The weekend was a flurry of woodworking education conducted by the country’s top instructors and punctuated by some great times visiting with fellow woodworkers. Here are a few photos we snapped of the event:

Backed by an industrial spray booth, WOOD Magazine’s Jim Heavey explains Spray Finishing:

Over in the WOOD Studio Shop, Marc Adams from the Marc Adams School of Woodworking discusses how the properties of wood influence the design and construction choices we make in woodworking:

George Vondriska of Woodworker’s Guild of America and The Wild Earth Woodworking School teaches about router-table joinery:

Zane Powell from the Marc Adams School of Woodworking teaches Cabinetmaking in the Carpentry Shop:

WOOD Magazine turning expert Brian Simmons’ hollow turning demonstration wowed attendees. After turning, then hollowing a vessel, Brian bandsawed off the side of the vessel so we could see exactly what was going on internally as he finished hollowing.

Gary Rogowski from the Northwest Woodworking Studio talks about Joinery:

Tom McLaughlin of McLaughlin Woods packed a ton of chairmaking info into his classes:

Up in the WOOD Shop, WOOD Magazine Design Editor John Olson taught about hand tools to a full room while Senior Design Editor Kevin Boyle heckled:

WOOD Magazine Senior Design Editor Kevin Boyle talks about drawer construction while Design Editor John Olson heckled. It came to be known by attendees as The Kevin and John Show:

Small class sizes meant plenty of opportunities to interact with instructors and staff:

A little souvenir to take home:

A great big thank you to our sponsors who made this thing happen:

Throw in great meals and door prizes and swag bags and a little socializing at the brewery next door and that all added up to a fun event. We had a fantastic time meeting all of you and hope to see you again next year! Keep an eye out for announcements for next years’ event in the magazine, the eNewsletter, the official Weekend With WOOD website, and over at the Weekend With WOOD Facebook page.

Thanks!

Lucas Peters, WOOD Digital Content Manager

This last weekend, March 22-24, marked the final show of the 2013 Woodworking Show season. I have been both looking forward to and yet regretting the trip to Atlanta because I really like this very unique city and all it has to offer but I also know that it will be our last show on the circuit until the Fall when we begin the 2013-2014 schedule. Hard as it is to admit, I’m a travel junkie.

In keeping with my somewhat normal routine, I spent my arrival day on Thursday exploring a part of the city I’m visiting and found the Atlanta History Center to be just what the doctor ordered. For over 3 hours I studied the impact of the Civil War on the city and its environs, the diverse influence of Folk art in the South as well as the contributions of Georgia on my favorite sport, Golf. A walk through the grounds led me to a Victorian Playhouse built around 1890 and also to Swan House, the 1928 mansion home of Edward and Emily Inman. And no trip would be complete without a down home Southern lunch at Mary Mac’s. All in all, a very satisfying  intellectual and gastronomical experience.

The show was held north of the city of Atlanta in Duluth at the Guinnett Center. The hall was completely packed with sales booths and educational seminar areas and attendees filled the remaining available spaces completely each day. There were portable and stationary tools of almost every stripe on display as well as more educational opportunities than one could see even over a full three day attendance. There was also eye candy in the form of wood at the CAG Lumber company. The Honduran Rosewood burls were spectacular and some of the domestic and imported figured stock were just too nice to pass up. If I had driven to this show, I would have purchased to my heart’s content but all I could do was imagine some of that stock in my shop.

One of the most beautiful furniture pieces took the honor of first place at this last weekend’s Project Showcase. Kenneth Kline’s “Hepplewhite Style Table” was the clear winner for a reason. The work was flawless and the finish perfect.

Chuck Roberts entered the second place project, his “Bloodwood Baby Cradle” that was his own design. Like the table, you had to be there to see how well done these pieces were. George North submitted his “Black Leopard”. This was Intarsia at its best and he took third place for his effort. Kenneth’s table will be entered in the grand prize judging to take place in the next couple of weeks. Each of last weekend’s winners received a Bosch tool and all entrants took home a show goody bag.

