Hi Folks,
Ohhhhhh this is going to be fun.
Toured the Marketplace as the vendors were setting up. I knew I should have left my money home. Just chatting with Tom Lie-Nielsen I couldn’t help but drool at the display.
Blue Spruce, Lee Valley, Blum and host of others displaying their wares. I’ll have to keep the Bubba Jug handy to stay hydrated.
I’ll try to post each day about the events – I’ve managed to get them all in with some blocks of time for the benchrooms as well.
Now it’s off to the store for some condiments to go with the beef stew warming up in the crockpot.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Replies
Learn something for me. ( and tease a vendor with a silly useless thing for me to )
It's getting to be beef stew sort of weather that's for sure.
YOU GO MAN !
roc
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
what? where?
where you at, bob?
eef
Eef,
I'm in Valley Forge, PA for the WWIA conference. Me head is spinning after today.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
"Me head is spinning after today."You should be able to route out a few good ideas, then. Or, sit back and have a lathey day. ;-)Have fun, either way.
Todays lineup included:
Bench Planes: Set them Up and Flatten Boards by Hand - Christopher Schwarz. Another great session and lots to try when I get back.
17th Century Carving for Furniture Makers - Peter Follansbee. Peter is absolutely remarkable and did I say FAST! Also a great historian and a few stories to tell to keep it fascinating.
Dovetails: The Details - Roy Underhill. What can I say about Roy that hasn't already been said. One of the best presentations of the conference; the room was rocking in less than a minute. It was like being in one of his audiences from his old shows on PBS.
Tonight was the banquet and a skit with Roy, Chris, Adam (as General Washington repleat with knickers) and the PW staff was hilarious.
This morning I got up the gumption to wear my FWW shirt to the conference. It was kinda funny - the looks I got from several folks. Hey we're all woodworkers, right?
One thing that stood out was the use of nails in some of the old pieces that were displayed in the slides. Peter Follansbee showed pictures where the carver had driven nails into the workpiece to old it steady, not doubt driven into his bench.
Roy showed a cabinetmakers tool box where nails were driven in to secure the dust cover/bottom of the box. The screws used for the hinges dated the box to be about 150 years old. Pointed screws were available from around 1846. The screws on this box were very blunt, almost square ended.
Tomorrow I will be in a class with Mike Wenzloff to learn about saw sharpening. Then another tour of the Marketplace. This might be a wee bit expensize..........
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Bob I can't help but be a little jealous of you, thanks for the post's sounds like your having a great time (I know I would be). I just have one question how do you keep from maxing out those plastic cards in yer wallet? Or did you leave them at home? I guess thats two questions. Well you have a great time, look forward to reading more of your posts.
Mike
Hi mike,
This was what I call a once in a lifetime (for me anyway) chance to get close to what I call the cream of the crop; both presenters/exhibitors and tools. I don't think it gets much better.
I apologize for the quality of some of the pics but I wanted to get them without disrupting anyone; thus no flash was used whenever possible.
For me one of the real highlights was viewing the chest made by Mario Rodriguez, and I believe Allan Turner (man I hope I fot that right) and Adams Chippendale chair. Both are a humbling and inspiring experience.
I'm still catching my breath after driving straight through to get back home yesterday. Got home @ 2 AM today.
I'll file as complete a report w/pics as soon as I can.
Regards, Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Hi Bob,
I only got to spend one day there Saturday. The talent and passion for woodworking in that place was overwhelming. I didn't just buy another Blue Spruce chisel, I bought it from Dave Jeske. I needed advise about a plane iron I was considering and got that advice in person from Ron Hock. Then there were the presentations and hands-on sessions. Fantastic.
That butler's chest in the Philadelphia Furniture Workshop booth was spectacular, I agree. Alan Turner and Mario Rodriguez run an excellent school there. That particular piece is Alan's work and he will be doing a master class on it - a weekend a month over 6 months. Check out Alan's profile here on FWW and look at the Townsend kneehole desk he did. It will knock your socks off!https://www.finewoodworking.com/Community/ArtistProfile.aspx?id=26991
That was the first time I went to this event. I'm sure I'll be taking it in every year as long as they hold it.
frank,
For some reason I thought they had made it together. Dang I hope I didn't pizz either of them off for not knowing Alan made it solo. I almost touched it when talking to Alan and he kinda bristled and I said, "yeah I know don't want to get anything on it", as it was unfinished. I felt like a real doh doh bird.
Dang too bad I didn't know you were there. If ye happened to see a guy walking around with a red Bubba Jug that was me. I jeep it filled with grape/cranberry juice and lots of ice (and that's all).
You could feel it in the air too, eh. It was like that the whole time. I think the single thing that impressed me the most was that they are all real people too. Just as I was getting ready to leave I had a great talk with Chris Swarz. But the best was talking with Mike Wenzloff and Paddy.
Regards, Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Bob,
Yeah, I agree. Most of the folks there are just real people and they are very forthcoming with help and information.
