Nearly every year for the past five years I have had the pleasure to help out at the annual Woodcraft Tool Show. The show happens in late January every year, and several different woodworkers and vendors attend. Having worked for Woodcraft in the past, the owner invites me out to help every year.
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Woodcraft Tool Show
I was at the Chandler Arizona location, which is on the North West corner of Country Club and Elliot Road. I was extremely excited to see that they did a complete re-model of the store.
The new look is amazing, and it’s much more open looking. This was a huge part of the success of the show, because the thousands of customers could easily get through the store.
On top of the new look, there were far more tents and vendors outside. Each year, the event really draws a crowd and this year was no exception. The tents were set up where they nearly touched each other, and everyone was excited to watch the live demonstrations and learn from the special guests.
This year, they had Chad Stanton from Stanton Fine Furniture, who I had the pleasure of picking up and driving to the event. He is a really down to earth woodworker, and loves to share his passion with anyone he meets. He was center stage at the event, demonstrating his woodworking skill. Every time I looked outside, he always had a gathering around him.
When I go to the Woodcraft Tool Show, I work for the owner. I help set up the event, run power to the vendors, and get them what they need for their demonstrations. It’s a pleasure for me, and I meet many great people.
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The rest of the day I enjoy my time assisting customers with questions, helping people to their cars, and talking woodworking. I tend to spend the majority of my time in the finishing section, which is where I am the most comfortable.
In woodworking, there are hundreds of different disciplines, so it is impossible to know and understand them all. I primarily make smaller projects, turnings, wooden rings, tobacco pipes, and guitars. All of those require a great finish, so I spend my time helping other people create a beautiful finish on their projects.
I put in a solid eleven hours that day between setting up and helping out. I met several great people, and saw many exceptional projects. The Arizona woodworkers that attend the show have a ton of talent, and they create wonderful works of woodworking art. Many of these were on display for customers so see first hand.
A Tool Show is a great way to get out and meet new woodworkers. It’s also a way to learn about new techniques, new tools, and see what’s new in the field. I encourage you to look in your local area for a similar show, and take advantage of the opportunity. Getting out and meeting real people that have extraordinary talent can help you.
While reading and watching videos is helpful, there is nothing like being able to ask a real live person a question. At a show, you have dozens of people that are all excited to share their passion for woodworking, and you can learn quite a bit.
If you have any questions about my adventure at the Woodcraft Tool Show, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer them. Also, please share my work with your friends online. It helps me share my passion for woodworking, and brings new people into the craft. Happy building.
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