It was encouraging to see that the Atlanta show added an exclamation point to success of this year’s events. A large part of the credit goes to our new Woodworking Show owner, Bryce Beermann, and his desire to grow the show in both size and stature and make it a true “must see” event. More venues and a new Fall season start are part of his plan. Kudos, too, to the educators and the excellent seminars that have really become a woodworker favorite. Many thanks to the vendors for hanging in there through thick and thin and especially our sponsors for the financial and product support. And for all that the attendees don’t see, we are very grateful to Charlene and Rita and their crew who set up, tear down and generally run everything so smoothly.  

Lastly, on a more personal note, thanks to all those who stopped in the WOOD Magazine booth to listen to an old Italian go on and on about the craft he loves so much. I endure all the inconveniences of travel knowing that there will be some smiling, friendly faces waiting in those seats each day. Your enjoyment of our magazine and the person representing it are very much appreciated.

Next year’s season will be here before you know it. Keep an eye out for the announcements at thewoodworkingshows.com and Woodmagazine.com and plan to spend some time with us. We’re very proud of our show. Please come out and see why.

Stay healthy and safe and get back into your shop!  

‘Til then,

I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador

There was a nice diversity on the floor this last weekend also. A good deal of stationary tools by a number of manufacturers were on display and selling for some very attractive prices. For bargain hunters, and there were many, some of these tools were sold as demo/floor models and discounted even more. Portable corded and battery operated tools garnered attention as well and were very competitively priced. For those who enjoy turning, there was a small symposium during the day at the back of the hall and some very nice turning stock at the front door. Some of the turning blanks on hand also had examples of the potential figure as seen in some very nice bowls such as Norfolk Island Pine, Spalted Hickory and Cedar of Lebanon. The company, Turning Blocks 4 You, had a really complete line of just about any size and species. Eye candy, I’m sure, for those whose passion is creating something of beauty out of a seemingly drab hunk of wood.

Again this last weekend, it was a train that was the show favorite and took top honors in the Project Showcase. Charles Kested’s “1835 Train, Track With Bridge” was perfect down to the last little part. As probably one of our most senior entrants, Charles’ work really deserved the acclaim.

 With a theme so close to my own heart, the “Golf Vessel” by Paul Bartlett took second place. Nicely crafted with a small symbols of the game and even a golf cart in the inside bottom, this was really unique. Lastly, the “Rocking Chair” by Bob Ippoliti used some beautiful grain and finishing to take third place.

Each of our winners received a sander from the Bosch Tool Company and all the entrants took home a show goody bag. The train will chug it’s way to Atlanta where the final competition will be held after the show to determine the grand prize winner. Results should be published in a couple of weeks.

Though I really enjoy being home, it was tough to leave Florida. I have made quite a few friends there including Tom Iorvino (AKA The Shop Monkey who writes for WOOD Magazine) and a host of attendees as well. The local sea food and the interesting restaurants are always a draw as well as was the chance to get in a quick 18 holes. But the time has come to pack up and get the show on the road again and this time to Atlanta. This will be the last show of the current season and it should be a good one if history is any indication. We will be in Duluth, Georgia at the Gwinnett Center on Sugarloaf Parkway on March 22-24.  This will also be one of our larger shows and will attract some nice crowds so preregistration is recommended at thewoodworkingshows.com. I have the best time when surrounded by old friends while making new ones so please stop by the WOOD Magazine booth and stay a while. This season’s topic is Finishing. I’ve got a lot to show you. Let’s talk.

‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador  

The Woodworking Show traveled to the Lone Star State of Texas this last weekend , March 8-11, and set up camp in Fort Worth. This was a new venue for us and quite a distance from Dallas where we have been for a number of years. I have to admit having some sympathy for those who complained about the increased drive time until I talked to many of the attendees who had driven over 300 miles from Houston. Because we would not be going south this season, they decided to come up to see us. You gotta love these people!

Most of the crowd this last weekend tended to spend the majority of their time in the educational booths and not on the retail side of the show floor. Some of the vendors had a great weekend while others felt that it could have been much better. Those of us teaching, however, saw that the attraction was learning. The attendees seemed to move from class to class and following schedules to avoid missing anything and they found plenty of variety throughout their stay. I took some time on Saturday to stand in on some of the seminars to see what the experience was like from a woodworkers point of view. With the really limited time I had, I watched Paul Sellers use his knowledge, skill, wit and accent to keep the undivided attention of those in the audience. With only hand tools, he created very intricate trim that seemed to amaze all present.

