Replies

1. 
   9619 | Jul 20, 2009 02:04pm | #1

   Richard,
   Thanks for posting that. I used the low resolution version and it works beautifully.

   While not a professional, I enjoy reading and thinking about the business aspects of fine woodworking. This little conference covered a set of topics which seem central to running a modern shop.

   I was absolutely blown over by the steaming machines and the large spaces of the ercol establishment. That really looks BIG TIME. The round-front drawers they turned out are very very nice (IMHO).

   Brian Kennedy had an interesting topic on Curating Exhibitions. I recenttly spent two days with David Savage, and he had a bunch to say about exhibitions. Obviously putting together an exhibition is a very personal experience. I took David to the Hirshhorn Museum of Modern Art and to the National Gallery at the Smithsonian. Certainly both are "mixed media". I mused about why there is no furniture in either museum. David got his degree at Oxford, specializing in painting. I learned a lot about modern art that day.

   Paul Martin on Photography. To me, good photography is key to showing off great furniture, but somehow, I never learn much from folks talking about photography. Some folks can do it. Some folks cant. You do all of your own photography, and it works excellently.

   Branding, by Paul Martin. "Branding happens". But I have not read much about it that is very helpful in making it happen. It is like art. I would rather see it or make it than hear people talk about it.

   CNC in the modern shop, By Barnaby Scott of Wayward. THis is the talk that I would have most looked forward to at the conference. I am absolutely fascinated by the works that Wayward turns out. The chances that I will ever get to use a CNC machine are small, but I am fascinated by the avenues it opens up.

   ALL IN ALL - Thank you for your post on "Gathering 09". I would have thought that this topic is CENTRAL to what "fine woodworkers" here on Knots are most excited about. I hope we see more postings on the important aspects of fine woodworking, and fewer on how to sharpen a plane iron, which shoulder plane to buy, and how to tune a bandsaw.

   Have fun.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   SgianDubh | Jul 22, 2009 10:05am | #16

   Mel, glad you enjoyed it. Mr Savage missed the conference. As I recall he was over in Americaland at the same time trying to confuse the natives there and leading them astray. Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com

1. 
   9619 | Jul 22, 2009 02:48pm | #17

   Richard,
   David was not only in the US, but he stayed at my home for a few days. Quite enjoyable.
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

2. 
   joinerswork | Jul 20, 2009 03:48pm | #2

   Thanks Richard

    for the report and photos.  Sounds like a valuable experience for all attending. 

   I confess to some aversion to computer-guided woodworking as it applies to those of us working on one-off creations.  I have used a sign-making friend's cnc facilities for some limited-production work, routing for multiple inlays and that sort of thing, but the quandry arises-- when one is "branding" one's work at least in part as a celebration of the minor variations that are a sign of handwork--is the utilization of cnc some sort of heresy or a perversion of one's principles?  Moreso than using a planer or tablesaw, where the workmanship of risk is a little more visibly in play?  But with the advent of the little what is it called, "carvewright"?, the technology is approaching the home shop isn't it.

   Ray    

1. 
   SgianDubh | Jul 20, 2009 06:53pm | #3

   I think you have a point Ray, particularly from the perspective of a reproduction furniture maker. I think the 'hand of the maker' variety you mention does not necessarily have to apply if you are working in the contemporary designer maker field-- the values and aspirations of the contempory designer and craftsman are not necessarily the same as those of the reproduction furniture maker. And then there is the question of what does a customer expect and want, of both types of maker, and other types not even mentioned here? Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com

1. 
   joinerswork | Jul 20, 2009 08:05pm | #4

   Richard,

   Quite correct, you are.   And, what the buyer wants likely has some correlation with the downward direction of my backlog in the last little while, haha.

   Would be nice to be able to go to the house for a cup of coffee, and have the cnc crap out another wooden widget while I'm adding the cream and sugar.

   On the bright side, just last week, I had a customer take note and make mention of the fact that I had troubled to align the slots in all the hinge and lock screws on his desk lid.  That was a first, in 30 some yrs.

   Ray

1. 
   Samson | Jul 20, 2009 08:48pm | #7

   I had troubled to align the slots in all the hinge and lock screws on his desk lid.

   How do you accomplish this?  By making sure that you start the screw with the same orientation each time?  I would think that there would still be some variance if you wanted all at optimal tightness.  Funny the Brussos butts I've used most recently have phillips heads which seems a bit cheesy (though pratical for brass).  But to be fair, you don't notice the heads on the screws of butt hinges for inset doors very often.

