Is anyone planning to attend the Columbus, Ohio Woodworking Show, January 16-18? Who went last year, and what did you think of it?
My better half and I were at last year’s show, and were pretty much underwhelmed. I’m trying to rationalize driving 200 miles round- trip, even though gas is way down.
At any rate, WoodWerks is close by, and that place is always worth the trip!
kreuzie
Replies
I work at the expo center and attend the show each year. As everyone has stated it was a bigger show in the past. As a newbie, I'm going to try to attend some of the classes and get more out of the show. The Woodcraft store in Columbus just moved to a new location and is much bigger and nicer. Both Woodcraft and Woodwerks are great supporters of the local woodworking community and worth a visit. If your wife is coming with you, I would spend the night and go out on the town. Columbus has many great places to eat (Food-my second vice) and a lot of things to do. You wife will enjoy it. Remember, Happy Wife = More Tools!
Eddie
Eddie-- Thanks for the speedy reply! Where is Woodcraft now located? You're right about WoodWerks...Ron and his son have a beautiful woodworkers' candy store. They were at the Columbus show years ago, and started their own show on the same weekend. (This was done so that their customers wouldn't have to fight the large crowds at the Woodworking Show when it was held at the Veterans' Memorial venue.) kreuzie
Woodcraft is now located on the corner of Bethel and Kenny. Take RT 315 to Bethel and it's on your left after you go under the train tracks. Much closer to me now so they'll be getting more of my cash. ;-) Been there twice in the last 10 days.
It is now on Bethel Road directly across the street from the Refectory. Take 315 to the Bethel Road exit and go west. After getting on Bethel, it is on the left hand side after you go under the overpass.
I looked at the vendor list and was surprised by its lack of major players. I was thinking about going on the hope I could get discount on a Grizzly 12" jointer/planer I'm planning to buy. Are discounts available on things like this at the show?
I have been to a few Columbus shows and Grizzly has never been there. I did not see them on the vendor list, did you?
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
"Life is not a success only journey." Dr. Phil
No. I didn't see them on the list, but I was hoping....
I think you will get your best deal if you order today as prices will be higher after January 1, 2009!!!
MODEL...... 2008.......... 2009....... INCREASEG0605X....$1,995.00.... $2,195.00 ... (+$200) (12" TS)G0490X....$1,050.00.... $1,195.00.... (+$145) (8" Jointer w/Spiral)G0453Z....$1,295.00.... $1,495.00.... (+$200) (15" Planer w/Spiral)G0514X2..$1,295.00.... $1,395.00.... (+$100) (19" Bandsaw Extreme)G1066Z....$1,795.00.... $1,995.00.... (+$200) (24" Sander w/VS)G0440......$745.00...... $995.00........(+$250) (2HP Cyclone)
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
"Life is not a success only journey." Dr. Phil
Edited 12/31/2008 9:30 am ET by JerryPacMan
I went the past two years, and while there were things to be improved on, I did have a good time. Last year I was impressed that Lee Valley was on site and had a large selection of hand planes on display, with workbenches and lumber on hand to test drive the planes. I had been wanting to see the Bevel Up Smoother and tried it out on a piece of walnut and liked it enough to order it and a spare blade. That was the bad part, there was no stock on hand to take home and you had to place the order and wait for shipping from New York. I did get my birthday plane in about a week and the shipping was free, and no Ohio sales tax either.
The plane has proven to be all I expected and it is downright amazing how good a job it has done for me. I just received my notification about the show in the mail yesterday, and as it falls on my birthday weekend again this year SWMBO and I will be back. I live in Columbus so it is a short trip for me, and then we will probably run out to Wood Werks for their EXPO also. Ron is a fine man and I enjoy talking to him, and spending money on good tools. Last year they had a demo going of turning wood hats by JoHannes Michelsen. That is amazing!!
Yoder Lumber is usually there also and they bring small lengths of some of there great lumber. They are located near Millersburg, Ohio and have a very impressive operation. I usually grab some stock to make boxes from them at the show.
Hope to see you there!
Bruce
"The Woodworking Shows" were going to drop Detroit (Novi) this year - but later changed their mind. As a result, they lost their place at the prime exhibition site to the "Woodworks Show". I have noticed a sharp decline in quality and variety at "The Woodworking Shows" and thus was glad to attend the "Woodworks Show". It was, IMHO, a much superior show, though a little 'light' on exhibitors. I expect that will change next year, as more switch over.
"Woodworking" did not have seminars, "Woodworks" did.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
While at the Columbus show last year, I commented to one of the vendors about how the show had been going downhill the last few years. I was told the show had went through several changes in ownership and was now in some new hands. The last change had just recently taken place. This vendor was impressed with the new owners and very unimpressed with some of the previous. They seemed to think the show would improve in the future. If we go, it usually is Sunday. It would be nice to hear their impressions if someone does go down Friday or Saturday. I am near Wapak and it is a pretty bood drive for me too.
I have a few miles on you...I'm in Columbus Grove.
If we go, it will be Saturday, but we're still debating. The show's website lists only a couple dozen exhibitors.
I'll report back if we go.
When you're in Columbus, do you stop at WoodWerks?
kreuzie
Edited 12/31/2008 3:24 pm ET by kreuzie
I went to that show in '85 and it was fabulous. First time I'd seen Minimax stuff, put me in lust....
Back in the 80's and 90's was when the show was worth going to. It's amazing how small it has become since those days. I rememeber when the Beall Tool Co, JointAbility and Beadlock Tool would have their own booths. Now the show floor is half empty and the deals are like going to Woodcraft with 10% off. Maybe the new ownership can bring the show back to where it use to be.
Edited 1/1/2009 9:47 am ET by mvflaim
I have never been to Woodwerks. Do you have an address?
Probably easier to go to their website, http://www.woodwerks.com, and go to "Contact Us". There's a map and directions in relation to I-270. They're just east of the airport, and from the show, I-670 makes it a quick trip between I-71 and I-270.
If you go to the show, don't miss this place; you won't believe it. Ron has his incredible candy store with a Rockler store inside it.
kreuzie
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