 Likewise, Frank Strazza of the School of Woodworking, showed how truing up a piece of wood hewn from a large log could provide a great upper body workout as well as a prized piece of quarter split white oak. 

 I watched as the “coach” inspired his students with curved surfaces and then Bradley McCalister wow them with turned forms.

These were just a few of the educational opportunities that the show provides each weekend and I think that they are seen as a real value. And should be. Where can you go to get a taste of nearly every aspect of our craft at such a bargain price? Admission to the show is about the same as the cost of a two hour movie and the lessons last a lifetime. We may only come to your city once a year but I really think that we’re worth it.

At the Project Showcase, we had some very nice submissions. Our first place winner was a very excited Dale Abshire for his “Chess Set”. He said that it took him quite a few tries to wind up with chess pieces he was happy with.

Second place went to the “Wind Rose Table” by Mark Seay. This unique design was very nicely done and the finish was just perfect. Lastly, our third place winner was Steve Yauch’s “Redwood Side Table” that he built in a club contest from a six foot long  Redwood 2 X 4.

 All our winners took home a Bosch tool and Dale’s project will be entered into the final judging to take place after the Atlanta show in a couple of weeks. All entries received a goody bag compliments of the vendors and the show.

Our eleventh show in a row and the second last in this Spring season will be in the sunny state of Florida at the State Fairgrounds in Tampa, March 15-17. We have visited this venue seemingly forever and I would expect the crowds to be as strong as we’ve become accustomed to. It would be a great idea to preregister at Thewoodworkingshows.com to insure a speedy entrance past those lines of ticket buyers. When you do come out, please try to stop in at the WOOD Magazine booth where this year’s topic is Finishing. We’ll cover all kinds of issues from start to (pardon the pun) finish and give you tips that you can use there or in your home state if you’re a seasonal inhabitant.

Though 75 degrees and clear skies may well be typical weather for those in the bay area, I will be leaving a snow filled yard with temps in the 30′s for those very inviting warmer climes. Hope to see you there. I’ll be the one in the short sleeved shirt yelling “Fore”.

‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador

I have to admit being a big fan of minutia. Learning about the small, seemingly insignificant details of things has always appealed to me. The Woodworking Show in Columbus this last weekend, March 1-3, was the perfect place to whet my appetite for those little mind expanders. An architect friend had always used Columbus as an example of varied building designs and it took just a short drive to find quite a diverse array of municipal, corporate and private examples.

A Thursday night dinner with friends from Titebond glue, Franklin is headquartered in Columbus, led to discussions about glue formulations and potential products that I found very interesting. Maybe not the things to stir the soul of a real deep thinker but certainly a shot of caffeine for me.

The vendor and educational booths covered nearly every square foot of the exhibit hall and that space was shared with a very nice crowd of attendees each day. I overheard many woodworkers say that they really had to watch their time to try and see as much as possible in the time they spent on the floor. 

 A very pleasant conversation with an attendee, Ray Feltz,  led to the discovery of a large talent of the minuscule. Out of a little box he took one of the smallest stack laminated open turnings I’ve ever seen. It didn’t take much prodding to see a couple more that he had between protective sheets of tissue proving that this wasn’t just a lucky turning fluke. There were 1200 pieces and over 40 hours of work in the one that he held in his hand. His goal is to make them even smaller to be used as earrings! 

I watched a demonstration on hand tool use by Ron Herman. As an expert on period construction and a master housewright, I took him up on an invitation to visit his shop just a short drive from the venue. I could have stayed for hours as he and maker, Chuck Bender, talked about the tools and techniques of early American furniture building and the resultant restoration. The collection of tools was amazing and would allow for the truly authentic reproduction of period pieces and residences. Their knowledge of history and the influence of education and politics in the American colonies and England was music to my ears.

