I went to “The Woodworking Show” yesterday. The show tours all around and is just about to end it’s season. I thought I was going to have to go alone for the first time ever but my friend, Marshall who I usually go with, wound up being able to go with me after all.
This show seemed to be reworked quite a bit. It had a bunch of “free” 30-60 minute classes throughout the day on a variety of subjects. Going into the day, I was worried that they would turn out to be nothing more than commercials but I was very surprised.
Marshall and I both have the most difficult time with finishing so we focused on a track about finishing. It was absolutely great. We learned about various techniques, limitations, benefits, concerns for our specific part of the world. We learned specifics about poly and lacquer. We learned a bunch about spraying. We even were entertained (the guy had a great sense of humor). He tought 3 classes and they were all great.
The show was good. I bought 3 things and got on a mailing list about something that was in a prototype stage. One was a jig to install drawers and drawer glides which I’ve seen pictures of but wouldn’t buy because I’ve never seen work. Another was some clamps. I also bought some wire strippers which were a pleasant surprise because I’ve been looking for a replacement of my favorite stripper which is starting to break down. The prototype was a magnetic cover for my tablesaw which allows you to use it as a work surface. I already do but then clean up is real nasty and this cover would save me the hastle and be easy to put on and put away.
All in all, this was the best show in a long while. Now all I’ve got to do is get into the shop and start doing some woodworking.