November 7, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 26

Notes:

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:25 PM.

  2. First order of business is the annual Holiday party (early December)

    1. Jim’s Nephew opened a brewery in Westville.

    2. Don’t have food, but you can order in food from the local area

    3. Jim will see if we can get it for the whole site

    4. Group voted and decided to go with normal restaurant

  3. Tool auction (January 2nd meeting)

    1. Club asks for 10%

    2. People put in price ticket

    3. Great opportunity to pick up some tools that folks have sitting in their shop that aren’t being used

  4. New folks: Chet

    1. Been working with wood since he was 18. Good overview of swinging a hammer

    2. Getting more serious about making “Morris street maker” on Instagram

  5. New folks: Greg

    1. Carpenter, 30 years; done woodworking on side (stuff for family and friends)

    2. Curved desk, cabinets. Building a vanity right now

    3. Just built a Roubo workbench

  6. New Folks: Gianna

    1. Student at college of NJ

    2. Working on building a water screen with a wooden frame

    3. Wants to meet more people with skills

  7. Lauren presented

    1. Business “HonorableOak” in Philadelphia

    2. Master’s in Fine Art

    3. Originally came from Pittsburgh, moved to Ohio, Pittsburgh, and finally at Temple University

    4. Met Mike in Haddonfield crafts fair

    5. Passed out timeline/pictures of work that she has done

    6. Made lamppost, wooden cutouts, three-story items

    7. Refurbished table with granite top, cleaned up legs, frames and moldings

    8. Worked with Urban Outfitters, eventually got to their home office (Navy yard in Philly)

    9. Urban Outfitters have shops in all their stores – so the fixtures in the store are made there, and used for sales (if successful, they’d reuse them)

    10. A lot of good info on building store fixtures, how to retrofit/add to them, or re-use them

    11. One of the key points is to build them as modular pieces, so they can be re-used, mixed and matched, and re-purposed

    12. Leaves items glued up and in clamps for 24 hours to help the glue cure and to reduce warping

    13. Use Walnut oil and wax for finishing, rather than just mineral oil

    14. Also makes earrings out of scrap wood. Uses jig to cut tiny parts.

    15. Does craft fairs and Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HonorableOak

    16. Uses a lunchbox DeWalt planer to flatten, then sand down to at least 400 grit

    17. 88% of her customers who took her business card at craft fair, or through recommendations. Smaller percentage are from folks straight from Etsy

  8. William showed his magazine rack – mortise and tenon,

    1. Angled pieces, kind of arts and crafts

    2. Red Oak 1x6’s

  9. Gianna talked more about her projects

    1. Showed small scale version of what she is trying to build on her phone

    2. Trying to make it modular so she can commute to school

    3. Doesn’t need it to last more than 5 hours, but would like to keep it beyond – due to the show

  10. Dave Potts gave treasurer’s report: $1,788.87 remaining in account.

  11. Looking for a good speaker in Jan or Feb

  12. Next Meeting will be the dinner meeting with members and family/friends. Date TBD

  13. The meeting concluded at 9:03 PM.

October 3, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 19

Notes:

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:34 PM; he was a little under the weather.

  2. Frankie Puzzatello is in the hospital. Jim has a card for everyone to sign

  3. Next Thursday, heading to Westville Brewery in Westville, NJ, at 7 PM

  4. John Owens continued his presentation on carving

    1. Reviewed what he discussed at last meeting (what you can carve, benches, tools, lighting, etc.)

    2. Went over numbering. First # is “Sweep” which is the curve

    3. Second number (usually in millimeters) is the width of the blade (e.g., 7mm means the gouge is 7mm) across)

    4. Over the break there will be an opportunity to try out the tools

    5. Showed pictures of some of the projects you could work on (Cabinetry, Chest-on-chest, carving of figures, chip carving, etc.)

    6. Doesn’t recommend chip carving to start – need to be close to perfect; not for a beginner

    7. Discussion on methods to carve (handholds, way to control, etc.)

    8. Using a Dremel or other rotary tool, if you are doing fine detail you need to plant your hand to get better control

    9. Holding gouge very similar to how you handle lathe tool. Wrap left hand around tool, acts as brake and guide

    10. Right hand provides the power and steers like a tiller on a sailboat

    11. Rarely uses a mallet – relies on sharp gouges to make the cuts. Feels he has a better “feel” for the wood.

    12. For marking it, tapes carbon paper on wood, then gets pattern and places on top. Patterns are available by book, online, or even something from a picture – then trace out with carbon paper on the wood

    13. Good way to cut out pattern is to use your gouges to cut out shape and use that to punch out your pattern.

    14. Went through some of the techniques for carving in 3-dimensions (laying out curves with compass, free drawing it, paper-thin patterns with pins to nail on, etc)

    15. Took a break and let folks try out the tools

    16. Discussed concern about splits with wood (going both with the grain, and against the grain)

    17. Discussed ways to flatten around a carving (router, gouges to flatten it, etc.) leave 1/8” or 1/16” around it, and then use gouge to make final cut

    18. Typical formula/sequence for carving: Reduce background, set in periphery, determine high & low spots, etc.) Think about the order you will do and marks you will need to make before you do a step

    19. He has a tendency to start with large gouges and finish with small gouges

    20. Showed the tool kit that his friend gave to the guild. This will be stored in the workbench

  5. Jim discussed building a boat 2 years ago for Woodworks – a Dragonboat

  6. Mark announced that Fri/Sat this week is Hearne Hardwood’s open house

    1. They have 17 different vendors at the site (SAPFM, Lie Nielsen tools, etc.)

    2. Bandsaw of 62” width that will be demo’d.

    3. 10 AM to 4 PM

    4. Also announced Colonial Williamsburg SAPFM Jan 16-20 (great presenters)

  7. Mike sent out discount tickets to the Philadelphia furniture show on line

  8. Next Meeting on Thursday, Nov 7th

  9. The meeting concluded at 9:15 PM.

September 5, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 26

Notes:

1. Mike opened the meeting at 7:25 PM. Jim is under the weather.

2. New person, Emil

  • Looking for maker spaces and found the guild

  • Currently working on a table for his kitchen

3. Dave doesn’t have an update on treasury

4. John Owens has volunteered to pinch hit on carving

  • Been with the guild about seven months

  • Titled “Everything I know about carving”

  • Thinks of himself as an antique furniture carver; a lot of the furniture of the 17th and 18th century had carvings on it (finials, carved feet, etc.)

  • Went through many of the “niches” of carving (figures, finials, etc.)

  • Going to cover a lot of the basics, maybe have a second session for more advanced

  • Hadley Chests, birds, totem poles, carousel horses, reliefs, Acanthus Leaf – all sorts of things to carve

  • A good beginner project might be a face on a pole. Sort of a caricature, like a cowboy

  • Discussed power carving with Dremel and power carver

  • Light is key item – need both regular daylight, and lamps with raking light – carving is all about shadows.

  • Showed a variety of ways to hold the wood down for carving (very important)

  • Also showed some safety gloves for those who hold the item and carve with their other hand

  • Talked about some of the tools used

i. Chip carving knives

ii. Gouges

iii. Chisels

  • Has a large number of tools, kept in a series of boxes

  • Used cheap dollar store plastic “totes”, used cut up hula hoops to create “slots” and large sheet of foam

  • He drilled holes for the hula hoops. Result is simple, cheap storage for the tools

  • Good woods to use: Basswood is best, mahogany is good, and poplar is your best for a cheap option.