Tucked away on one edge of the hall was a hat turning presentation that seemed to have a crowd every time I walked by. As interested as I was in the process, I couldn’t help but wonder what type of lathe he was using. I talked to Brent English,  the president of Robust Tools in Wisconsin and the creator of the “American Beauty”. This 700 pound machine easily handled the strains of the large hat blank as it sailed through the roughing cuts and was all but silent during the final shaping. The design definitely befit the name.

The people at Digital Fabber talked about their ability to provide the hardware, software and training it took to make the various signs they had on display. One sign in particular caught my eye for some unknown reason.

An untold number of very little things led to the creation of the big winner of the Project Showcase this last weekend. The “Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive”  by Brian Gray took top honors. He said that he has plans to create a museum to display this and his other creations.

 Second place went to Jeremy Miller’s “Inspired By a Bowl” vanity. Everything about this project was done exceptionally well from the turning to the bent legs and finish. Third place honors were given to Philip Davis and his “9 Place Gun Cabinet” of Cherry and glass. All the winners received a Bosch Power tool and a show goody bag was given to all entrants. The locomotive will go on to the final judging after the last show in Atlanta.

The Woodworking Shows packed up at the closing bell in Columbus on Sunday evening and began the long drive to Fort Worth Texas. Beginning on Friday, March 8-10, we will be at the Fort Worth Convention Center on Houston Street. This is a new venue for us although we have come to the Dallas/Fort Worth area for many years. We expect a good show and hope that our fans won’t mind the drive across town to the new digs. Advance registration is always recommended at www.thewoodworkingshows.com. When you come, I hope that you’ll get a chance to stop in at the WOOD Magazine booth where the topic is Finishing and the talk is non-stop. Bring a question or just pull up a chair and relax. Either way, I know that you’ll go home with some good information.

‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador

Simply upgrading the blade that came with your power tools can spare years of frustration and save piles of wood from unnecessary tearout.

Recently, I asked my Facebook followers to think back to their woodworking beginnings to answer this question: What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you early in your woodworking journey that would have saved you hassle and frustration?

I imagined I would hear about perfecting handsaw techniques, or crafting tight-fitting joints—perhaps wisdom about the importance of buying premium tools. But as the replies rolled in, I got a completely different sense. The things people really wished they’d learned at the start were simple and, for the most part, free. So although the advice aims at brand-new woodworkers, it serves as a wise reminder for all of us:

1 Don’t get hung up on tape measures. Instead, rely on story sticks or simply cutting pieces to fit. Sneak up on cuts, testing on scrap first and fitting along the way. If you mark your cuts with a pencil line, leave the line showing and sand to it.

A story stick ensures marking accuracy, especially when laying out multiple parts or transferring measurements among workpieces.

2 Use sharp tools. Tear-out and chipping caused by dull blades frustrates all woodworkers. Besides, sharp tools cut with less effort, so they’re safer. And because they cut cleanly, they’ll save you lots of time sanding. Learn basic sharpening skills and spend a few minutes honing your tools before each use.

3 All woodworkers make mistakes.Acknowledge them. Learn from them. But, most of all, shut up about them. Most people won’t notice mistakes, so stop pointing them out when you show off your project. It will do wonders for your confidence.

Fix your goofs—such as slicing away a dried-on finish drip—and then bask in your new-found woodworking confidence.

4 Remember that woodworking is a hobby. It’s supposed to be fun and relaxing, so take your time, and enjoy the process. Josh Phillips, one of my very talented viewers, told me that he has “no mania for perfection.” I love that line. Build to the best of your ability but don’t drive yourself crazy.

5 Ask for help. Woodworkers are a helpful bunch, eager to share advice no matter what your struggle. And we live in a time in which we can quickly get answers to anything. Get actively involved in online communities such as woodmagazine.com, Facebook, WoodworkingForMereMortals.com, etc. For my videos, I rely heavily on the help given by woodworkers who continually supply solutions and inspiration that I wouldn’t have thought of.

—Steve Ramsey’s quirky woodworking videos and prolific musings can be found at WoodworkingForMereMortals.com where his goal is to reclaim the woodworking hobby for the average guy.

