I recently attended the Woodworking in America conference in Berea, Ky, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The conference lasted three days and focused on hand tools and skills. There were ten class periods over 2 1/2 days, and you could chose one of four topics during each session. Some topics were repeated to handle more people. There was also a marketplace where you could drool over hand tools from suppliers like Lie Nielsen, Lee Valley, Blue Spruce, and Japan Woodworker. You could also try out infill smoothers from Konrad Sauer and Ron Brese, or fondle some Holtey planes on display from a private owner.
This conference was created by the folks at PWW and partially sponsored by Gorilla Glue. They really hit a nerve, as they had to cap attendance at 350 people, and reportedly turned away several hundred more. Those who were lucky enough to attend got to meet and talk with top people in this field, including Tom Lie Nielsen, Rob Lee, Konrad Sauer, Chris Schwarz, Mike Dunbar, Brian Boggs, Roy Underhill, and Frank Klauz.
They are thinking about doing two such conferences next year, although that is not certain as yet. After reflecting on the sessions that I missed, I might go again. I would be glad to answer any questions. There is a web site with conference details.
Best regards, Tom Abbott
Replies
Hi Tom,
I also went and I feel it was well worth it. Meeting Roy Underhill, Frank Klausz, Don Weber, Brian Boggs and countless others all in the same day was worth the price of admission.
The rumor has it that next year there will be three events, one in the midwest and one on each coast. I hear they are looking into holding next year's event for the midwest in Columbus, Ohio but I'm not sure how true that is. The home office of F+W Publications is in Cincinnati so logistically you would think they will try to keep the midwest event within driving distance of the home office (which is lucky for me).
Biggest bummer about Berea is that it's in a dry county so I had to drive to Richmond to drink a beer. I wasn't fortunate enough to get a ticket for the Tavern event but for $40.00 a pop, I'm not sure it would have been worth it anyway. Did you happen to go to the Tavern? If so, how was it?
Mike
Good morning, Mike,I also heard about the three conferences next year from Chris Schwarz. The two on the coasts would be hand tool focused. The one in the midwest would focus on design of particular styles.I did not attend the Tavern event. I was staying in Lexington with friends and couldn't make either the Thursday or Saturday events. I am sorry to have missed Roy Underhill's address on Saturday night. I hear it was a hoot.Did you talk to Konrad Sauer? I really enjoyed testing his planes and talking about a variety of things. Very enjoyable fellow.Tom.
I didn't talk to Konrad although I did see his planes. Quite impressive. I hung out with Don Weber and his spring pole lathe while on that side of the building. I've been waiting for Don to update his website so I can take some of his classes next year. All of the vendors there were very freindly and down to earth people. Very different experience than the vendors you would meet at The Woodworking Shows.
Edited 11/24/2008 1:34 pm ET by mvflaim
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