Philly
Established Member
Woodworking In America Conference, 2008
HI Folks
I had the honour of being invited to the above conference in Berea, Kentucky. It was a “hand tools only” event which featured the top toolmakers from around the world (plus myself). It also featured training sessions on various skills (sharpening, planing, etc) as well as Q+A sessions with tool manufacturers on different aspects of tool design and use. This was the first of this kind of event held in the US, and it sold out almost immediately to 300 lucky attendees.
The list of woodworking celebrities was long – here’s a quick attempt and in no particular order (apologies to any I’ve missed)
• Mike Dunbar
• Rob Lee
• Roy Underhill
• Tom Lie-Nielsen
• Frank Klaus
• Michel Auriou
• Larry Clark and Don McConnell
• Jim Leamy
• Dave Jeske
• Kevin Drake
• Mike Wenzloff
• Konrad Sauer
• Chris Schwarz
• John Economaki
• Adam Cherubini
• Ron Hock
• Gary Blum
• Ron Brese
• Bob
• Chris Vesper
• Joel Moskovich
• Clarence Blanchard
• Don Weber
There was a real buzz in the air on the first day as the eager attendees turned up early to get started. The second day we actually came to open up early as so many people turned up early to get in – a decision that hung-over exhibitors were overjoyed about
But it was an extremely enjoyable event – I never saw anyone who wasn’t wearing a silly grin throughout the whole three days of the event.
New Tools – Lee Valley had an interesting new dovetail saw on display featuring a very modern design. It feels very comfortable to use and I have one with me to play with – review ASAP. I also had a sneak preview of an exciting new plane from Veritas. I have been sworn to secrecy but can tell you this – it is breathtakingly pretty and I want one!!!!
Lie-Nielsen were also showing some new products – tongue and groove planes, a panel saw, hammers, corner chisels. I could never get close enough to take a picture but these lines should be available before Xmas.
So – some photo’s to give you a taste. I could of sworn I took 10 times as many photo’s as I did…….
Don Weber, bodger and fellow Welshman was there doing his thing. A real character, as well as talented craftsman and teacher.
The Clark and Williams stall. Larry and Don were the highlight of the show for me - they were gracious enough to spend ages answering my questions and I was relieved they didn't give me a good kicking for making planes with brass soles :wink:
Rob Lee's personal Holtey #982. He has had brass washers fitted to his so the novel attachment method becomes visible to the eye. There was a small selection of Holtey planes on display brought along by a keen customer!
Ellis Wallentine, owner of Woodcentral Forum
Ron Brese (planemaker) and Bob Zajicek (Czeck Edge Tools) were there displaying there wares, as well as looking out for me. Their generous spirit was overwhelming.
Konrad Sauer was there (on the bench next to mine, again!) displaying his wonderful infill planes.
Mike Wenzloff, Robin Lee and Ed Paik (new sawmaker Medallion Tools) chat about saw stuff.
Deneb Puchalski, Lie-Nielsen demonstrator caught in a weak moment lusting (possibly :wink: ) over a Philly Planes Skew Miter.
Gary Blum with his innovative wooden planes.
Wally Wilson of Veritas - he was eating a doughnut and drinking coffee until a millisecond before I took this photo. He, as well as the rest of the Veritas crew, was extremely helpful and friendly. These guys really know their stuff, and love what they do!
New Beading tool from Veritas.
Innovative new dovetail saw from Veritas - I have one to put through its paces, so expect a review soon.
Michel Auriou and Mike Wenzloff - two guys who need no introductions!
Jim Leamy and a selection of his amazing plow planes.
Blue Spruce were showing some new, improved bench chisels. They were very droolworthy, and much heavier duty then the existing ones.
And the man himself, Dave Jeske.
John Hoffman (of Lost Arts Press) and Louis Bois, who does the beautiful illustrations for Pop wood and Woodworking magazines. These guys were a blast! 'Til the next one!
The College has its own workshops where they produce their own furniture items. This was used as the locations for the hands on training classes, and featured some tasty machinery, as well as some great heating!
Boone Tavern, an historic building opposite the main hall where a reception was held each night.
Snow! All week the weather reports promised snow - and as we left the hotel down it came!
Chris Schwarz and Stephen Shaunnesy at the final evenings meet. The speech given by Roy Underhill was hilarious and was the icing on the cake :lol:
One of the highlights of the show for me was the openness of all the exhibitors to talk and share - I spent way too much time chatting with Lee Valley crew (these guys know they have the best job in the world and it really shows!), Ron Brese, Bob K, Ron Hock, Adam Cherubini, Jim Leamy and, for me the highlight, Larry Williams and Don McConnell of Clark and Williams fame. As a wooden planemaker, to spend hours talking to these two extremely knowledgable, skilled and passionate men was worth the cost of making the trip – I was in plane heaven!
Chris Schwarz was seen hovering over the proceedings and was working incredibly hard to ensure the show was a success. I heard him say he had only 12 hours sleep over the three days, and I can believe it. Thanks for all your hard work Chris – it certainly was worth it and you should be proud.
John Hoffman of Lost Arts Press was often close by to ensure I had a beer in my hand and knew where the nearest Mexican restaurant was located – cheers John, look forward to the next time!
I also met a fair few of the Woodworking bloggers throughout the show like Matt (Matts Basement), Kari (Village Carpenter) and Mitch (furnitude). I fear there may be a few embarrassing photo’s hitting the web soon………
Finally, I would like to thank the Popular Woodworking crew for putting on such an excellent event and to all the staff and attendees for their warm, enthusiastic welcome – it was truly a pleasure.