  • Walnut and soft maple will work, especially for crisp lines

  • Suggestions on what tools to start with

i. Pick your project, and then just buy the tools to do that project

ii. Expand afterwards

iii. Classes will often provide a list of tools you will need

iv. Colonial Williamsburg carvers often only use 5-7 tools

  • For tools, best to identify a brand and stick with it (so you don’t buy something that you already have)

  • Gouges have a variety of widths and angles of curvature.

  • Some angles have fishtails, spoon bit and bent back

  • Also V-shaped tools – very useful, used for carving reference lines

  • Skew chisels

  • Do not buy spoon gouges unless you really need them. Same with dog leg and macaroni tool

  • Finished up with descriptions of some of the projects he worked on

5. Next Meeting on Thursday, October 3rd

6. The meeting concluded at 9:24 PM.

August 1, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 18

Notes:

1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:25 PM.

2. Thought was to ask folks to stand up, reintroduce themselves, and ask what they are looking for

  • Karl Kramer, 10x16 shed, wants to do bookshelves

  • Mark Showers, 2-3 years, Working on “eastern shore” corner cabinet

  • Mike R., joined this year, putting shop together,

  • Steve Smith, on-and-off 35+ years; enjoy making one of a kind items, likes to go to Habitat Re-Store and get used-up furniture, either fix it up or cut it up for lumber

  • William Duffield, professional furniture maker since 2000, retired, builds stuff for himself now

  • John Gilly, come to see what guild is doing

  • Scott James, comes here to get away from wife for a couple of hours. Done some sort of carpentry all his life, enjoys working at the workbench now (little boxes, stuff the kids like, etc.)

  • Mark B., been in guild from beginning; builds furniture and cabinetry. No projects pending (he’s built everything he can for his house – wife wants him to stop)

  • Bob M (Pitman); band director, retired in ’07. One area of his basement (500 sf) just dedicated to woodworking

  • Paul Flum, grew up fixing things (Mom was antique dealer), on 27th closing on 1921 house, so he’ll be fixing a lot of stuff; likes to go to flea market for cheap tools, and then goes up once a year to sell most of it off

  • Greg Vernon (May’s landing) been a member since 2nd year, still working at tech center, so doesn’t have enough time in the shop. He did bring in show and tell

i. Went to Africa last month on Safari

ii. Picked up branch of ebony of fallen tree

iii. Also had stuff carved out of ebony

iv. Made a plaque, using feet for clamps and one chisel (took about 1-1/2 hours)

  • Kevin Drevik, been a member for about 5 years, been woodworking for about 25 years, since we bought our home. Mostly furniture, getting into hand tools more and more. Interested in a presentation on design

  • John Owen (Cherry Hill) been doing it since he was 4 years old working with a brace and bit. Dovetails at 16, etc. Likes period furniture making, but gets distracted easily. Has done a lot of different things (shaving horse, Windsor chair, etc.)

  • Dave Potts: Been in guild for 10+ years, big SAPFM supporter, just drove down to North Carolina for annual presentation. Has taken a lot of classes at Philadelphia Furniture Workshop (with Alan Turner and Mario Rodriguez)

  • Dick Beckman, been a member since the beginning, do woodworking and stained glass. Haven’t turned on shopsmith for 2 years, and Dick has been making the coffee and bringing the snacks since year 2

  • Pete Wolser, dabbled in woodworking for many years, not a great woodworker, but right now he is making a chest out of walnut. Been working though his 900 board feet of walnut, cherry, etc. His daughter now wants to start woodworking

  • Mike Richter, grew up in North Jersey, worked for builders while in college. Started the guild, got about 12 people to show. Was the guild president for 10 years, now is moral support, and helps to get speakers

  • Jim Parise, President. His dad was the first woodworker that he knew. Talked about his father and mother bidding on a dilapidated house, won, disassembled (including straightening nails) and reassembled out on Long Island. Really loved working on woods, especially turning

3. Paul showed what he got at a flea market. Two large lathe chisels, one regular, and one fluted/grooved.

4. Scott James talked about a potential source of wood (slabs, offcuts, old flooring, etc) – Provenance, 1801 North American Street. Very inexpensive used lumber, architectural salvage

5. Jim wanted to ask folks about potential meetings in the future

  • July - Jig meeting?

  • January – tool sale/swap

  • Discussed how he used LD light, 12V power supply and some cord and made a light for his bandsaw

  • Blade guard

6. Mike talked about church request for sculpture for outside

7. Next Meeting on Thursday, September 5th

8. The meeting concluded at 9:07 PM.

July 11, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 19

Notes:

1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:35 PM.

2. Thought was to change meeting plan from Jigs to making an Ark – it was pouring!

3. General discussion on email – who can send, who cannot receive: Salman tested the issue, and there is no reason for any issues

4. Dave Potts (treasurer)

  • 34 active paid members

  • $2,188.87 in account

5. Jim suggested the executive board review the potential for a speaker in September or October

6. Bob, Meg and sons Robert

  • In business for high-end furniture and cabinetry

  • Ship throughout the world

  • Meg is marketer and salesmen

7. William Duffield came to talk about jigs

  • Started with his tapering jig, for tapering legs

  • Sled with adjustment and clamps for making tapering legs

  • Numerous safety features to lock it down and not cutting against fence (so reduces kickback potential)

  • Side locks onto tablesaw fence and then slides forward and back to cut square

  • Next showed his push sticks, which can be much safer than standard ones (holds back of the stick down so it doesn’t climb out)

  • Showed his “fork” hold-own which can be used when using tablesaw, miter saw, etc. Keeps your hands away from blades

  • Went through materials for making the jigs (great hockey tape demo)

  • Went through router table fence, with adjustable sides – based on bit being used

  • Hinged stop block to make repetitive cuts. Needs to be a solid hinge, so there is no side-to-side play in it

  • One inch “stop block” for tablesaw fence for safety. You can then put up against fence, then as it moves towards blade, it leaves block and has space after the side so it doesn’t get pinched

8. Salman showed his sled jig

  • Sled used in place of jointer to make straight line

  • Uses the Freud thin kerf “glue line” rip blade on tablesaw, puts wood in sled and runs across to make straight edge

  • Also showed saw “push block” to run through tablesaw

  • Scrollsaw jig for holding piece clamped while cutting. Used wing nuts (instead of knobs) so he could reverse on each side (knobs tend to be bigger and get in the way)

9. Ted showed large fence with problems/issues

  • Multiple clamps for holding piece on

  • Fence bends, so it suffers from some accuracy issues

  • Also showed steam engine making jigs (makes the pieces necessary for small steam engine for small boats)

10. Mark showed off his sharpening jig: Deneb Polaski’s jig for different distances for degrees of angle for blades

11. Next meeting on Thursday, August 1st

12. The meeting concluded at 9:07 PM.

May 2, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 27

Notes:

Jim opened the meeting at 7:25 PM.

