I’ve set the dates. I apologize to those for whom it does not work out. I really wish this thing could accommadate everyone’s schedule but, well, it can’t.
I need input from people considering attending. I want to offer oppurtunities to learn but I don’t want the thing so structured it chases people away. I will print a schedule of events and it will be up to individuals to choose whether they sit in or not.
Food will be an issue. Beer will be an issue. As time goes on I hope to get a better handle on how to handle these. It will probably entail a fee to offset the cost of the goods but not more than that.
So I need you to chime in. What would draw you here and what would make it a memorable experience?
I will supply specific information about lodging, outside entertainment and stuff we could plan for kids and spouses.
Breaktime, the construction forum, has been doing these things for years, I’ve asked for input there and they are coming forth with good information.
So, this is our festival, what can we do to make it great?
Here’s more information. This page will continue to grow. www.furniturecarver.com/MontanaFest.html
Lee
Edited 1/19/2005 7:21 pm ET by Lee_Grindinger
Replies
Something I want to really stress is this; This festival is for anyone who works their hands in wood. Not just pros, not just serious amateurs, not just novices...Everyone.
I really mean that. All workers of wood are welcome. There will be no elitism here, we are all on a learning curve and we all have things to learn. I want novices to view this as a chance to learn and I want the pros to see it as a chance to teach and learn. Above all, everyone, regardless of where they are on the curve are welcome.
Lee
Make sure you go through the "community" thread and poke everybody who mentioned that there are no Knots fests.
Lee, get in contact with me via email here. Thanks.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Calvin has pointed out to me that the Breaktimers have a fest scheduled the same weekend. I did not know this.What I'm wondering is how much it will matter. I don't mind sharing Taunton personnel since MontanaFest will not be limited to members of Knots. I'm hawking this festival at WoodCentral as well and trying to drag as many Montana woodworkers out of the trees as possible. I think it would be great if Taunton decided to attend in some capacity but since this is not exclusive to Knot's it will not be their fest per se. A writer from another publication has already said he's coming, not as a reporter but "as a friend that bangs keyboards for a living". I'm really afraid of sounding arrogant or uncaring towards Taunton and it's the furthest thing from my intentions so please, Taunton personnel, don't take it that way. I know that many of you attend different forums and I wonder if it's wise to open this thing up to any and all or try to limit the exposure. I tend to go with "invite all" sorts of parties trying not to exclude anyone.Comments?Lee
Lee, what we had was a failure to communicate...........
Darn shame. I/we certainly wouldn't want anyone to have to pick or choose and of course, we've grown fond of our pals / hosts of these forums. I have asked over at the BT thread if there would be a need or wish to rethink our aug 12-14th dates. If not, then we'd best find a way to intercommunicate between the two festival sites..........sort of like the NewYearsEve celebrations. Would hate to think you were having more fun.
I can tell you this for what its worth, getting together and meeting those you've been corresponding with on these forums is indeed a worthwhile trip. I have made some good friends over the years at BT as I'm sure you've all done here. You just have to make a point of meeting up face to face, you won't regret it.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Here's my rationale for the 13th. A friend and great host is having his traditional BBQ in Washington the weekend before, I won't collide with him. Before that is IWF, a huge woodworking show in Vegas, I can't collde with that or many pros, both writers and woodworkers, will pass on MontanaFest. Ruthie is gone the weekend before that and dah, dee dah.After the 13th people start settling in to the back to school thing so I think the 13th is as late in the summer as it oughta go.Lee
Edited 1/8/2005 6:30 pm ET by Lee_Grindinger
Your killing me on this fest. I am a displaced person who lived for years in Wyoming and worked in SE Montana., now residing on Long Island NY. A lot of serious woodworkers here but what they call mountains, well to be kind they are more like foothills, but that's another story. Time to do some power sniveling to see if I can bring the family back out west, great concept.
