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My impressions of Woodworks Show
My impressions of Woodworks Show (post #123819)
Buzzsaw on Mon, 01/16/2006 - 19:00
Last Friday I attended the Woodworks woodworking show in Springfield, MA. This was my first woodworking show and I enjoyed it. To be honest, I wasn't wowed by it but did enjoy it. I did pay for a class by Bill Hull on veneering which I found well worth the money. Just to see what you can do with veneering was very interesting to me as I really had no exposure to veneering prior to this. I am working on a circular table that requires bent lamination for the curved apron which is veneered so this was my motivation.
The rest of the show was interesting. You are exposed to the latest machines that do dovetails, turning, jointing, etc and there are also demonstrations that take place during the event that were rather interesting. Mostly everyone was very cordial until I went over to a tool that hangs from a wall that allows you to glue boards together. It was made of aluminum and it looked rather cool as the cauls were built-in to it and it allowed you pretty much to glue up all of your boards at once without having to worry about alignment. I made a mistake of asking a question while the vendor was in the process of trying to sell this guy the rig. He was very coarse with me as I suspected that he had this guy on "on the hook" and by the way the potential buyer was dressed he looked like he had a big enough bank account to shell out the $300 it cost for this glue-up jig. Anyway, I asked a question of the vendor and he says to me "I'm going to answer his question first" in a very gruff voice. So, after being shunned I just mosied onto the next vendor. I wish I remember the name of the company and the guy but this was pretty much the only downer on a rather invigorating day. I can see if you have been to a number of these that this one was not spectacular but for me it was a nice break and I would recommend it to any hobbyist. I don't think the professional would've gotten a whole lot out of it. Thanks again to Bill Hull who has a veneering shop out of Oklahoma (my notes are at home with the name of the place) who gave us an excellent class/seminar on the uses of veneer.
Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
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(post #123819, reply #1 of 25)
Was the selection of woodworking tools pretty good? I'm thinking of going to the show in Ontario (that's California, not Canada). It's rather hard to find woodworking tools at most of the hardware/tool stores around here and it would be nice to see some things in person.
Bob
(post #123819, reply #2 of 25)
Yes, there were an abundance of woodworking tools at the show. It was nice to see a lot of the tools I had seen in the magazines up close and personal. You can even get "show" prices on the tools if you are so inclined to buying on that day. But get there early because the good buys go fast. There were also an abundance of hand-held Porter Cable, Bosch, and Makita biscuit joiners, portable drills, routers, etc there for sale.
Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
(post #123819, reply #3 of 25)
I attended the show in Detroit before Christmas and I believe it was operated by the same company that put on the Springfield show this past weekend. I was passing through Springfield on the weekend and dropped in for an hour and I believe what I seen in an hour at Springfield took me about 4 hours in Detriot. Detroit was an excellent show but this is from a Canadian viewpoint. Our shows in Canada are getting smaller and smaller and some border on flea markets. But I still go,its like sex, no such thing as bad wood shows.
Brian
(post #123819, reply #4 of 25)
Hmmmmmmmm,
I'm happy to hear that some of "woodwork " shows are pretty good, and have some tools , and machines to show. I imagine they vary along with their vendors greatly from place to place. I attended the show in Somerset NJ, on Sunday Jan.8 th.
I have been going to the somerset show for about ten years, it used to be run by a different company, This year I was dissapointed in a big way. Their show didnt have any machines aside from mini max or laguna. ( nice to see in person , have to admit) And Really not much in the way of hand/power tools. I dunno, I left in about an hour and just felt like someone really dropped the ball at this years show. I e- mailed the Woodwork CO. and asked what happened , still have yet to receive a response ( not really expecting one at this point) Well , maybe it was just the jersey show and next year will be better.
.02 E
(post #123819, reply #5 of 25)
I attended the one in Columbus Ohio this weekend (I have attended for the past 5 or so years). It was a disappointment overall. Even my spouse was unimpressed with the amount of displays and variety.
I went looking for specific items (yes to buy) and no luck overall. Most items were package deals and I was not interested in packages.
Lie-Nelison was there - but with just the one person to in their display it was a bust.
(post #123819, reply #10 of 25)
my wife and i went to the colombus show this past weekend as well (my first) and was like you and your wife in that we were disappointed. i to was looking for specific tools to purchase but no luck. i did get a great deal on the kreg k3 plus extras. I did like the class kelly meher gave and also the porter cable dovetail jig demo left me wanting one.