  1. Liz

    • Hasn’t done much since High School

    • Interlocking colors of wood

    • Tried forging a spearhead

  2. Kevin Doherty

    • New to woodworking

    • Crown molding, bookshelves, stool

  3. Bill Stoudt

    • Recently retired

    • Been doing woodworking for many years, want to do more

    • Mostly small gifts, working on blanket chest for daughter’s wedding

  4. Dave (Treasurer)

    • Have 34 paid members (increase of 3 over 2018)

    • $2,454.87 in account at this time (enough to pay for speakers)

    • Maybe August for a speaker/demo

  5. Carl brought in a stool

    • Made without glue

    • Loves historic furniture, more interested in vernacular (farmers, normal folks)

    • Made with red oak, used hand tools (axe, drawknife, Spring-pole lathe, etc.)

    • Working with wet wood, split, built before wood dried

  6. Jim discussed Camden “urban promise” boat building

    • Tom and Jeff were with him fiber-glassing a boat

    • Tom and Jeff work with inner city kids in Camden, building boats

    • Part of small urban school, 200 kids

    • Take kids out of classroom, and boats is part of it

    • Kids range from 6th-12th grade

    • Built about 50 different types of boats (dragon boats, sailboats, rowboats, etc.)

    • Building a 25 ft cedar strip canoe – all adult build (so members are invited to come over & build)

    • They are there every day, working on boat, and you would be able to attend to assist

    • Potentially planning on working on Saturday as well

    • Hoping to complete by June 20th

    • Watched video of what they do with the kids – very inspiring

  7. Meeting had a break, where open discussion was had by the members

  8. Went through a series of safety videos from Jim

    • Stupid use of table saw

    • Complacency in the workshop can get you hurt

    • Equipment for the shop (goggles, hearing protection, respirator, etc.)

    • Fire safety (fire extinguisher, containers of water, etc.)

    • Jim and guild talked about other safety items (krazy glue to close wounds, etc.)

    • Steel toed shoes

    • Dust collection critical – Mike discussed people who had serious lung issues due to industrial setting

    • Jim also suggested putting a hands-free device such as an Amazon Echo or Google device in the shop in case one becomes incapacitated and cannot reach their phone

  9. Next Meeting on Thursday, June 6th

  10. The meeting concluded at 9:04 PM.

April 4, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 24

 

Notes:

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:22 PM.

  2. Pete is a new person for the guild. Hasn’t been in shop for several months while doing bath remodel. Retired, Shop on 2nd floor of house, builds mostly period furniture. SAPFM member (and web master)

  3. Dave discussed treasury

    • 32 paid members

    • $2279.87 in funds

  1. Jim wanted folks to show off some of the stuff they brought

    • Jim showed off his turned bowls, with colored epoxy to fill the voids

    • Put epoxy in and finished turning it. Suggested to use the white scratch pad with water, and use sander, elbow grease, or the lathe to sand off

    • Make sure you let it sit for a bit to harden, and make sure you don’t heat it up too much

    •  Jim showed wooden cherry burls in Elmer, NJ, that the owner of the land wants to sell: about 200 of them. Going to take them to Phil Hauser’s house and Phil will auction them off

    • Dave showed off his Queen Anne arm chair legs. Used 2x10 lumber to make mock ups before finalizing

    • Make sure you cut the mortises when they are flat before you do the shaping. Difficult to do once it is carved

    • Used carbon paper to trace pattern, but it was difficult

    • Frank went through his Ham radio signs, and explained some of the numbering/lettering. W = United States, #2 is your area (NY/NJ),

    • Got strips of mahogany, resawed through band saw to get to 3/8”, ran through planner to get to 1/16”, used that to face it

    • Then used sign making jig to cut. Had to make multiple passes, in order to get clearance, and get rid of wood. Took about ½ hour to cut six letters out, due to need for patience

    • Ted showed off Kayak paddles . Handle is a half-round, Wood is sized to his hand, not generic. Laminated with three pieces. Ends are going to be rounded (square right now)

    • Used Chisel, Spokeshave, drawknife to shape. Issue is work-holding (clamp vises, etc.)

    • Greg showed off his puzzle box. Lid had four dovetails, one on each side. How do you open it? Turns out the dovetails are at an angle, so if you slide the lid at 45 degrees, it comes off.

    • Greg then shared some of the various jigs that he used to make them

  2.  Question from Mike on fixing a broken spokeshave. Can it be brazed/welded? It can be – but it may end up costing more than just purchasing a new one

  3. Discussion on mortised dovetails for cutting boards in Mortise & Tenon magazine

  4. Jim moved the meeting to a discussion on shop safety

    • Once saw video of someone cutting a walnut (the nut, not the lumber) on tablesaw

    • Cutting curved pieces on bandsaw unsafely

    • Group shared numerous gruesome stories of electrocution, loss of fingers, and general mayhem in the shop.

  1. Salman talked about invitation for the email list. You have to accept the email invitation in order to receive future email messages

  2. Mark noted about Winterthur museum “Joinery and early cabinetmaking at Winterthur” on Thu/Fri, Apr 25-26. http://pressroom.winterthur.org/pdfs/15884%20Furniture%20Up%20Close%202019%20online%20brochure_LR.pdf

  3. Next Meeting on Thursday, April 4th

  4. The meeting concluded at 8:58 PM.

March 7, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 28

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:25 PM.

  2. No new faces

  3. Thoughts on Wood Show

    1. Bob was not impressed. Seemed it was very small, a lot of clubs

    2. Baltimore was bigger & better

    3. Club booths told Mike they were asking if there was a guild in South Jersey

    4. A turners’ club was there. Making tops and letting folks try it out. Another one was giving turned items for charity

    5. Discussion about what we would do (demonstrations, participation, etc.)

    6. Talked about visual info (who you are, where you are located, etc.), greeters on staff, and demonstrations

    7. Talked about volunteer groups – tried to “pull people in” to do stuff, try things out, etc.

    8. Talked about using hand tools to get the kids involved

    9. Lectures by members of club

    10. Baltimore vs. Secaucus?

    11. Quite a commitment – have to man the booth. 4 guys, 3 days, two groups = 24 guys

    12. Question: What are we going to do with them once they come?

  4. Mike & Salman got a request from a company wanting to “sponsor us” Erie Tool Works

    1. Mom & Pop company in Erie PA, been around for 5+ years

    2. Bench tools & accessories, Moxon vise

    3. Also makes a “clamp gauge” – a caul which is used with bar clamps to better distribute clamp pressure across the face

    4. Wants to “sponsor” our club with a 10% discount

    5. Also has training information (documents, video, etc.) that he could offer it

    6. Decision to not accept sponsorship – lack of interest by chapter

  5. William Duffield presented on some of the woodworking that he as done over the last 40+ years

    1. Bench-on-bench/Auxiliary bench – used to get work up close, for more detailed work

    2. Also useful for demo’s when you are away from your shop (used on truck tailgate, on Workmate, etc.)

    3. Vise on end, with handle that comes apart (so you don’t snag it getting in/out)

    4. Comfortable height for you is right at the bend of the elbow

    5. Plans for it is in the back issue of Fine Woodworking “tools & shop” edition for 2014

    6. Gramercy Toolworks Holdfasts, good bargain, works well, especially as you wear off their rust-retarding finish

    7. Don’t make out of Oak – tends to chip on backside of holdfast

    8. Showed off various attachments to the bench – dovetailing vise, End vise, wooden bench dogs, portable lights,

    9. Height good for using router, etc.

  6. The guild broke up for discussions and to ask face-to-face meetings with folks.

  7. Next Meeting on Thursday, April 4th

  8. The meeting concluded at 9:10 PM.

February 7, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 32

 

Notes:

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:22 PM.