It would be awfully nice to see you guys...Lee
Lee,
I appreciate all your hard work on this project . I am going to try my best to be there . I am telling every one around here , Vail CO , about it and they seem to be intrigued . I , trim carpenter / furniture for relatives kind of guy , and those that work with me take pride in making our trim ,"furniture grade" and thankfully there are still people who appreciate it , and have the money to pay for it. We are always trying to spred our horizons to please our customers and our eager to meet other quality minded indviduals who want to do the same.
Tim, I've done enough architectural work to appreciate the efforts involved in making it beautiful. You work in a ritzy place so I'm sure the challenges are great. Bring pictures!I hope to see you and your like minded buddies here.Lee
Hey Tim, you wanna do a workshop on compound joints and cope joints? These two things really bridge the gap between carpentry and furniture making.Compound joints come up pretty ofen in woodworking forums, so do cope joints. If you know your stuff and are comfortable doing it you may consider leading a workshop. Let me know.Lee
Lee, interesting idea, but I hate to commit and you be depending on me. I just found out there's another bun in the oven.
Tim
O-kay, buddy. I hope I didn't scare you off with unintended pressure.I hope your oven's big enough for both buns. It would be nice to see you here.Lee
Lee, i'm alot more afraid of being a good papa than i am of telling sombody something they already know. Besides it's always a family affair with me , and we all want to come , look for the guy with the wife that looks liked she swallowed a watermellon seed .LOL
PS I'll find you and introduce my self can't wait to ask you some carving questions.
Tim
Hey Tim, my wife's a nurse and doctors are notorious for doing woodworking as a hobby, I'm sure there'll be a doc or two here. Tell your wife she'll be well cared for if she can stand the car ride. Hah, hah, ha... Congrats Poppa-to-beLee
I'm just kicking this thread back out into view. I'm also checking out my new signature.I have not updated the pages for the Fest but behind the scenes I've got some pretty firm maybes from people you all would love to meet. From a CEO of a major tool company to a world famous turner you all have heard of, from a former chief editor of a major woodworking mag to a well known and well published furniture maker.This thing is growing and it's gonna be a blast!LeeMontanaFest
Wow, Lee! What an impressive line-up! I can't possibly go this year, but already thinking about 2006, when Nick will be retired. We plan to go to Spring Training in AZ (March) so should be recovered by August, LOL! Have a great time, looks like you really put a good one together!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Forest Girl, 2006? Ummmm, Ruthie and I are doing this fest this year but I don't know if we'll be doing it every year. We are beginning to appreciate the scope of this thing and we are both riding the crest of this wave trying to stay up on our surfboards. I won't make any promises about 2006, none at all. As far as Ruthie and I are concerned it's a one shot deal but we also acknowledge that these things, with the proper amount of interest, can blossom into a yearly affair but that's down the road. Just to entice you bit more..., Robin Lee, CEO of Lee Valley will be here and will be doing a presentation on product development. I'm working with a major magazine editor to get him here, I'm talking to a guy who demos on DVDs and shows and several others who are not quite ready to commit.These workshops are all free, you know.I update the MontanaFest site as I can, workshops are added as they fall into place and I now have the maps and driving directions page up.I'm hoping to have enough people commit to attending to get a band for Saturday night. We'll see. So, to you and others reading this..., talk to me.MontanaFest
Edited 3/17/2005 10:05 am ET by Lee_Grindinger
Edited 3/17/2005 10:12 am ET by Lee_Grindinger
Sorry, Lee, that was a silly assumption to make! Hmmmmmm, let's see -- August is usually pretty show on the retail front and it's plenty far down the road. I'll see what I can do. Would probably have to drive. Obviously, it would be a great time!!!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Lee, I'd absolutely love to come. How soon do you need to know? I really can't commit until summer planning issues are better resolved; I only have so much time off available, and alas, the way my schedule is at work, I will need 40 vacation hours to make it to MontanaFest.CharlieI tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut
I won't need commitments for a while yet, I'm glad people are stating intentions because we're getting an idea of what stuff we're going to need to pull this off well, stuff like tents, porta potties, and such. I'm also going to be talking to caterers soon looking for per head prices for meals from Friday through Sunday. It's looking a lot like a pig roast on Saturday night, Chuckwagon on Friday night, sandwiches or BBQ for noon meals, Sunday brunch and continental stuff for the mornings. Beer and soda pop available throughout. I want to keep the fees low so it's not a problem for people. Ruthie and I are kicking numbers around ranging from $75 to $100 per adult head for all three days for food, porta potties, tents and beverages, entertainment and non-woodworking events. We'll work out a per day price and kid's price. I want you to know that we are not trying to make money on this, just cover our expenses. The workshops and demos will be free, anyone here to do one will be doing it for free and I'm going to try to attract a couple of headliners to add to the fray.So, we are still trying to sort the whole thing out. I still want a sense of who's intending to make it, it helps a lot!Lee
"So I need you to chime in. What would draw you here----"
Oh, just the usual Lee. Pick up my air fare, all expenses, throw in some beer money, say $2,000 or $3,000 and I'll be there like a shot, ha, ha. Slainte.