(post #123819, reply #11 of 25)
Thanks, sounds like it may very well be worth the trip.
Bob
(post #123819, reply #6 of 25)
Do you consider yourself a hard guy to get along with, Buzz??
Wicked Decent Woodworks
(oldest woodworking shop in NH)
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"
Wicked Decent Woodworks
(oldest woodworking shop in NH)
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should, at least, find you handy........"
(post #123819, reply #7 of 25)
John,
How's it going? Maybe you should tell me :-)
The guy was a jerk and I hope he sold squat. He did have a bulbous red nose so maybe he was in need of a libation. Who knows what his issues were. He's not the type of guy I want representing my company. Take it easy...
Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
(post #123819, reply #8 of 25)
I went to the show in Springfield on Saturday. Weather was bad but the show was OK. Nothing special and I think fewer booths than the last two years. Some new tools but not much. Prices for name brands are generally cheaper on Amazon. I did get a good deal on the new 10-345 Rikon 18" bandsaw at the Woodcraft booth. 10% off and they had it at the local store so I loaded it up on my truck and took it home. I didn't expect to see the Rikon at the show because the Woodcraft store in Woburn told me they weren't expect until the 23rd. Since I was planning to buy it this week anyways I saved enough to buy a few other items at the show. I'll go again next year but if it doesn't improve that'll probably be my last time.
(post #123819, reply #9 of 25)
Yea...afetr knowing what sort of person you are first hand, my heart goes out to that poor unfortunate Huckster. Its people liek you that made him embrace John Barleycorn in the first place.................tisk tisk.
Did you see my latest work?.....look in the Gallery under NH Nakashima.
Hope to see you again some time
By the way.like you quote......it is so very true!
Wicked Decent Woodworks
(oldest woodworking shop in NH)
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"
Wicked Decent Woodworks
(oldest woodworking shop in NH)
Rochester NH
" If the women dont find you handsome, they should, at least, find you handy........"
(post #123819, reply #13 of 25)
Yeah John,
I saw that quote somewhere and this is the passion I feel about woodworking. I just wish it was easier to make a living doing it so I'll just be keeping my day job for a while. talk to ya...
Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
(post #123819, reply #14 of 25)
I think there are two seperate shows. One is promoted by "the woodworking shows" thats is held in somerset NJ the week before christmas. The other is (woodworks events ) mid January, in springfield Ma.
long story short, I live in RI, and I have made a NY weekend Christmas trip out of the NJ show for the past 3 years. My wife, my 1 yr old daughter(1st time), and me, stay in NYC fri, sat and attend the sunday show. This will be my final year. it was a waste of time. Pratically no vendors to show thier products. The fist yr, it was very good. In fact, Pwr mactic sold me on their saw. (which i now have ) The major mfg were there,could compare products.vendors ie lee valley, lie-neilson and others all there. The expo was full. It really has gone downhill since. I should have stayed in NYC and enjoyed the city.
Springfield Mass (woodworks events) which is much closer, 1 1/2 hr, I'll try one more time. They had some good demostrations, and guest host classes. Would like to see more products by the major mfg.
Both shows should keep the crap vendors out. I am only a hobbyist, but the junk some vendors sell. I paid to see a woodworking show, not a flea market. Plus, who in their right mind would use a router bit or any cutting blade that you don't even know if it was correctly machined, tollerences, balances?? Sounds like a injury waiting to happen. Anyway, I'll take someone else's advise, I'll stay home and enjoy my hobby and the baby. lost me at the NJ show, one more shot for Springfield.
(post #123819, reply #17 of 25)
Interesting.
I had heard that "the woodworkingshows" were a step up from the "woodworks" shows. Only been to the latter (this year in Springfield, MA). A little dissapointed that there was no representation from the big guys (Delta, Dewalt, Etc.) other than small tools from a reseller. Also, as others have said, a few hucksters, and a few fleamarket type vendors.
So, I'd like to hear other opinions about the two companies so I can decide where to go NEXT year!
Thanks all!
R
(post #123819, reply #12 of 25)
I think that would be the Plano jig, it's rep'ed by Advanced Machinery. I went to the Detroit show, it was just average. They just are not of the quality they were ten years ago.
(post #123819, reply #15 of 25)
I find it funny that you felt offended to the man's reply to your rude interuption (manners work both ways).
