WoodExpo 2012 Starts

Today: February 22, 2012 is drop-off day for WoodExpo2012. Unfortunately for me, I’m on injured reserve and will miss the weekend festivities. I’m bumming but the guys have it under control. I’ll watch via the content that comes out and no doubt I’ll get my share of text messages to keep me abreast.

Since being active early on in the internet woodworking community, I have always stressed the build as an extremely important part of anybody’s woodworking, especially those who think of themselves as furniture designers. Showing your work is vital to a furniture maker’s improvement. You need to see how your work stacks up with the public and with others who have the ambition to show. There’s no hiding when people can get up close and kick around the quality of your work.

This will be the second year where we’ve opened up the exhibition to those woodworkers who desire to show there work and move out of the woodworking gadfly category.

We’ve made numerous improvements in our presentation this year, but two new additions that I will sorely miss is the Panel Discussion and giving main demonstration bench opportunity to two internet active returning exhibitors.

The theme behind WoodExpo2012 is to “re-connect with the buyer”. As the schedule shows, on Saturday and Sunday there will be a discussion titled “Finding Furniture: The Maker/Client Relationship”. The likes of Allan Breed, Glen Guarino, Chuck Bender, and Tom McLaughlin may quite possibly set the table straight. That is my curiosity: will they talk from the consumer point of view or their own, and if it is from their own, who determines value? Should be interesting.

The other presentations I am disappointed to miss, are the demo’s by Rob Bois and Morton. Both Rob and Morton are returning exhibitors and we feel that should be rewarded. We believe it will position them in regards to the other exhibitors and a boost in street cred. I’m not much for seeing the same talking heads, I believe there is so much talent out there that it’s time for some to make room for the likes of Rob and Morton. Anybody can repeat technical presentations, it’s the body of work that makes the difference. Have at it boys, I’m sorry I’ll miss your presentations.

Get Woodworking

So this week, Tom’s Workbench says to get woodworking.

At first I thought it was for the woodworking community to get woodworking but I see now its about bringing new blood into the craft of woodworking.

So here’s my contribution for the individual just simply curious about woodworking. You know, the person who has seen a few YouTube videos, has a bit of space, no tools, but wonders that if I’m gonna just do it, what do I just do next??

My suggestion is to somehow get a visual as to what you believe you might need in order to make something out of wood. Something that will explain lumber, a visual of different tools, a description of those tools, an intro to sharpening, adhesives, pictures of the different joinery, fasteners, boring tools, and even a plan for a simple cabinetmakers bench to get you started.

Since woodworking is all about the visual of your finished project, you need to start with Woodwork Visualized, by Ross C. Cramlet. Pick it up used for a few bucks.

My copy, a second edition, is over 30 years old. I found it no problem. It’s a super book to have at the ready. Woodwork Visualized, with certainty, will familiarize you with the craft of woodworking in picture format with limited reading.

Now that's a wonderful way to enter the woodworking craft.

So see what a board foot is, visualize first then pick-up a few lay out tools, see what you need to cut and shape the wood, look at your fastening options and just Get Woodworking.