  2. Jim asked all the “old faces” to stand up and re-introduce themselves

    1. Jim Parise, current president, here since 2nd meeting

    2. Mike Rickter, original president, 15 years ago

    3. Dave Potts, current treasurer, 10 years

    4. Carl, found group on meetup, Professional since 1982, now working in basement on his own stuff

    5. Dominic, been doing it since he was very young

    6. Phil, wood turner, sometimes feels odd coming here with all the “flat” woodworkers

    7. Brad, relatively new (3 months ago), engineer by trade

    8. Mark, Greenwood NJ, restoring old woodworking machinery

    9. William Dunfield, one of the original folks, builds 18th century furniture

    10. Joe, since he was a kid (15 years) about 5 years. Doing electric

    11. Tom Hagar. Has tried anything. Here to learn

    12. John Busca, been here a year, just setting up shop

    13. Frank, retired about 4 years. Been monkeying with woodworking most of his life. Got serious about 35 years ago, built up a shop

    14. Pam Anderson, violin maker, restoration

    15. Tony, 2nd generation carpenter and furniture maker

    16. Ted, historian, full time dad, 12 years ago he build a rowboat, and now builds canoes and kayaks

    17. Bob, been a member for several years, bought a house in 1972, and started doing stuff to it, retired in 2007 and started doing a lot more then

    18. Rick, retired retail person, grandfather was cabinetmaker

    19. John Owen, been woodworking since he was a teenager, carving, etc.

    20. Pete, retired about 10 years, sailed for 8 years. Done woodworking all his life, off and on

    21. Mike, 2nd meeting. Does mechanical & electrical repair. Done woodworking most of his life, on and off (home projects)

    22. Scott James, carpenter for years, with his father. Moved into trade shows & events

    23. John, doing handyman work. Can’t get into shop (too full of tools)

    24. Greg, still an engineer, but gets as much done in the shop as he can, 9 years

    25. Harry, one of the original 7, made fine furniture, country furniture. Big on shaker boxes

    26. Salman, software engineer, here for the food. Owns a lathe and scroll saw

    27. Diego, recently purchased a miter saw. Found us on the internet

    28. Steve, recently retired, doing a lot of furniture repair & refinish recently

    29. Kirk, retired, did a lot of home improvement, worked for navy, now retired

    30. Kirk Jr, doing projects with dad, got house 3 years ago, turned garage into shop, gets his tools as passed down from his dad

    31. Paul, attorney, doing woodwork since he was a little kid,

    32. Ray, got started in Moorestown High School at nights, did cabinet work for family & friends

  3. Membership

    1. Dues are $50 a year (see Dave Potts)

    2. The money goes to:

    3. Paying speakers

    4. Rent for the meeting hall

    5. Snacks and Coffee

  4. Tool/Book  Library available (check out website for list)

  5. Salman showed off the $0.99 saw he bought last month at the auction, and what a lot of electrolysis will do. Rust pretty much gone!

  6. Phil came and sowed off one of his turnings, and talked about a friend who will be bringing a truckload of burls off to his house. Anyone interested, let Phil know

  7. Jim showed off his bowl work (beautiful wood, a pleasure to turn because of smell)

  8. Woodworking Show Brainstorming

    1. We were invited to show at Secaucus wood show (Mar 1-3) – booth for free. Salman got email from person at show

    2. Thought was it was too short a timeline to prepare (less than a month ago)

    3. Form a committee to determine what we can do for show

    4. Have to do all three days

    5. Primary Purpose: Recruiting

    6. Ideas for booth:

      1. Need to be doing stuff to attract people

      2. Space roughly 10’ x 20’

      3. Backdrop with symbol of guild

      4. Flyers/brochures to hand out

      5. Activities:

        1. Showing stuff

        2. Displays of work

        3. Making small items

        4. Selling items?

      6. Ideas

        1.  Printed materials

        2. Business cards

        3. Shirts

        4. Members commit to ½ day

        5. Club members build toys for kids?

        6. Get folks involved & interested

      7. Thought was to have guild members attend this year’s event (Mar 1-3), take pictures, form ideas, and then come back for March/April meetings ready to brainstorm

  9. Mark talked about the SAPFM event

    1. Colonial Williamsburg event in January (6 members of our guild are also SAPFM members)

    2. Theme was five shops

    3. Display area before dinner

    4. Antique tool dealers

    5. Can take classes from SAPFM members

    6. Highlight of show is person who started Mortise & Tenon magazine

  10. Discussion by group on providing scholarships & reaching out to potential members

  11. Dave went over his process for building his 3-dimensional cutting boards

    1. Dangerous cut to be made with table saw, made at 60 degrees with a “captured cut”

    2. Used special push stick to help secure the board and keeping it from kicking back

    3. Used board/box to arrange them while gluing up

    4. Can put through sander, but not planer as they are end-grain

  12. Lie Nielsen tool show + other vendors (Feb 22-23), Philadelphia Maritime Museum (by Ben Franklin bridge)

  13. Woodworking show in Secaucus  (Mar 1-3) – road trip

  14. Next Meeting on Thursday, March 7th

  15. The meeting concluded at 9:10 PM.

January 3, 2019

Total # of Attendees: 25

 

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:23 PM.

  2. New folks

    1. Mike

      • Moved here from Oklahoma

      • Trying to get back into it

      • Joined for the fun

    2. Eric Evans (Mullica Hill)

      • Hobby for him (works in finance) but worked in the trades in college

      • Wants to learn

    3. Steve Smith (here for 2nd time)

    4. Paul Plum

      • Hobbyist but did work in cabinet shop for a couple of years

      • Wants to do more

    5. Pete

      • Worked off & on for some time

      • Trying to do a few project here & there

  3.  Jim was looking for someone named “Jordan” who wanted someone to build a coffin for him. Nobody volunteered, either as “Jordan” or to build it.

  4. Dave

    • $1,581 as of Jan 1, 2019

    • Everyone’s dues are due tonight

    • Going down to Williamsburg for SAPFM, will try to get speakers

    • 39 Paid members

  5. Woodworking show in Baltimore this weekend (Jan 4-6)

  6. Midwest tool association tool auction in York PA on Sat, Jan 26th

  7. Mark talked about Winterthur

    • Closed down, but willing to give us a group tour as a guild

    • About ten people said they would be interested in going

    • Domini workshop – four generations made clocks in Long Island. Laid there tools down & left, and someone Winterthur bought it out and kept it

  8. Frank talked about his jig that he is auctioning off – crown moulding

    • Various wood jigs to cut the types of moulding (outside 45, inside 45, etc.)

    • Different angles, based on ceiling height

    • Use miter saw, move it to 45, and then leave it there. From that, you just use the jigs to cut it.

    • They are all labeled, 3 jigs

  9. Tonight is tool auction

    1. Mark has volunteered as the auctioneer

    2. Auction went very well – there was a lot of merchandise, and Mark did an excellent job

    3. Plan is to do this again next year, and advertise it a little more in advance

  10. Next Meeting on Thursday, February 7th.

  11. The meeting concluded at 8:42 PM.

December 6, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 22

 

Notes:

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:23 PM.

