October Newsletter

A Publication of the Berrien County Woodworkers Guild October 2008 [Return to Home Page] [Past Newsletters]

SEPTEMBER MEETING “RECAP” The 9/16 meeting was held at Johnson's Work Bench in South Bend and was attended by 25 members and guests. Members who arrived early had the opportunity to browse and ask questions of the Johnson's staff. Mike Belzowski, a carpenter by trade, put on an amazing demonstration of steam bending wood. Mike has taken classes from Michael Fortune who has written many articles for Fine Woodworking. Mike really came equipped and had to get there 2 hours before the presentation to set up and get the steam box up to heat. Using air dried lumber with a moisture content of 15-20% is the key to successful bending. One hour for inch of lumber is required for time in the steam box for success. Working time is 5- 10 minutes after removing from the box. Breaking down the lignin in the wood is the key for successful bending and Mike demonstrated this by doing a "double" bend on a tapered table leg and bending 2"x2" piece of ash around a 2" radius. Mike recommends the "Veritas Steam Bending Work Book" and Lee Valley has all the necessary tools to get started. This was a great presentation and a great chance to watch a young man demonstrate his passion for steam bending!! Thanks to Johnson's for their great hospitality (they supplied a great selection of sweet rolls!!) and helping to facilitate Mike's great performance!!! Visitors at last month's meeting included new member Doug Somer's brother in law from Houston, Barry Zubke. Thanks for coming Barry!!!	OCTOBER MEETING Tues. Oct. 21, 2008 7:00 PM At Andy Grootendorst’s Shop Andy was one of the original members of the Guild and specializes in veneer. This is an opportunity to see a local woodworker who creates high end furniture and respectfully is known locally as the "Veneer King". Don't miss this opportunity to see a master at work!!! Directions: Andy's shop is just west of the "S" curve on Coloma Road. His driveway is easy to miss so there will be a sign. Please be careful crossing the RR tracks.....it is a very dangerous crossing....look and listen!!!! Click here for map
	HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!!!!
PROJECT OF THE MONTH Project of the month was a small table or stool. Those who brought projects were Vern Snyder, Bob Bender, Larry Nelson, Ned Wollenslegel and Jeff Starke with Bob Bender winning the $25 "Saw Dust in the Hat". "". OCTOBER PROJECT…. Toy Blocks	Please mark your calendars for the woodworking seminar by MARK ADAMS on 11/8/08 upstairs in the meeting room at the Friendly Tavern. This is a great event....DON"T MISS OUT!!!! MARC ADAMS SCHOOL OF WOODWORKING Saturday, November 8th, 2008 8:00am-4:00pm FOR A ONE DAY WORKSHOP ON: JOINERY & ADVANCED ROUTER TECHNIQUES SIGN UP NOW FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT $45.00 FOR NON-MEMBERS ($10.00 FOR GUILD MEMBERS) INCLUDES BOTH WORKSHOPS AND LUNCH CALL OR EMAIL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION 269-944-188 Jneuman9@gmail.com
BOX FACTORY EXIBIT The Box Factory is having a Christmas exhibit/sale. They are looking for handmade items (toys, ornaments, etc.) for sale. Contact Jeff Starke for more information or if you will have items by November 19.	FALL OPEN HOUSE! Johnson's fall open house is Oct. 10 and 11th. Scott Phillips will be there on 10-11 and there will be numerous demo's, specials and loads of info available on this fun filled weekend!! Please put these dates on your calendar....you won't be disappointed!!!!
NOW AVAILABLE…. Surplus Trading in Benton Harbor has a large supply of waterstones at $7 each.	MEMBER SHARE Barry Young brought 2 great looking bowls turned from spalted maple AND had one of the bowls filled with Gloria's great cookies!!!! Thanks Barry and Gloria!!!
Website of the month Find the plans you need on-line	BIRD HOUSING NEEDED The Bird House auction at Andrews University is 9-28. This is a fund raiser for the Missions Program.. either donate or buy a bird house for a good cause!!