This last weekend, February 21-24, would begin as usual with a Thursday flight to the next woodworking show venue and a bit of exploration prior to setting up my booth for a Friday show opening. A day of some really stark contrasts began as the plane approached the Newark Airport. It started with one of the most beautiful views of New York City as we all but followed the Hudson River past midtown Manhattan, then the site of 911 and Battery Park, and finally Ellis Island and Lady Liberty before banking right for our landing. From this vantage point, the city looked so serene, yet ready for business. A mere 45 minutes later, as I drove into the area around Sandy Hook, the landscape changed dramatically. I wanted to see where the “perfect storm” had slammed the region a few months earlier and never expected to see the magnitude of destruction still so evident months later. As I continued south to Seaside Park, some of the images where all but overwhelming. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have to wait for the help it will take to rebuild homes and lives and livelihoods. But I saw the workers and I heard the sounds of saws and hammering. There is much to do but the effort has started.

Our show in Somerset opened to one of the best starts this season. The atrium area of the exhibit hall was filled to overflowing with attendees well ahead of the opening bell on Friday.  And they would have a lot to see. The entire floor space of this venue was covered by retail booths and educational areas. We also had a number of companies selling “heavy metal” with displays of Jet, Powermatic, Ricon and more.

 For those who still chose to use muscle power, there were impressive displays of hand planes of all prices and ages. The Crafts Antique Tool Club of New Jersey even had a peddle powered New Rogers jig saw for sale in addition to a huge collection of unique woodworking tools and artifacts.

Many of the clubs attending the show held mini-classes on a variety of topics. The Central New Jersey Woodworkers Association had, among other sessions, a handsaw sharpening clinic where Bob Rotaieski showed a technique that was so easy that even a child could do it. And did!

Our Magazine has had a few articles over the years on Kaleidoscopes though the one I saw at the Garden State Marquetry Society was definitely over the top. This was not only beautifully crafted but every bit as functional as well. There were also many sessions covering bowl turning throughout the hall but Geoffrey Noden showed how to decorate the rim of that project with his Inlay Razor.

The Project Showcase had some very nice submissions this last weekend also. Our first place award went to Glen Peterson for his “Model Train Set”. Based on a Reading Company Train this set was composed of 1403 hand crafted parts and over 300 hours of construction time.

An extremely imaginative cocktail table called “The Gathering” by Thomas Schlack took second place and was my personal favorite. Third place went to Dan Peterson for his “Chess/Checker Board” of spalted Maple, Walnut and Cherry.  Each of the winners received a tool from the Bosch Tool Company and Glenn’s train will be judged in the final competition in Atlanta at the end of this woodworking season. All entrants also took home a goody bag from the show.

All in all, the weekend was very successful thanks to the hard work of our new owner, Bryce Beermann, and his exceptional crew. Each weekend’s offerings seem to outdo the one before and we expect the same when we next travel to Columbus on March 1-3. We will be at the Ohio Expo Center in the Voinovich Trade Center building. It would be a good idea to preregister for this event at www.thewoodworkingshows.com to avoid the crowds at the door. This will also be a large show with plenty to see and I hope that you’ll find time to stop in at the WOOD Magazine booth while you’re there where I’ll be talking about applying that perfect finish. Bring your questions and pull up a chair. You’ll be among friends.

‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador

One of the things that drew attendees was the number of free educational seminars offered each weekend. Their only lament is that they just couldn’t see them all during even a full three day show. I went through the schedule and counted over 100 opportunities to learn something that can make you a better turner, finisher, small or large tool user, furniture maker, stair builder or CNC operator. Shoot, you can even learn a foreign language don’t ya know! Couple that with some great tool and accessory prices and the chance to meet others with our shared passion (disease?) and you can see why we’re pretty excited about this and future Woodworking Show seasons.

Wisconsin is also the home of Kettle Moraine Hardwoods. They brought a very nice selection of domestic and exotic stock to tempt those looking for that perfect wood for a special project.

 The Wisconsin Woodworkers guild displayed a very interesting turning in the booth.  And the Badger State Carvers had examples and demonstrations of carved shelves and the techniques used to create them.

 Though maybe cheating a bit, but the Carve Wright people had a very impressive 3D running shoe including the waffled sole and Nike swoop logo.

 I thought that I had seen just about everything that a Dremel tool could do until I saw this demo.