Cheers
Philly
HI Folks
I had the honour of being invited to the above conference in Berea, Kentucky. It was a “hand tools only” event which featured the top toolmakers from around the world (plus myself). It also featured training sessions on various skills (sharpening, planing, etc) as well as Q+A sessions with tool manufacturers on different aspects of tool design and use. This was the first of this kind of event held in the US, and it sold out almost immediately to 300 lucky attendees.
The list of woodworking celebrities was long – here’s a quick attempt and in no particular order (apologies to any I’ve missed)
• Mike Dunbar
• Rob Lee
• Roy Underhill
• Tom Lie-Nielsen
• Frank Klaus
• Michel Auriou
• Larry Clark and Don McConnell
• Jim Leamy
• Dave Jeske
• Kevin Drake
• Mike Wenzloff
• Konrad Sauer
• Chris Schwarz
• John Economaki
• Adam Cherubini
• Ron Hock
• Gary Blum
• Ron Brese
• Bob
• Chris Vesper
• Joel Moskovich
• Clarence Blanchard
• Don Weber
There was a real buzz in the air on the first day as the eager attendees turned up early to get started. The second day we actually came to open up early as so many people turned up early to get in – a decision that hung-over exhibitors were overjoyed about
But it was an extremely enjoyable event – I never saw anyone who wasn’t wearing a silly grin throughout the whole three days of the event.New Tools – Lee Valley had an interesting new dovetail saw on display featuring a very modern design. It feels very comfortable to use and I have one with me to play with – review ASAP. I also had a sneak preview of an exciting new plane from Veritas. I have been sworn to secrecy but can tell you this – it is breathtakingly pretty and I want one!!!!
Lie-Nielsen were also showing some new products – tongue and groove planes, a panel saw, hammers, corner chisels. I could never get close enough to take a picture but these lines should be available before Xmas.
So – some photo’s to give you a taste. I could of sworn I took 10 times as many photo’s as I did…….
Don Weber, bodger and fellow Welshman was there doing his thing. A real character, as well as talented craftsman and teacher.
The Clark and Williams stall. Larry and Don were the highlight of the show for me - they were gracious enough to spend ages answering my questions and I was relieved they didn't give me a good kicking for making planes with brass soles :wink:
Rob Lee's personal Holtey #982. He has had brass washers fitted to his so the novel attachment method becomes visible to the eye. There was a small selection of Holtey planes on display brought along by a keen customer!
Ellis Wallentine, owner of Woodcentral Forum
Ron Brese (planemaker) and Bob Zajicek (Czeck Edge Tools) were there displaying there wares, as well as looking out for me. Their generous spirit was overwhelming.
Konrad Sauer was there (on the bench next to mine, again!) displaying his wonderful infill planes.
Mike Wenzloff, Robin Lee and Ed Paik (new sawmaker Medallion Tools) chat about saw stuff.
Deneb Puchalski, Lie-Nielsen demonstrator caught in a weak moment lusting (possibly :wink: ) over a Philly Planes Skew Miter.
Gary Blum with his innovative wooden planes.
Wally Wilson of Veritas - he was eating a doughnut and drinking coffee until a millisecond before I took this photo. He, as well as the rest of the Veritas crew, was extremely helpful and friendly. These guys really know their stuff, and love what they do!
New Beading tool from Veritas.
Innovative new dovetail saw from Veritas - I have one to put through its paces, so expect a review soon.
Michel Auriou and Mike Wenzloff - two guys who need no introductions!
Jim Leamy and a selection of his amazing plow planes.
Blue Spruce were showing some new, improved bench chisels. They were very droolworthy, and much heavier duty then the existing ones.
And the man himself, Dave Jeske.
John Hoffman (of Lost Arts Press) and Louis Bois, who does the beautiful illustrations for Pop wood and Woodworking magazines. These guys were a blast! 'Til the next one!
The College has its own workshops where they produce their own furniture items. This was used as the locations for the hands on training classes, and featured some tasty machinery, as well as some great heating!
Boone Tavern, an historic building opposite the main hall where a reception was held each night.
Snow! All week the weather reports promised snow - and as we left the hotel down it came!
Chris Schwarz and Stephen Shaunnesy at the final evenings meet. The speech given by Roy Underhill was hilarious and was the icing on the cake :lol:
One of the highlights of the show for me was the openness of all the exhibitors to talk and share - I spent way too much time chatting with Lee Valley crew (these guys know they have the best job in the world and it really shows!), Ron Brese, Bob K, Ron Hock, Adam Cherubini, Jim Leamy and, for me the highlight, Larry Williams and Don McConnell of Clark and Williams fame. As a wooden planemaker, to spend hours talking to these two extremely knowledgable, skilled and passionate men was worth the cost of making the trip – I was in plane heaven!
Chris Schwarz was seen hovering over the proceedings and was working incredibly hard to ensure the show was a success. I heard him say he had only 12 hours sleep over the three days, and I can believe it. Thanks for all your hard work Chris – it certainly was worth it and you should be proud.
John Hoffman of Lost Arts Press was often close by to ensure I had a beer in my hand and knew where the nearest Mexican restaurant was located – cheers John, look forward to the next time!
I also met a fair few of the Woodworking bloggers throughout the show like Matt (Matts Basement), Kari (Village Carpenter) and Mitch (furnitude). I fear there may be a few embarrassing photo’s hitting the web soon………
Finally, I would like to thank the Popular Woodworking crew for putting on such an excellent event and to all the staff and attendees for their warm, enthusiastic welcome – it was truly a pleasure.
Cheers
Philly