  2. Jim was looking for someone named “Jordan” who wanted someone to build a coffin for him. Nobody volunteered, either as “Jordan” or to build it.

  3. New guy: Al

    • Newbie

    • Playing around with hand tools and getting fun

    • It’s his birthday – Happy Birthday

  4. Other new guy: Gavin Wester

    • Retired Merchant Mariner

    • Plays around with tools and works with Habitat

  5. Holiday Party

    • Currently have 13 RSVPs

    • Short Hills Deli in Voorhees

    • No special room or pricing, so just order off menu

    • Salman inquired about food, to determine if it would fit his palate

  6. Shows

    • Woodworker Show in Baltimore Jan 3-5. Carpools available (ask Jim)

    • Woodworker Show in North Jersey Mar 3-6

    • Lie Nielsen show Feb 22-23

    • Mark asked if we wanted to try and get Deneb from Lie Nielsen to come to chapter meeting. To do this, we’d have to change the March meeting

  7. Mark suggested another used tool sale event. General consensus was next meeting January

  8. Dave Potts (Treasury)

    • Thin on bank account, but it’s due in January

    • Currently with $1,681 left

    • Currently have 38 members on mailing list, only 1 missing email

    • SAPFM meeting in Williamsburg in January, will see if we can get someone to come up

  9. Brian Menold

    • http://woodwondersonline.com/Wood_Wonders/Home.html

    • Been a member of Guild for many years

    • Been told he is an odd woodworker, or not even a woodworker

    • He makes high end wooden puzzles for folks all over the world.

    • Does work for about 4 weeks, post on internet, sells within 48 hours, then starts over

    • Spends about 12 hours/day in shop, but on his schedule.

    • You can make a puzzle in about 30-45 minutes

    • Brian urged everyone to look at finding a niche after you retire and exploit it – and you can get customers for life

    • Showed his 4” model makers saw, machined aluminum sled, fence has micrometer measurement

    • Try to be within 3-4 thousandth of an inch (that tight). Accuracy is of the utmost importance

    • Spent about $950 on the saw, fence, sled, etc. It paid for itself in the amount of time saved

    • With sled, crosscut ability is down to about ¾” – but that is about all he does

    • Also showed off his sander, small, quiet, but able to get him the accuracy he needs

    • Gets his wood from Groff & Groff or Hearne. Does a lot of exotics, because his small size of product/puzzles allows him to work with hard-to-get woods

    • Passed around some of the puzzles for folks to try out

    • Brian demonstrated some of the puzzles and how to unlock them

    • Doesn’t provide solution on how to undo puzzle. Most of his customers are college professors, etc. Very smart, and they want to solve it themselves

    • He has a program to do the design, and he has people send him designs. They typically ask for a royalty or a few copies of the puzzle

  10. Jim talked about us having a tree planted for Carl’s Mom, and we gave the card to Carl.

  11. Next Meeting on Thursday, January 3rd.

  12. The meeting concluded at 8:40 PM.

November 1, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 25

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:22 PM.

  2. Dave talked about his recent wood purchases, trials and tribulations with getting wood from Erik Van Dexter

    1. See last month’s minutes for details on his sales and auction

    2. The auction of his wood and tools is this Saturday, Nov 3rd

    3. Address is 116 Densten Road, Sewell NJ 08080

  3. New Folks were introduced

    1. Ray Sutton: Carpenter, architectural millwork shop, near Barrington.

    2. Brad Sanders, St. Louis, woodworker for years, checking us out

  4. Dave has 2x8 sawhorses, built on Popular Woodworking model

    1. Take it apart, held together with wedges

    2. Put 1 coat of waterlox on it to preserve

    3. Discussed how he cut wedges with band saw, mortises, etc.

  5. Jim opened discussion on Christmas party for December meeting

    1. Will have party in addition to our regular Dec meeting (Dec 6)

    2. Party will be 2nd Thursday, Dec 13th

    3. Location at Tarantella restaurant

    4. http://www.tarantellaristorante.com/

    5. 128 Route 70, Medford, NJ

    6. Jim will set reservation and provide information

  6. Mark gave presentation on saw sharpening

    1. Started the discussion with the SAPFM . Great organization, lots of information on making period furniture.

    2. Mark showed the “spider” that he got from Roy Underhill

    3. A spider is a gauge to measure you set of the large saws

    4. Depending on type and dimension of wood, etc. you would use this to gauge how to set your saw

    5. Discussed Diston saw vise – how it works, how you could make a holder (out of 1x4 hardwood) in order clamp it easier. This helps when working on your “fleem” (see below)

    6. First operation is to “joint” the saw – to take the top of every tooth and level it across the saw

    7. Run flat file across raker about 10 thousands of an inch in the middle

    8. Use triangular saw to deepen angle across each tooth, alternating – until you get rid of each flat spot on each tooth

    9. General rule is 30 degrees, but historically, folks would file saw to do a specific task. You would need a large enough file for the teeth edge

    10. Discussion on what is available for new handsaws (example: http://www.badaxetoolworks.com/ – who will make saw to the fleem and method you want)

    11. Mark showed his Diston saws (three of them). The older ones were of real quality (and are worth a lot of money now)

    12. Discussion on “hang” of saw, and how it handled for specific purpose

    13. Showed Ron Herman’s DVD showing how to sharpen and maintain saws. He runs a carpenter shop/house building company which uses handsaws

    14. Mark got introduced to this due to heating house with wood. He mostly uses a chainsaw, but has the handsaw in the car to use.

    15. Salman asked how long it takes to sharpen. Mark said 30 min max to do the job

  7. Jim talked about his scary sharp story

    1. Back in 1968 when he left parents’ home to go to Drexel

    2. Discussed story that related to sharpening – how much is too much?

  8. Mike said the wainscoting project is put on hold, due to church construction

  9. Next Meeting on Thursday, December 6th. Note that depending on restaurant availability for Christmas party (see above) it may be moved to December 13th.

  10. The meeting concluded at 8:42 PM.

October 4, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 24

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:26 PM

  2. Some difficulty setting up the bench. Had to get the expert up to get it ready

  3. New Folks were introduced

    1. Steve: hobbyist, doing it for 30 years, retiring at end of month, so hopefully more time; small collection of tools in basement 12x24 ft. Wainscoting (Mike?)

    2. Eric: Graphic design & video during the day; got into woodwork to make furniture. Mostly home improvement right now, but looking forward to learning

  4. Treasurer’s report (Dave):

    1. Gaps in phone database;

    2. 37 members; as of this month

    3. $1,945.98

    4. Email list; Rick Gold; didn’t get email. Dave will check it out

  5. Folks shared a few of the small projects they had worked on

  6. Justin DiPalma woodworker extraordinaire (http://www.craftedheirlooms.com/)

    1. Nine Years doing furniture. Did construction with his father before that (finish work)

    2. Own a one-man shop, with six-month backlog

    3. Has been here before and done demos. Tonight he wanted to show off how he does a cabinet

    4. Most cabinets he gets pre-finished plywood to construct, with face-frame. Pieces are more expensive, but it is much easier.

