Replies

1. 
   charliez | Apr 16, 2007 02:20am | #1

   There was one in Puyallup last year at about the same time. Last one I went to was a few years ago when it was at the Tacoma Dome. I was going to go to the one last year but a few items I was interested in I checked with the vendors and they were not going to be there so I opted not to go. As of the past few years the shows have not been very good and no bargains unless you want to pay for for some of the classes. The free seminars are pretty basic.

   Charlie

1. 
   BillA | Apr 16, 2007 06:15am | #2

   I went to the one at the Tacoma Dome a couple(?) of years ago. A real disappointment. Not many exhibitors. I just got the notice for the show in Puyallup and the list of exhibitors looks lean. I did enjoy a couple of the seminars, however.

2. 
   forestgirl | Apr 16, 2007 07:20am | #3

   I'll check out who's coming.  Not much I really need right now, but if a list develops, I might go.  My 9-year-old grandson is interested -- his step-father died late last year, and he was something of a woodworker.  Andrew kinda misses that stuff.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   BobMc | Apr 16, 2007 08:39pm | #4

   I'm going (again).  It was in Puyallup last year, as well.  I agree that the exhibitor's list tends to the light side, but I usually see Neil and Frank from Equipment Sales and Surplus http://www.equipmentsalesandsurplus.com who are like my main pushers (air cleaner, jointer, drum sander, tenoning jig, grinder, ...).  Last year I received a good deal on an Accuspray HVLP kit--which was my scheduled acquisition for the show. Also hung around the Lie-Nielsen display and played with a few of their tools. 

   I'll attend the Marc Adams seminars, and try to take copious notes so I can review them later.  I enjoy the seminars, get to see possibilities that I might not otherwise think of.  Last year was David Marks, showing how to 'decorate' wood.  The year before it was Mitch Kohanek on finishing.  I also talk to fellow attendees, and find new sources for hardwoods.

   The main-floor free classes vary, and whenever possible, I'll try to sit through a class on any aspect that I need more info.  Some years back I watched Kelly Mehler cut mortise and tenons, and I really benefited from being able to feel the joint to determine what 'snug' means. 

   I try to get SWMBO to go with me on one day.  Last time she went, the show was in Tacoma, and on the way home, she asked me "When are you going to get a lathe?"  That year I received an LN leather apron as a Christmas gift.  (Unfortunately, she didn't receive a lathe as a gift.)

   Yeah, I'm going again.  I can always learn something new, or something old, again.