor in Chief, Popular Woodworking
  • Jim Heavy, Master Woodworker, Wood Magazine

“We are thrilled to announce our judging panel – each of these guys is so highly respected, not just as editors or publishers, but as highly skilled, expert woodworkers,” says Mathias Forsman, CEO of Castle. “Working with such a distinguished panel of judges will help us encourage student woodworkers and provide an incentive for students and educators to learn more about pocket joinery, whether they use our machines or not.”

Entry forms and more detailed information can be found on the Castle USA website.

Winners will be announced May 15, 2023.