Having worked many trade and consumer shows (not woodworking) I can tell you it can be pretty grueling, standing on thin or no carpet for 8,10,12 hours, finding all your stuff, keeping literature racks filled, making sure no one steals anything, keeping track of your pen, etc. Rude attendees are just the icing on the cake.
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
(post #123819, reply #16 of 25)
Why do you assume that he was being rude? Does asking a question make him impolite? I guess it's possible that it might, but it seems to me that you are reading a great deal into his comments... given that neither of us were there, why not give him the benefit of the doubt?
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
(post #123819, reply #18 of 25)
I've been to a few woodworking shows, and I find that I'm generally treated like a leper by the vendors because I'm usually the youngest guy there (at around 30). Unless I'm walking around with $100 bills pinned to my collar, they won't give me the time of day. Of course, there are exceptions. Those are they ones that get my hard-earned dollars.
At the last show I went to, Harrelson Stanley was working next to a booth selling japanese tools. He was demonstrating and selling shapton stones. He spent probably a half hour with me answering my rookie questions, and not just trying to sell me on shapton. I walked away from there with his DVD. I went back the next day with the blade from a LN block plane I had recently purchased. He got that thing rediculously sharp in a matter of minutes. I bought 4 stones, a lapping plate, and powders on the spot.
I did notice from one year to the next that the deals seemed not to be as good overall ('04 vs '05), and barely better than Amazon.com, if at all.
(post #123819, reply #19 of 25)
Well friend, I have been to two international woodworking shows in Atlanta and several industrial metalworking technology shows through the years, (I design machinery for a living) and it is a rare show that doesn't have at least one sales jerk who is rude or otherwise unpleasant. Like you, I can't remember the names of any of the products that these inept agents represented, but it really surprised and frosted me.
I will continue to attend shows because I get a lot on good info., but,
sadly, the unpleasant experiences with just a few sales folks reinforce my general dislike for that whole group.
Ky. dave
(post #123819, reply #20 of 25)
I have found that making a list of questions needing answers before going to the show is a good idea. Then, I decide which are the most important and go to the booth that will give me the answers just after the show opens. They should have already put the literature out and had their first cup of coffee, so I usually don't have much competition for their attention. Plus, the WoodWorking Shows ticket is good for the whole weekend and if I can't get answers right away due to crowds or a seminar, I try to go back. Obviously, some questions don't arise till they become a followup to something a demonstrator has just said, but most of the time, I'll write the question down and ask later.
I know from experience where most of the booths will be and the best time to get attention since there are lulls during the day. I just wait till the right time to ask questions.
It's a good thing to remember that some of these people aren't in sales on a full time basis and that affects how they deal with a whole weekend of non-stop Q&A, noise, needing a pitstop, someone else who was annoying, hunger, etc. Even if they are in it full time, long noise filled weekends are no treat.
(post #123819, reply #21 of 25)
Went to the Atlanta show this past weekend. This was my third visit in the past 4 years. The first year that I attended the hot item was making dove tails. Almost everyone had a jig/machine to make them. This year it seemed that everyone had something for a router.
My impression: pretty standard show. I am more interested in hand tools of which there were fewer than expected for a wood working show. The Kreg booth was constantly packed as was Powermatic, LV, L-N and Bad Dog drill bits. There was only one demonstrator at the L-N booth - he was fantastic, answered questions, knew his planes and wood inside-out. It was worth while to stand for 1 hour and watch.
I bought a LV LA Jack plane, 2 books, some glue and a set of mortising chisels which is what I came for. So, all in all, I was satisfied.
(post #123819, reply #22 of 25)
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the Atlanta show. There is a huge interest in hand planes and hand tools but, to be honest, I like the power tools. My time is so limited that I need to make good use of it and I have to feel I have accomplished something. Maybe in retirement I will explore the hand tool world a lot more.
Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
(post #123819, reply #23 of 25)
I attended the Woodworks at Somerset on January 7. A first time attendee at a WW show. I traveled about three hours from the Hudson Valley in New York. It was a worthwhile trip. I particularly enjoyed the course on hand tools. The exhibits were interesting. I wish there was a closer venue - perhaps I will return next year. A fun daytrip.
(post #123819, reply #24 of 25)
Is this the same one that is either in/or near Saratoga? Maybe that is another show.
Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Regards, Buzzsaw "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
(post #123819, reply #25 of 25)
No.