I got to push one of Konrad Sauer's works of art across a board and take shavings... man that was sweet!
Even though everyone with a booth in the market place was there to sell something, none were pushy and everyone I talked with was happy to engage me, answer my question and let me try their stuff.
That was you with the red Bubba Jug!!!!!!! Just kidding, I don't recall seeing ya. That day just flew by. I got there at 8am and left around 8:30pm; it was an intense 12 1/2 hours.
Mario and Alan both do fantastic work. They are both extremely precise craftsmen. I noticed today that Alan has the Butler's Chest on the PFW website as a Master Class already and Mario has added his Sheraton Dressing Table. They are both exquisite pieces!
Next year I gotta find a way to do the whole three days!
Frank
Frank, sorry I missed ya, I only did Sunday with Mike W. , Chris S. and had a good time with S.O.B. (sweet old bob) . Bob said it all--great seminars, better than great vendors who are very giving of knowledge and not in a hurry--and a very well run affair.
I have been at that site for most of the big 9 ball pool tournaments and many were FUBAR events. I stopped in late Sat. afternoon to check the vendors out and my registration badge /stuff was on the table and handed to me in 3 seconds with instructions on the best place to park to access the Sunday sessions--WOW- those ladies at reception really knew their stuff.
Realizing that I could really interrupt my ability to eat for the rest of the month I did leave my credit cards at my daughters house in Ambler Pa. about 20 min. away. You could really do serious damage with those vendors, ALL the good ones were there, just like big a toy store.
After watching Chris S. rough down a plank with a well cambered fore plane, then flatten with a #7 and smooth with a #4, I understand why he is thin enough to hide behind a lamp post. Boy am I happy that I have a band saw, jointer and a planner. ha ha ha. All the best, Paddy
Paddy,
Yeah, we should have coordinated a KNOTS group photo to post. Maybe next year.
I don't know where it will be next year, but I'm pretty sure I'll find a way to get there!
Frank
mike,
Oh yeah about the credit card thang. I haven't had one for about 15 years now and no imediate plans for one either. It's getting harder and harder to find companies that will take hard earned cash..............
After working in a landfill for 2½ years I abhor plastic! Rough tally for the trip is ~ $1,400 - CASH.
Now there is an old story about an IBM salesman who filed an expense report after a trip to the Windy City. It seems he had a fetish for hats like the one Indiana Jones wore in the movies. Anyway, his hat was blown off/lost and he filed it on his expense report. The beancounters cried foul so he was not reimbursed for it.
On his next trip he buried it in the approved items with a note; "Now you find the hat." Not to suggest Lataxe is a former IBM salesman but as he might say, you find the tools..............
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
It's getting harder and harder to find companies that will take hard earned cash..............
How true twenty five years ago I would have laughed if someone questioned taking cash now though it seems like they can't be bothered with it. Well it sounds like you had a great time and also stayed within your budget, that can be a hard thing to do. You have a great day and I'm looking forward to your updates and pictures.
Mike
Go check out Ron Brese's hand planes and say hi to Roy for me.
http://www.mvflaim.com
Mike,
Yep, talked with him today. What a great guy and his planes are, well you know. Gotta keep hydrated!
Got to use Adam Cheribini's wood smoother today - SWEET! Enjoyed his class imensely. Also attended a class with Mario Rodriguez about fitting drawers, with some emphasis on dovetailing. Amazing craftsman, he works so effortlessly.
Chuck Benders talk and demo on inlaying and stringing was very interesting. He made his own set of beading tools that worked very well. Got to see how sulphur inlaying is done.
Ron Hermans talk on Western Saws was really good too. Learned a whole bunch about saws I never knew before. Can't wait for the sharpening class with Mike Wenzloff on Sunday.
Yeah the Marketplace is to die for. I see what you mean about going broke. Lee Valley is giving 15% off and free shipping.............
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 10/2/2009 10:30 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
Registration Area with the Marketplace in the background. I'll get more pics of each booth tomorrow.
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It's official, Marios' favorite tool
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Adam starts off kinda slow,
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then reeeaaaallllyyyyy gets into it.
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Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
>Mario Rodriguez . . . Amazing craftsman, he works so effortlessly.<Yes, he is one of my heros !I think the story goes that he got into wood working because he ordered a sofa and it was delivered to his New York apartment in a broken state. He ordered another. it was broken to. The third one he sent back for a similar problem.He bought tools and made his own damned sofa and never looked back !PS: Thank You for photos etc. I never realized. A skit and everything huh ? I need to get out of the hermit cave now and then.rocGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
Edited 10/3/2009 11:07 pm by roc
jonnie,
It's actually one of those magnifying glass headsets (?). I believe it even has headlights. If it were a tape deck then it would have been a cassette rather than an 8-Track.
He's a lot younger than he looks. :-(
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Oh, so that's what it is.
--jb
OK, so here's the loot.
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Couldn't wait to get the irons in 'em. Nope, ye can't see through 'em but not bad for out of the box. All I did was mount the blade per the instructions. I think these planes are gonna be a lot of fun.
