Woodworks in Springfield, MA

Expect to be let down and you won't be disappointed.  I'm only 20 minutes away and don't plan to go. If you've never been to one it might be interesting but it's not like it was in the early days. I went to one of the first woodshows in NY over 25 years ago and it was great but this particular one isn't that good and in some years it was barely an aisle of exhibitors.  Clearly it's for the hobbyist and you can usually get better deals online for the most part. You won't see all the aftermarket fences or jointers but there will definitely be stuff for sale.  That's the whole point of it. You would be just as well off with the reviews in the magazines for the most part.

For professionals the  one to go to is

http://www.newenglandwoodexpo.com/ct/

Kind of a mini Atlanta and don't expect to see Lie Nielsen there or the kind of exhibitor you would find at the hobby show. It's  clearly for the professional.

So I guess only you will know if it's worth a 2 hour ride after you get there.

Edited 1/9/2006 3:49 pm ET by RickL

Buzzsaw,
I'm debating with myself about the Springfield show. I've gone a few years but missed last year. Clearly, the first show you go to is better than the second and so on. From a financial point of view it's $25 in gas and $10 to get in ...to shop? not easy to get a pay back unless you watch some of the craftspersons...and that takes time to make it worth while. On the other hand I did buy some stuff that would have required shipping(CMT offset wrench for router table) so I saved there. Also, there is the LN booth...that's always worth while. So what else you got to do in the middle of Jan....the game is at night.

To echo the others:  Be prepared to be disappointed.  I usually attend the Northeast Woodworkers Association Showcase in Saratoga, NY in March, but last year I decided to go to Woodworks in Springfield to compare.  I was excited too.

Well I wasted two hours each way of driving time, the admission fee, and was able to see the entire thing in an hour and a half.  The demonstrations were few and sparsely attended.  The classes, if you can call them that, you have to pay extra for.  They also advertise a "gallery" where you can view others' work.  Last year I think they had six or eight things on display.  Plus the food was horrible.  

Regarding buying things:  most vendors either have display models of their equipment and you can purchase items by placing an order (and they will ship it to you) or they will have stock.  The things that are stocked are small consumables such as bits, blades and sandpaper.  Also a few lumber dealers with small hobby packs of S4S wood.   You generally won't see anything that's "wow" if you read any of the common woodworking magazines.

Depending on where you are located, try to get to the Saratoga show in March, or the (even bigger) Long Island Woodworkers Show in April.   More vendors, free classes, free demos, and the gallery is huge.  Hundreds of pieces of amazing craftsmanship, ranging from carved Queen Anne-style and Chippendale repros to rustic furniture, wooden boats, toys, turnings, carvings, etc.  If for some reason that bores you, Saratoga has a bunch of other things to do and some excellent restaurants and shopping.