    5. Invested in Festool Domino. Expensive, but proven to be worth it. He originally did face frames with pocket screws & biscuits, and he often had paint issues (cracks, etc.). Has been a great purchase

    6. Makes his own domino tenons, using tablesaw, drum sander & router. Uses sled to cut to length

    7. Folks joked with him about changing his shop over to Festool. He’s purchased several Festool items, but not everything. The quality is great.

    8. Glue face frame straight to plywood. Not using biscuits, nails, or anything. Long grain to plywood is a sufficient hold.

    9. Creates base for cabinet, levels them, and then glues/caulks cabinet to base. Does not screw them in, so no ugly screws. Caulk/glue is strong enough to hold.

    10. Cabinet square, ¾” plywood. Sides to length, top & bottom 1-1/2” shorter

    11. Tall fence on shaper/router table. Run side’s tall ways, top & bottom face down. Then you have a spline that helps connect them together.

    12. Measure it so that you have sides go in same orientation as top/bottom and it should always fit

    13. Put spline in with a little glue, glue other piece. If cut right, it should glue up square relatively easily.

    14. Get plywood & banding at Fessenden Woodworking (Pennsauken). Tell them you are from the woodworker’s Guild for discount.

    15. Uses pin hole cutter from woodcraft to make pin holes for shelves

    16. Edge banding with wood block to set down. Use iron to seat. Should be hot enough to feel it. Use chisel to clean up – but you have to read the grain!

    17. Then use file to finish, handle up, and pull it (not back & forth)

    18. Puts cleat on back for top & bottom, plus blocks are set into back

    19. Uses a lot of glue – plywood sucks it up

    20. Drill press with forstner bit for door hinge hardware

    21. Likes spoon pins for shelf hardware – takes the “wobble” out of shelf if a little off

    22. Justin does the Against the Grain Podcast

  7. Mike introduced Eric VanDexter from Sewell. Got a lot of lumber and tools

    1. Cabinet maker for 41 years

    2. At 59 years old planning on retiring

    3. Looking for a successor for his business

    4. Planning to scale down & liquidate the business

    5. Nov 3rd auction, all woodworking equipment, machinery, lumber, etc. Auction details: https://www.auctionzip.com/Listings/3170844.html

    6. Going to keep his sawmill, dry in his homemade kiln

    7. Located at 116 Densten Road, Sewell, NJ

    8. Cell phone number 856-371-4269

    9. Note that once he signs contract, he cannot sell anything individually

  8. Mike said the materials are pretty much in place for the wainscoting project for the church. Look for emails.

  9. Next Meeting on Thursday, November 1st. Mark may be showing how to use the “spider” to sharpen large hand saws, if he gets a specific item completed in time

  10. The meeting concluded at 9:02 PM.

September 6, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 22

Notes:

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:29 PM.

  2. New Folks were introduced

    1. Joe: Guitars & furniture

    2. Dominic: Finish carpenter, enthusiast, happy to be here

  3. Question on wainscoting project. Mike was waiting for donations of materials from Lowe’s & Home Depot. Plan is to do it next Saturday (Sep 15th)

  4. Jim showed his materials for the turner’s club. Theme was “make something you saw in a magazine.” He made a spinning top that also whistles through the holes in it. General applause by guild

  5. Dave talked about three projects that he had been working on

    1. Talked about struggles with veneer on table (sanded off first top on belt sander)

    2. Dogwood flowers made out of Holly

    3. If you are doing Marquetry, one of the design concerns is the depth of the scroll saw. If your table is 19” wide/in circumference, you’ll need a scroll saw with at least a 20” throat

    4. Draw what you want to put on, place a piece of carbon paper on the wood and trace it to show what you want to cut out

    5. Uses 5/64” veneer piece for overlay

    6. Tilt plate of scroll saw 7 degrees

    7. Figure out grain direction and match for top. Tape bottom piece on

    8. Key is to design how it will go down and fit in. Often you will be going over your existing work with your next set.

    9. He started out with branches, then leaves, then petals, then center.

    10. Discussed some of the special tools and bits he used for the work.

    11. Make sure you have a lot of bits and saw blades before you start a project – they break a lot in doing this, even with 5/16” stock

    12. Dave did some demo work on the scroll saw to show off his methods

  6. Mark discussed “making wood in the 18th century” down in Colonial Williamsburg, January 17-20, 2018. Five different craftsmen areas doing various works and holding discussions (joiners shop, wheelwright, etc.). https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/learn/conferences/working-wood

  7. Dave showed off his Butler’s Chest (built at the Philadelphia Furniture Workshop).

  8. Each drawer has 11 dovetails

  9. Expensive brass drawer pulls (Londonderry)

  10. Special hinges for the desk pull down (difficult to get in)

  11. Had it partially completed, but when he brought it home, he sat on it for 6 months before starting back up on it

  12. Some discussion on cock-beading of drawers (Dave is very militant here)

  13. Purple Martin House (birdhouse) for birds that eat mosquitoes.

  14. Next Saturday, Sep 15th, Woodcraft of Delaware has its tool exchange, beginning at 9:30 AM. https://www.woodcraft.com/stores/wilmington/blog/entry/annual-tool-swap-september-15-wilmington

  15. Hearne Hardwoods in Pennsylvania (200 Whiteside Drive, Oxford PA) will have their annual open house on Saturday, Sep 29th. Club road trip was discussed.

  16. Traditional Small Craft association http://traditionalsmallcraft.com , local small craft in Millville, NJ 9 AM – 3 PM, lots of wooden boats, etc.

  17. Jim showed his pictures of the Adirondack chairs made with 200+ year old wood. Tour of his place and then travel to Bone Saw brewery

  18. Next Meeting on Thursday, October 4th. Mark may be showing how to use the “spider” to sharpen large hand saws, if he gets a specific item completed in time

  19. The meeting concluded at 8:40 PM.

August 2, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 18

Notes:

  1. Mike opened the meeting at 7:40 PM.

  2. New Folks were introduced, but Kevin was unable to get their names (pic 1 & 2)

  3. Proposal made to have a new report on how many beers were drunk at Brew House prior to meeting. Motion passed

  4. Kevin Drevik presented on his “knock down” workbench that he built at the Woodwright’s school in Pittsboro NC (pic 3)

    1. School info and class schedule located at http://www.woodwrightschool.com

    2. Class based on Will Myers Moravian Workbench (note: DVD is now available if guild members want to take and build bench of their own) (pic 4)

    3. Class started with wood pre-milled, so students primarily worked on joinery and sawing to final dimensions

    4. Most of joinery was on legs (bridle joint, through mortise and dovetail) so first 3 days primarily spent on joinery and assembly of the two legs (pic 5)

    5. Hardest part was the tenon ripping for the bottom rails (eight 18” rips) (pic 6)

    6. Had to cut tenons & mortises in bottom rail and to of workbench for the vise block (pic 7)

    7. Vise was pre-made, but had to be set into backer block, have lower guide mortised in and drilled, and have large rabbet cut into one leg to help secure it (pic 8)

    8. Top consisted of an 18” wide, 4” thick slab of oak (pic 9)

    9. Tool tray was added to complete, made of pine pieces

    10. Overall class took 5 days. Left with bench almost entirely completed. Just had to do tool tray, round off the top of the vise, and cut the legs to final height once they were back in my shop and I knew what I wanted

