Atlanta Woodworking and DIY Show

Dan & I visited the Woodworking and DIY Show on March 6th. It filled the North Atlanta Trade Center with more than just the scent of freshly made sawdust. We saw everything and more that a woodworker could want to fill the shop: new and better tools & woodworking supplies, fine quality wood, instructional books and great values. The commercial venues offered many educational programs and demonstrations. For more than I can write about the show check out TheWoodworkingShows.com.  I’ll detail the high points for me and share some internet resources:

Peachtree Woodworking (www.ptreeusa.com) showcased the work of Jack Morse who had nearly completed a daring attempt to turn a very large (36") bowl, in public! Jack hand built the lathe for this big project with salvage material. The bowl was created out of a red maple tree crotch harvested in Doraville, GA. Jack’s very fine woodworking can be found at the Watson Gallery’s website.

I loved that the Studios of Bradley R.M. showcased the work of Bradley McCalister Artist & Craftsman. Wondering in print: Does the R.M in his company name stand for renaissance man? That may explain his diversity: he does sculpture, furniture, woodturning and painting. Also, Bradley likes to use reclaimed materials. As an environmental steward and volunteer, I love to see people reusing things that would otherwise end up in a landfill or burn pile. In Bradley’s case we’d call it upcycling, turning trash to treasure. You can find his work in various stages of completion on his website.

Chidwick School Of Fine Woodworking (www.custommade.com/by/chidwickschool) featured the work of Andy Chidwick, sculptural chair builder, extraordinaire. He creates unique custom-tailored chairs to the exact specifications of his clientele, but also finds great joy in teaching others to approach sculpted furniture with confidence. Prepare to be inspired by his on the web gallery.

Dan spent quite a bit of time speaking with Craig from Easy Wood Tools (www.easywoodtools.com)
about using his tools not only for turning wood but also stone.  Craig told Dan he had a new micro bevel cutter developed for stone and that he could try one if he would provide some feedback.  Of course Dan took him up on the deal.  Dan has been using his ‘easy rougher’ and ‘easy finisher’ for about a month now turning large wood bowls (over 16 inches) and smaller alabaster bowls.  He thinks these tools will help his students get over the ‘fear factor’ of bowl turning because they won’t be using a bowl gouge.

More than a buyfest opportunity, what I really loved about this show was the involvement of the woodworking community. Local craftspeople and their work were everywhere you turned.

The American Association of Woodturners (www.woodturner.org had strong presence and at least 16 member Guilds were represented. Dan & I enjoyed talking to kindred spirits who share their love of woodturning with others. Woodturning is alive and growing, thanks to this great organization. Why not show your support and become a member today?

The Atlanta Woodcarvers Club (www.atlantawoodcarvers.com) had demonstrators to inspire one to sharpen knives and take on a project. Many women carve, and it was great to see one demonstrating the art to others. Women with Knives, such a cute slogan that it inspired another carving club's name- are everywhere.  

Gwinnett Woodworkers Association (www.gwinnettwoodworkers.com) is a diverse group of amateur and professional woodworkers who share their knowledge of woodworking, embracing all skills including home building, fine wood crafting, woodturning, furniture and carving to help folks create anything they could imagine from wood. Their informativee web page is a great out reach to the community.

The Woodworkers Guild of Georgia (www.woodworkersguildofga.org) is an even larger group of multi-discipline woodworkers. We enjoyed stopping by to see Mickey Hudspeth’s chip carving work. As Mickey was demonstrating, Dan asked how he transferred the ornate design he onto his project. Mickey not only shared his secret, but referred us to a publication article (that he had written, natch) for more information. If you want to learn some of his master chip carving secrets, check out the current issue of the organization’s newsletter on their website.