We were very happy with the Project Showcase as it had one of the largest numbers of submissions so far this year. There was a very nice Walnut and Oak bent leg table on display as well as very unique jewelry box among the offerings.

 The winner this last weekend was the “Spill Table” made by David Scott Krenz. A composition of vertical grain bamboo, Purple Heart and Black Burl Walnut, made this the majority choice.

 Second was the huge creation of Mr. Bauer, his “Crane Miniature Replica”  which defied any attempts at photography. Lastly, the Cherry, Walnut and Maple “End Grain Table” of Matthew Schlechta took third. All the winners were awarded a tool from the Bosch Tool Company and every entry took home a show goody bag. David’s table will be judged with other local weekend winners by the educators for the grand prize to be awarded after the final show of the season in Atlanta.

We will travel from Lake Michigan to the shores of the Atlantic for our show next weekend in New Jersey, February 22-24. We will be in Somerset at the Garden State Exhibit Center where we have been for years and we fully expect to see our east coast fans and friends. As always, we promise to provide an enjoyable and educational weekend and the chance to swap a story or two. Please take advantage of the opportunity to buy your tickets on line at thewoodworkingshows.com and avoid the lines at the door. When you do come out, I hope that you’ll stop in at the WOOD Magazine booth and we can talk about my topic this year, Finishing. Bring a question or just a good story and pull up a chair. We need to talk!

‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road,

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador

As the Woodworking Show completes the first half of the 2013 season, I’m constantly reminded that the passion we share about our craft is the same regardless of where we live. Whether it’s the early February show in the mile high city of Denver or at all but sea level in St. Louis this last weekend, the enthusiasm isn’t regional, it’s universal. Each weekend we are greeted by attendees eager to scope out and purchase tools and accessories, sit in on the educational classes that fill each hall and share woodworking stories and pictures with anyone willing to listen. This last weekend in St. Louis would be no different.

What is different in the cities that we visit around the country is the local flavor. Arriving on Thursday each week, I have a bit of time to explore the things that make an area unique and I spend a few hours just roaming before reporting to the venue to set up my booth for the show’s opening on Friday. This last Thursday I drove to the St. Louis Art Museum. Located in an expansive park that also houses other attractions, such as the Zoo, I found the statue of Saint Louis. Sitting astride his horse, this gave me an impression of the city that was somewhat different than the more iconic “Arch”.

The museum is a beautiful structure with a very diverse collection which included, in addition to the sculptures and framed art, a number of examples of period furniture pieces. From the wood choices to the exquisite craftsmanship, these were something to marvel at and enjoy.

Back at the venue, the main exhibit hall at the Gateway Center was jammed with vendors, clubs and demonstration areas and the adjacent hallway housed four of the  educational seminars. Though I like the energy on the show floor,  I enjoy being in the hallway classrooms. These relatively quiet areas allow presentations without the speakers systems that are a necessity when surrounded by saws and router noise. I know that the attendees prefer them too because they will spend the entire day there.

Something new for this last week was a presentation by Phil Brumley on the basics of trimming window frames and door jambs as well as staircase construction. Normally seen at home shows, his presentations were geared to the design and  measuring aspects that are common to anyone building almost anything.

 I was drawn to the St. Louis Woodworkers Guild and their display. Besides the requisite project pieces on display, they touted the really altruistic work they do providing toys that brighten the lives of children. A really great bunch of woodworkers doing what they enjoy for those kids to enjoy. 32, 014 of those toys so far. Just as amazing as it is heartwarming.

 There were some very nice supplies of stock that Upick Hardwood Lumber brought to the show. There was also a really unique old production tool, an 1855 Blind Style Borer, that was used to build shutters and blinds. The cam system allowed this machine to bore perfectly consistent holes time after time.

The Project Showcase this last weekend awarded the top prize to a table called “West of Denver” built by William Close. With scenes created with oak, aspen, cedar and cherry, this was a very unique and special project.

 Second Place went to Steve Briner’s walnut “Cabriole Leg Jewelry Cabinet”. The walnut stock was solid not veneer panels. Staying with the walnut theme, our third place winner was the Maloof Rocker” made by Brad Bernhard. This was a very comfortable chair!

