Home Archives for Conference Cincinnati 2011
August 6, 2011 By

How much do you know about a Doric column?

 

I did not know much about a Doric column, or the Doric orders of classical architecture. I knew even less how they apply to the design work I do, as I was not trained as a woodworker (I learned it the hard way). But I learned a lot of the basics from George Walker during the Woodworking in America (WIA) conference in 2010. I am certain he can talk about the columns, and the intricacies of the Doric order, for days on end:

George Walker on design - the Doric column

George taught several sessions on Design in at least two conferences. Although he won’t be an instructor at the 2011 conference in Cincinnati, he will be working the SAPFM booth. You will have a chance to pick his brain, in person, and in a totally informal way.

That is what I find fascinating about the WIA conferences. As  woodworkers, we have a chance to meet and talk to people who have expertise beyond anything we have today, to help us grow in whatever we tackle in our craft.

This year, for example, the focus of the conference is joinery:

Popular Woodworking Magazine has gathered the top craftsmen working today to help you perfect your skills, particularly when it comes to joinery. You’ll get up-close-and-personal with these legends of woodworking during hands-on sessions that answer all your joinery questions.
Woodworking in America
Speakers page
I stole this from the WIA Speakers page. I invite you to read that page; based on the expertise of the presenters invited, we can again expect a terrific conference in 2011 — dare I predict the best yet?

Your plans?

  • Are YOU interested in Joinery as a main topic?
  • Do you struggle with some types of joinery more than others?
  • What is your favorite joinery to make boxes?

— Al Navas

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August 5, 2011 By

The Ron Brese hand planes

 

My friend Ron Brese makes amazing hand planes:

Some hand planes by Ron Brese

I hope to see Ron in Cincinnati in a few weeks. And if you are also attending the Woodworking in America conference, you can try your hand with Ron’s hand planes.

 

— Al Navas

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Cincinnati 2011, Conference, Woodworking in America Tagged With: , , , , ,
August 1, 2011 By

A pair and a peach at WIA

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Question:

What do you get when you have Megan Fitzpatrick, Peter Follansbee, and Roy Underhill on the set of The Woodwright’s Shop?

Left-to-right: Underhill, Fitzpatrick, Follansbee

You get the wonderful photo above. Photo by Mike Oniffrey – courtesy of “The Woodwright’s Shop”.

Bonus

They will appear together in a future episode of The Woodwright’s Shop – date to be announced. Stay tuned!

I had never seen all three in one spot; as a result, the photo is quite special to me. I have followed the work of these three craftsmen for several years, and never tire of their offerings, whether on video, or on the blogs.

One more thing

Yup! All three will be teaching at the Woodworking in America (WIA) conference, September 30 to October 2, 2011, in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Make sure to look at the schedule of classes at the WIA web site; it will allow you to plan your schedule not only for classes, but also to visit the Marketplace, and the extracurricular activities.

But you must move quickly

The Early Bird registration deadline for the conference is August 14, 2011.

I know – if you are like me, you tend to wait around ’till the last minute, and work out some creative scheduling with your co-workers, to finagle the time off to attend the conference. Regardless how you do it, I encourage you to register ahead of the expiration of the Early Bird special.

Will I see you there? Let me know if you are attending – I would love to meet you!

Your turn

  • Will YOU attend the conference?
  • What is most important to you at such conference?
  • Renew old frienships or acquaintances?
  • Learn new woodworking techniques?
  • Or just get away from your Significant Other?

 

— Al Navas

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Cincinnati 2011, Conference, Woodworking in America Tagged With: ,