    11. A lot of fun. I highly recommend taking classes at the Woodwright’s School.

  5. Some discussion on upcoming open house day at Hearne’s Hardwoods (http://www.hearnehardwoods.com). Always a good time, some interesting vendors, and the opportunity to get some good wood. Kevin suggested that he might rent a truck, so folks could get wood and bring back

  6. Next Meeting on Thursday, September 6th. Mark may be showing how to use the “spider” to sharpen large hand saws, if he gets a specific item completed in time

  7. The meeting concluded at 9:20 PM.

June 7, 2018

Number of attendees: 24

  1. Mike opened the meeting at 7:26 PM.
  2. New Folks
    1. Joe Ligardy – furniture
    2. Tom Kazer – 35 years of woodworking as an amateur
    3. Dusty – 10 years making furniture
    4. Sam – beginner, hoping to become artistic
    5. Ray – long time woodworker, retired remodeling contractor
    6. Jeff – boat builder, worked around the world
    7. Rick – old time, still fairly new woodworker
  3. Jeff Halden (Maple shade NJ)
    1. Started playing with chainsaws & loved it
    2. Got a Wood-Mizer chainsaw mill
    3. Got a lot of maple and red oak all the time
    4. Can do up to 34” wide, 20ft long, any depth
    5. Can go to folks houses and cut down their trees
    6. Also has a portable kiln he is starting to use
  4. David – principal of EM studio (small furniture company)
    1. Everything is designed & made by him
    2. Works with wood, but identifies as a designer more (wood is one of his media, like metal)
    3. Went through his design process – understanding how it will be used
    4. Also talks about details and how they make the design special
    5. Used practice, iteration, and improvement each time to make the design correct
    6. Takeaway – find a way to practice, learn the steps to work on making things better each time
    7. Most important thing is to love what you are doing and do not be afraid of the next thing you are doing
  5. Dave Potts (treasurer) talked about membership and money
    1. Working on email distribution, need to update the list
    2. $2,444.17 in the treasury
    3. We haven’t paid for the trees or defibrillator yet.
    4. Members on roll: 28 paid members
  6. Phil discussed his life in building bowls
    1. Friend passed away, and his widow gave his friends a large amount of bowl blanks
    2. Committed to the widow of his friend that they would make some beautiful bowls
  7. Jeff came to talk about boat building
    1. Working with wood since he was a teenager (carving walking sticks, etc.)
    2. Had 1500 square feet shop he had to liquidate, due to moving
    3. Got a job in Sydney building boats (everything’s curved templates, etc?)
    4. Talked about making a hollow mast, in order to reduce waste
    5. Walked folks through the jigs that he used to create it – very simple
    6. Used a shipping tube with some sanding paper on it to sand the mast shape
    7. Talked about sails (Junk sails, etc.)
  8. Mark had a couple of announcements
    1. Talked about Ponzio’s dinner (good beer, good times)
    2. Also talked about 18th century beer seminar in Colonial Williamsburg in November
  9. Next Meeting on Thursday, July 12th, as the result of a vote to postpone it by a week because of the July 4 holiday. Mark will be showing how to use the “spider” to sharpen large hand saws
  10. The meeting concluded at 9:20 PM.

May 3, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 23

  1. Jim opened the meeting at 7:31 PM.
  2. Dave Potts (treasurer) talked about membership and money
    1. $2,371.17 in the treasury
    2. Updated domain name for 2 years
    3. Members on role: 24 paid members
  3. Mark let folks know Delaware tool exchange just got in a shipment of 100 new woodworker books (see pictures for some of the selection)
    1. $5 apiece or less (the pictures show the $5 ones only)
    2. Salman will put up pictures on website
  4. Chuck Bender (from Acanthus workshop) came to give a class on Bermuda Dovetails
    1. Period furniture maker for last 40 years, Sr. Editor of Popular Woodworking Magazine, been on several TV shows, and taught at 360 Woodworking and Acanthus Workshop
    2. Currently living and teaching in Jim Thorpe, PA.
    3. https://acanthus.com/
    4. Bermuda dovetails, made in 18th century, on the island of Bermuda
    5. Philadelphia region had close ties to Bermuda. Many decorative elements made in Bermuda can be found here
    6. Hybrid through/half-blind dovetail
    7. Used patterns to cut out simple set
    8. Most of the furniture made in Bermuda cedar
    9. Chuck went through a live demonstration on how to do it, while the guild watched and participated
    10. Use marking gauge to mark pin board on both sides, and tail board on inside, then mark for half-blind ones
    11. Transferred pin layout on board to thin maple stock for pattern – then used gouges and chisels to create unique pattern
    12. Initially cut them out like half-blind dovetail, and then layout pattern on pins
    13. Use jeweler’s saw to cut out the Bermuda dovetail pattern on the front sides of the pin board
    14. Use file to fine tune to lines
    15. Layout pattern on tails, then chisel away to depth to match pin board
    16. Lie on top and hammer in, then mark where you need to make adjustments. Take apart, clean up and try again. As you do more of these joints, you’ll get better, and be able to finalize after 3-4 tries
  5. Next Meeting on Thursday, June 7th. Mark will be showing how to use the “spider” to sharpen large hand saws
  6. The meeting concluded at 9:20 PM.

April 5, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 23

Notes:

  1. Dave opened the meeting at 7:38 PM.
  2. New People:
    1. Chris Sandy (violin player & nutritionist)
    2. Joe (Chris’ friend) plays the ukulele
      Rickold – retired and dabbles in woodworking
    3. Ray Rosen – remodeling contractor/trim carpenter; building furniture; club member in Maryland
  3. Dave Potts (Treasurer):
    1. 20 paid members for year so far
    2. Amount is $2771.49 (with the $100 tonight)
  4. Mark talked about the Traditional Small Craft Association – does a bid & buy (tool auction). Suggested that we auction off at low prices for new folks
  5. Also suggested we move dinner to Iron Hill Brew in Maple Shade (1/2 price beer on 1st Thursday). Just down King’s Highway, about a mile from church meeting place
  6. Matthew brought a cutting gauge that he made by hand – he bought some blades by Hock.
  7. Delaware tool exchange just got in 100 books in – some really good older ones
  8. Pam to talk about Violin construction
    1. From Oregon, started playing Cello. Studied in music in PA
    2. Captivated by idea of making Cello
      Four years in violin making school, then got job in Philadelphia (off & on for 30 years)
    3. Showed off some of the basics of creating the violin
    4. Get wood from supplier, will cut down middle and book match it
    5. Get block with tighter grain
    6. Use corner blocks for corners, end pieces, then tab of hot glue/hide glue
    7. Bend the ribs, using a piece of hot metal to warm it gradually, then shape it into the form you wanted
    8. Starting out, not that much theory - key was to get control of tools and get accuracy.
    9. Created their own workshop, to make instruments there to support their lifestyle
    10. Made what she was interested in, then sold them
    11. Talked about the portable Cello from World War I that fascinated her
    12. Interesting discussion on egg white, gum Arabic, sugar, honey etc. to let it soak in, then apply coat of varnish. This would help it absorb evenly
    13. Showed cute tool for marking inlay
  9. Mike mentioned the need to do wainscoting around the columns – needs helps. He will send a note around
  10. Next Meeting on Thursday, May 3rd at 7:30 PM. Chuck Bender will come down from Jim Thorpe to speak
  11. The meeting concluded at 9:00 PM.