Each of our winners took home a tool from the Bosch Tool Company and we’re very thankful that Bosch continues be a part of the show and the Showcase.  The winning entry will be judged again at the last show of the season in Atlanta along with the other weekly winners for our grand prize.

As we bid farewell to the city of St. Louis, we will be travelling a few hundred miles north to Milwaukee this coming weekend, February 15-17, at the Wisconsin Expo Center in West Allis. This is a venue we have used for years and it’s sure to be as well attended as ever. There will be an awful lot to see and, if you’re planning to catch even some of the many educational seminars that are offered, you probably won’t be able to do it in a single day. To avoid the lines sure to form at the door, it would be a great idea to preregister at thewoodworkingshows.com. When you do come out, please try and stop in at the WOOD Magazine booth. The topic is Finishing and I’ve got plenty to talk about. I’ve never been accused of being short winded.

’til then, I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador

 I found a very old overgrown cemetery with headstones dating from 1887 and a town with buildings that appeared just about as old. Slowly taking the back roads back to Denver and a late lunch in Golden afforded a few quiet peaceful hours before the controlled chaos of set up at the venue.

There was certainly something for everyone at the show. One of the area’s largest vendors,  Tool King, sold products from a number of major tool companies including Bosch, Festool, DeWalt, Fein. Most of the prices I saw were cheaper than I have seen to date at any of the previous shows and the attendees took full advantage with visibly diminished stocks by show’s end on Sunday. Jet and Powermatic were also there  in addition to the great selection of vendors that we normally find in the aisles.

 Maybe I’ve just missed it but BG Artforms was selling pen blanks in addition to the pen and pencil mechanisms and nearly every conceivable wood species was represented. I don’t remember ever finding scented wood blanks in flavors such as chocolate, peppermint, lavender,  etc. What enchanted forest must they have been grown in?

Always known for an interesting display is the Red Rock Community College’s Fine Woodworking/Luthier program. Among the other more usual furniture projects was this “work bench”. This was a beautiful fully functional shop necessity that will probably never see a hammer or chisel. The work was amazing and the details really set it apart from anything that we’ll ever see in a typical shop. Wow!

Demonstrations in dozens of booths were ongoing throughout the weekend. Learn to sharpen and plane in the Lee Valley booth as well as in the Fine Woodworking area, CNC classes in the Legacy CNC Systems booth and turning in nearly every aisle. I watched as Larry Cash turned a very delicate vase with a spindle almost too thin to imagine, let alone turn.

The somewhat disappointing part of this last weekend was the relatively few projects in the Project Showcase. The really encouraging aspect though, was the overall quality of the submissions. They were exceptionally well crafted and the judging was very close across the board.  Just nosing out the rest of the field, the “Children’s Rocking Chair” by Rick Hammans. Very nicely constructed and even engraved, this took top honors.

 The “Live Edge Walnut Table with Drawer” was the creation of David Dent and it took second place. I really liked this design and the finish. Third place was taken by Terry Tomsha and his very unique “Rook Club Chair”. This was very comfortable chair (yes, I sat in it) with some very nice detail.

 Each of the winners took home a Bosch Tool and all entries received a goody bag with “Stuff” from the Woodworking Shows and its vendors. Rick’s entry will compete in the grand prize contest in Atlanta at the end of this season. The grand prize winner will also receive a lifetime free entry into the Woodworking Shows.

On Sunday afternoon I took my last long glance at the snow capped mountains that seem to dominate the landscape in Denver. A great city to visit and a tough one to leave. But, the show must go on and it will go on in St. Louis this coming weekend, February 8-10 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Il. We have used this venue for many years and it will, as always, be filled to overflowing with vendors and education. It’s a really good idea to order tickets in advance at thewoodworkingshows.com to avoid the lines at the door. And plan to spend a couple of days there if you want to take in all the educational seminars we offer. I hope that you’ll stop in at the WOOD Magazine room too. I’ll be in one of the classrooms in the hallway teaching finishing. Bring in your questions and maybe a cup of coffee. We’ve got a lot to talk about.

‘Til then, I’ll see you on the road.

Jim Heavey

WOOD Magazine Traveling Ambassador