1. 
   philip | Jul 21, 2009 11:37am | #8

   Samson,
   Pending Ray's answer you might be interested in how I do that, when called for, as in military or campaign style furniture.
   Starting the screw as you are thinking won't work as the slot is machined at random vis a vis the thread start.Use of parrafin wax (candle wax) has been my solution to the problem and also ensures that the screws are not broken due to friction. If the slot is far off alignment one can either try another screw or (least preferable) counter sink a bit more.Also, applying steady torque rather than being in a hurry will get a few degrees more rotation. The wax helps to cut the thread and helps with being able to judge when you are about to twist it off....The wax is in fact a lubricant for both wood to brass and brass to brass (as in when the screw head first contacts the counter sink).It pays to use good quality screws especially when using brass, and to select screws with a fine thread if possible. Different manufacturers = different threads.
   When it comes to hinges it is debatable as to whether it is worth bothering about slot aligning, especially when the hinges do a lot of work. It may be preferable to ensure that the screws are correctly tightened rather than well aligned.Philip Marcou

2. 
   joinerswork | Jul 21, 2009 03:11pm | #10

   Hi Sam,

   And thanks to philip for doing the heavy lifting. I'll only add to his answer that the diameter of the pilot hole is a factor too- too small and there is less "give", too large, and the screw will strip with that extra 1/8th turn.

   And remember, this was a the lid on a slant-front desk.  More visible than a typical door which stays closed most of the time, worth the extra effort, to me at least.

   Ray

2. 
   SgianDubh | Jul 21, 2009 11:55am | #9

   Ray, the only time I bother with lining up screw slots nowadays is on the rare occasions that I use slotted screws. It's rare because I don't do reproduction furniture for one, and only occasionally repair antiques, so the need to use slot headed screws doesn't arise often.

   Now some may disagree, but I seldom have a need to use slot headed screws in the contemporary work I do. So, for me, it's the Philips head screw that I go for in about 98% of my work. I just tighten them until they're tight with a screw gun and never mind the lining up; in fact, if they do line up they tend to look a bit odd in my opinion. Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com

1. 
   joinerswork | Jul 21, 2009 03:27pm | #11

   Richard,

   Huh, I thought that you Brits invented timed screws, on those Purdys and Westley Richards double guns.  But, that's just the sort of lackadaisical attitude I'd expect from a cack-handed, ham-fisted ole hack like you.  No wonder you've never amounted to anything.

   haha

   Ray, awaiting the crack of doom from the fiery hat

2. 
   SgianDubh | Jul 21, 2009 04:31pm | #12

   You'll wait in vain, Ray. No cracking sounds will come from me for your jesting. Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com

3. 
   joinerswork | Jul 21, 2009 08:24pm | #13

   Richard,

   I knew it was no use trying to get a rise out of you.

   Thanks again for the interesting review of the meeting/discussions.

   Ray

4. 
   Taigert | Jul 22, 2009 09:37am | #14

   Richard,

   When I moved to the states from Canada, I was shocked that no one had a clue what I was talking about when I tried ordering a box of of screws that I spec'd, with # 2 Robertson Heads. We called the driver a Red Robertson, my apprentices were lost at first. It took me a while to learn to call them "Square heads" I still chock on it.

   Taigert

5. 
   SgianDubh | Jul 22, 2009 10:02am | #15

   These differences in terms of the trade around the world can lead to misunderstandings. As I continue working on my timber technology manuscript I try hard to include in the text 'translations' from my British English for other speakers of the language; I do draw the line at changing the spelling. Anyone that reads my original words will just have to get used to seeing colour, programme, millimetre, etc, ha, ha.

   I am though surprised the Americans you work with have not heard of a Robertson drive: it is, after all, different to a superficially similar square drive . Slainte.richardjonesfurniture.com

2. 
   Taigert | Jul 20, 2009 08:23pm | #5

   Richard,

   Excellent job you have done on The Gathering!

   It hits on a lot of points to ponder for those of us that are trying to scratch out a living with woodworking. With the market as tight as it is right now a lot of shops are fighting to stay afloat.

   I have thought of trying to put together a regional group of the type you have in the UK. But the shops I have spoken with are afraid of helping "their competition". So I'll just keep trying to get something going.

   Thanks again,

   Taigert

3. 
   RalphBarker | Jul 20, 2009 08:45pm | #6

   Good job on the report, Richard. Thanks for the effort and the link. Quite interesting reading, to be sure.

   I did notice, however, the absence of amber-colored beverages at the luncheon gathering. Perhaps not necessary for an already heady crowd? ;-)