March 8, 2013

Meeting pushed back a week due to inclement weather
Dave opened the meeting at 7:38pm.

Number of attendees: 13

New person:

Pam Anderson (Haddonfield)
Trained violin maker/repair
Working on a Cello
 

  1. Dave collecting membership fees. Remember $50 for club for the year
  2. Kevin and Dave worked to get Chuck Bender from Acanthus Workshop to come speak to the guild. Chuck will be here for the May meeting (May 3rd) and will be showing off the Bermuda Dovetail
  3. Note: Chuck is restarting the Acanthus Workshop school in Jim Thorpe, PA, after moving back here from Cincinnati
  4. Kevin going to The Woodwright’s School next week for a 5-day class. Anyone interested in old-time hand tools in excellent shape, let Kevin know, and he will pick them up from Ed Lebkin’s shop (above the Wood wright’s school). Contact Kevin at 856-630-2485 or kdrevik@yahoo.com, and give him your cellphone number so he can take a picture of the proposed tool and send it to you. You don’t need to provide advance money, Kevin can front you.
  5. Mike saw Dick Beckman over the weekend. Not doing as well, family going through some issues.  Mike gave him the guild’s best wishes
  6. Salman showed his scroll saw skills
  7. Not noisy, not aggressive, so good for beginners
  8. Blade is small, fairly safe. It’s not going to take a finger off. The worst is a cut on the finger.
  9. Recommends pin less blades, held in place by tension. Salman prefers #5 blades for general, everyday use
  10. The bigger/longer the piece, the easier it is to hold, but the depth of the scroll saw will determine how long you can create it
  11. Three types of scroll saw blades
    1. Single tooth orientation (cut on down stroke)
    2. Reverse (some of teeth go the other way) – cleaner cut, but more vibration, since it is cutting up for some of the teeth. Ultra-reverse: every 3rd teeth goes the other way (cleaner cut, less vibration)
    3. Spiral blade: twisted blade, cutting surface on all sides/directions
  12. Good source of blades
    1. Lesley's Patterns
    2. Mike’s Workshop (South Dakota)
    3. Scrollers
  13. Cost: $22 for six dozen (72) Flying Dutchman blades. Recommended replacement time is every 30 minutes of constant cutting, but can get away with replacing them every hour, instead
  14. Straight cuts are hardest – easy to see deviation. Curves are more forgiving
  15. Standard way to start is to print out a pattern, spray adhesive and put on the wood.
    1. Problem with that method is that the only way to remove  is with mineral spirits
    2. Salman prefers using painters tape before adhering the pattern as before, and then simply peeling it off after
  16. If you are doing something small, you will want to create a holding jig, to keep your fingers away from blade. Makes control a lot easier
  17. One of the key skills to learn is staying square in the cut (i.e. it isn’t wider at top vs bottom, etc.)
  18. Best way to do patterns, he suggests, is to use red outline for cut. Blade is black, shadow is black, so red line makes it easier to see
  19. Lots of free patterns on line (e.g., Steve Good). Google what you want, and see if it’s out there
  20. Cut out tree symbol on tablet stand. Once he saw it was chipping out in spots, he filled with epoxy. Looks great
  21. Discussion on tension to keep blade from wandering
  22. Various folks came up to try how to use the scroll saw
  23. Treasurer's Report (Dave):
    1. 18 paid members to date (counting the 3 checks he got tonight)
    2. Total in kitty $2,821.49
  24. Dave showed his sand shading and marquetry work (scroll saw technique). Top and bottom of tabletop. Used holly for leaves
  25. Next Meeting on Thursday, April 5th at 7:30pm. Mike R said he will have a speaker for the meeting
  26. The meeting concluded at 9:00pm. 

February 1, 2018

Total # of Attendees: 22
 

  1. Mike opened the meeting at 7:26pm. He was not recognized by the guild body
  2. Treasurer (Dave) was taking membership dues - $50
  3. Brian Menold’s wife (Pete’s Sister) passed away last week, and Jim passed around a card, as well as a a bowl to contribute towards a tree in honor of Brian’s wife
  4. Feb 8 & 9 (Fri & Sat) at Independence Seaport Museum, Lie Nielsen event in Philadelphia. Museum is worth the trip by itself. You can also pay $8 to visit the Olympia & the sub. Parking around $16 - $20
  5. Visitors:
    1. Scott visited in fall. Woodworker his whole life
    2. Matthew from Philadelphia, mostly hand tool work (boats, instruments, etc.) Originally from Canada
    3. Andy Dick, woodworker want-to-be, semi-retired, time on hand. Built stuff in back (cradles, bookcases, etc.)
    4. Bob Mathis, Pitman, retired teacher, working on wood for some time
    5. John, here with Scott. Retired now, trying to get reacquainted with his tools
  6. Matthew did a 17th century style chest, Quarter-riven oak, did some carvings around it. No glue on joints, its nailed, used planes he made to make the molding on side. Has done a lot of carving. With green wood, it comes off real fast. Each panel in about 45 minutes. Forged nails
  7. Mar 2 & 3rd for Woodworking Show in Secaucus NJ. Jim is driving up with folks
  8. Jim showed his band saw box. Glued it up, cut bottom off, clean out inside, then glue bottom back on (and wait for glue to dry). Great Valentine’s Day gift.
  9. The group discussed, talked about sources for inspiration like the website http://lumberjocks.com
  10. Introduced our guest instructor, Dave Potts
    1. Dave showed off banding, stringing and sand shading
    2. Banding can be cutting off little tiny squares from length (used band saw & regular fence)
    3. Discussion of other ways to do banding (45 degree cuts on band saw, etc.)
    4. To layout out, use a square and sharp knife to cut line, then laid banding on the line & put knife on other side. Remove banding, put square to knife, then use knife to finalize cut
    5. Use small router plane to rout out shallow depth in a controlled way, and then lay in banding.
    6. Banding can be slightly “proud” and then sanded down – but not too much (you don’t want to dig in)
    7. Stringing – he uses maple or for a white line.
    8. He often uses a band saw or table saw to cut it, even though it’s thin.
    9. Uses templates to help cut the string. Uses rotary tool (suchc as Dremel) to ride along template to cut for it, then inserts the stringing (1/32”) into place
    10. Uses a lot of mini-drill bits to make the cuts
    11. Make sure you go slow as you cut. If you go too fast, it may snap bit or burn out the wood.
    12. Uses Blue Spruce bits
    13. Uses simple jig (block of wood, band saw blade, screws) to scrap bottom and put small “V” in it, to assist it in getting into the groove
    14. Sand shading – used to help bring additional color to inlay
    15. Used curved gouge to make oval shape, partially dug out a ready to be put in
    16. Heat up sand in griddle, stick piece in, and use that to change the color of the wood
    17. Cleaned out, then used same gouge to cut overlay leaf, glued it up, and then placed it in
  11. Next Meeting on Thursday, March 1st at 7:30pm. Salman will be showing off scroll saw skills and work
  12. Meeting concluded at 9:02pm.