The LA Jack went across the cherry board like it was hardly there. This is a board from Uncle Stewart's scrap bin. It has two small clusters of what looks like burl in it. I think droolin raised the grain.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Holy burls and curls in a cherry board, Batman!
You had that board in Valley Forge.
We did meet at Woodworking in America, Bob. I remember that board; I'd recognize it anywhere! You and I worked on it at the LV booth together. It was a challenge. I started planing it, demoing a plane, and then realized it was your board. You showed me the two burl things. Took about 10 minutes to tame it, finally using the scraper plane.
Tell me I'm not crazy and that was you???
Frank
frank,
Well I'll be dipped!
That board is one and the same. Dang, I imagined you to be a lot older. :-) We did have a good time after all.
Did you happen to see the inlaid legs someone had at the LN booth. They looked like Federal style to me and were beautifully done. Also, Paddy showed me some pool cues that are to die for.
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Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Bob,
You get two woodworkers, a pretty but tough piece of cherry, and access to the full arsenal of LV weapons together and how can a good time not be had! Heck, we were two beers short of nirvana there!
Those Federal table legs at the LN booth were the work of Steve Latta. He is associated to LN through some videos he does with them and for his line of inlay tools that are sold through LN. I had the pleasure of meeting him and taking a two day class with him on making those legs. Tons of fun and I learned a lot. He does a class once or twice a year at CT Valley School of Woodworking that is very worthwhile.
Those are some nice cues! Were they at the show? Do you know who made them?
Frank
Frank. from the left;
a Brunswick Willie Hoppe master cue in original condition, I left the shaft in the case. 18 oz.
a Palmer three piece all maple break/jump cue in original condition.
a deluxe* Brunswick WH mc that has been rebuilt by Mr. Pete Tascarella with a Balabushka joint fitted with nickle rings, a Rambo butt, a burgandy leather wrap(you have to look hard for the seam) and a pro tapered shaft to 11 mm. 22 oz.
a special limited edition factory Balabushka (by Adams IIRC) #8 . A close copy of Irving Crane's notched mother of pearl diamonds/ebony inlays. 18 1/2 oz. and uses a changeable weight bolt system in the butt. Pro tapered shaft to 12 3/4 mm.
* The deluxe B mc's were shafts and fore arm of rock maple, butt bottoms of mahogany with a solid ivory disc and a hard rubber butt cap. the non-deluxe were the same points and colored inlays using regular hard maple and a hardwood butt without the ivory disc. Both of these are still very straight and "hit" very, very well.
Just think, If my eyes go again(cateracts the last time--got them fixed) I can sell the sticks and buy some custom planes from Phllip. ha ha
All the best, Paddy
frank,
Whatever you do, do not challenge him to a game of pool.
Oh, and tell me how you liked the Blum smoother. You did try it, right? That's one sweet plane but beyond my tool allowance.
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 10/13/2009 6:00 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
Edited 10/13/2009 6:29 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
Bob,
I'm thinking anyone who owns some cues like that is good enough to beat me with a broomstick!
I didn't try the Blum. I did try Konrad Sauer's infills though. Very sweet, but way out of my price range. (Not that they are not worth the price.)
Frank
Frank, funny as I watched the house man in a small room on Court St. in South Brooklyn in the 1960's beat the local big mouth who he finally got fedup with. He tossed a $50 on the #1 house table and told him that he could beat him with the stick from the push broom . He did--- by 29 balls on a 100 point straight match.
It's not the stick, it's the practice, the stroke and the smarts. Back in the day I would play a very old gent for time but out of respect if I won I paid half the cost - that didn't happen often even with a 20 ball spot on 100. One time I put him safe on the rail behind a very slightly jostled pack and he studied it, call the 3 ball on the front side in the far corner. He popped a ball in the back row-not very hard- the pack opened up like a clam shell and the 3 ball literally trickled down the table and just fell in the corner. He could also leave me safe in the pack as he "missed" a shot on a tight table and I needed a helicopter to get properly clear . It's the old lose and learn club and boy did I learn some sweet shots from that wonderful old guy by learning how to look at the balls and when it's best to play safe.
I don't play as much any more but I really love straight pool as it developes all your skills . Best of luck with your game, hit'em straight, Paddy
Paddy,
Those are some sweet cues. Many years ago (late 70's) I spent a lot of time in a cretain billiard hall in Bellville NJ and developed a fair game. Many years passed with just the casual game here and there. Then, a few weeks back I was talking to a friend who shared a similar history and he and I have just started playing again.
Man am I bad! Haha.. Played twice so far and in straight pool I don't think I've run more than than 6 balls. But it's coming back!
I can say I never had a cue like those. You must be very good!
I have looked into how custom cues are made and MAN is that one specialized craft! I suppose it's woodworking?
Frank
Looks like Lee Valley can declare a divident after that purchase!
T.Z.
Tony,
I have the sickness, a border line tool hoarder. Now if I can just find an old Langdon Miter Saw....................
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
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