May 2023 Meeting

The meeting on May 10 will be our annual Member’s Showcase!  All members are requested to bring something in to show as we go around the room; even if it might not be an elaborate build and appear insignificant to you, all items are welcome! It could be something that you made in the past and have not shared with us yet, or a most recent project. This is a fun and informal event.  We look forward to seeing everyone and their amazing projects!

April 2023 Meeting

This month, our friend Bob Garay will make an appearance to our group bringing with him a bevy of common and not so common tools, sharing their story.  You might have seen Bob at the Woodworking shows, with his very large display of pre owned and antique hand tools.  He is always on the lookout for quality used tools at auctions, markets, and sales.  If needed he restores to a usable condition and resells them for a reasonable price.  Bob has an extensive knowledge of hand tools; their history, manufacture, and application.  If there is a hand tool(s) that you desire for your work, and can not purchase a new one due to supply shortages, or do not want to buy new “junk”, then this is the answer for you.

March 8, 2023 Meeting

Hi all,

Just an update on our next gathering this Wednesday, March 8, 2023, entitled 

“Decorative Elements; the beauty and hazards”.  Our feature presenter will be Frank Garcia.  Many have seen his work, especially at the Woodworking Shows.  This man is a rare creative talent, and after seeing his latest work at the Woodworking Show, Marc and I invited him out to present to our club.  His latest work incorporates metal inlay into decorative elements that could easily be applied to furniture and other objects such as musical instruments. 

At the show I noticed that member John Rubbo had a small piece with a Lichtenberg burning in it at our booth table.  Knowing full well the negative aspects of using these “homemade’ devices and the deaths associated with them, I discussed further with John and found out he had a unit:

https://conestogaworks.com/product/the-lichtenberg-figure-wood-burner-ii/

that had the users safety as a priority.  So the CJWA is not endorsing any product or even suggesting that you use this technique; however we feel that sharing the story of how a number of folk lost their lives using microwave transformers in a homemade device warrants a discussion.  This unit that John will show, is designed with a low power transformer and slow burn rate for users safety, in case anyone decides to incorporate this decorative element in their work.  One example is the “Electric Stool” that Scott Fulmer showcased at a meeting last March.

Also on tap, our own Marc Gaertner will give demo on carving tools and the elements that can be used to decorate your furniture, including resources for learning this skill. 

Looking forward to seeing you all this Wednesday evening at 7:00PM! 

Bob 

February 8, 2023 Meeting

We have a number of club members presenting again this month.

Joe Messick will be talking about a Table he designed and built.

Bob Emmons will be presenting a recently completed Sam Malouf inspired Rocking Chair.

Bill Woodard will be discussing and demonstrating the benefits of ” Burn in Shellac Sticks “.

For those at the January meeting, we had a long discussion on the problems Robert Hemsen had

while finishing his Cherry Card table top. The good news is that the Fish Eye problem was solved. 

Robert will recap what finally worked to eliminate the problem.

We also need to discuss the preparation for the upcoming WW show now in Edison, NJ Feb 10th - 12th.

January 11, 2023 Meeting

We have 2 excellent club member presentations for this month.

First, Robert Hemsen will discuss the Demilune table he recently completed.

This is a complicated piece and Robert always does an excellent job explaining the details of the build process.

Next, Seth Kline will present a Shaker Style Chest of Drawers he has been working on.

He will demonstrate the Domino DF 500 Joinery system and how he used it for this project.

Of course January is election month, so please consider taking a more active role in the club.

We will also start collecting dues for the new calendar year.