Well Sgian, as the time draws near I'll poll people to see if we want to take up a collection to re-import you. Thousands of dollars..., could be worth it. But don't think I'm getting a keg of that pancake syrup that passes for beer over there.Lee
I've never been to one of these things, so I have very little advice to offer. Let me know if I can help with anything, though. I'm just looking forward to seeing other woodworkers, exchanging tips, viewing work, etc.
Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT
Alan, I appreciate the offer. We will be needing help as we sort this thing out so i'll let you know what form it could take. Spreading the word is a huge help.Lee
Lee
a couple of easily forgotten things: porta-potties, water for washing things, safe places for BBQ grills and fire prevention, traffic control (signs and markers), lights, trash collection points.
Maybe you could solicit some local or regional sponsors.
Good stuff, Stantheman, thanks.Lee
This sounds Great!!! Im over the hill in Bozeman, so if you need help let me know and I'll be a willing worker, Ill bring some friends too. Good luck Bob
Thanks Bob, as the time draws near we'll be needing help.In the meantime, help me spread the word here in Montana.Lee
RJT, it's a pity but if you have the time stop by while you're in the area, my door's open.
Lee
Dumb question, but is there any nearby shopping for the spouse?
Bozeman, a little more than an hour away is filled with boutique shops. Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT
Yup, Bozeman has lots of shopping. Livingston, only 30 minutes away has 6 or 8 art galleries. Dick, I'm paying very close attention to having events and options for those not interested in woodworking. There will be plenty for them as well, some on site, some off site.I'll be getting a webpage up with a week detailing lodging, entertainment, activities, airports, resturaunts and well, anything else I can think of that people might find useful.Lee
I'm bumping this thread back up on the radar screen. Mark, the web editor has told me he can't pin this thread to the top of a folder so it's up to us to keep it visible. He mentioned something about a PM66 to the first 200 to show up compliments of Taunton. (I got that right didn't I, Mark?The dates are set and are in the title of this thread. This page, http://www.furniturecarver.com/MontanaFest.html will grow as I have time to add to it. I have activities listed, lodging options and soon I'll get outside-the-fest entertainment listed. I'm looking for suggestions on food, a pig roast on Saturday night is looking pretty good. What are your thoughts?I'm looking for people to lead workshops or do demonstrations. Get in touch with me at [email protected] if you're interested.I'm looking for ideas on how to make this a great festival. This has attracted a great deal of attention, more than I thought it would, and it's snowballing into a big deal. I'm really looking forward to hosting this thing, it's going to be a great oppurtunity to rub shoulders with other woodworkers and there are going to be a lot of oppurtunities to learn, taught and demonstrated for FREE by people who know what they're talking about.I'll be starting a guest list as time goes on so you can add your name when I get that going.Lee
Top Of The Morning To You Lee ,
Would that be a 3 phase or single phase PM 66 ?
That is really swell of Taunton .
dusty
Your choice, I would imagine. Does PM make a model with 3 phase?Lee
Lee, you asked about possible topics, and I noticed on the other thread you mentioned you hope someone could bring a lathe. Well, I won't bring a lathe, since mine is a simple little 4 speed Delta, but that got me to thinking. I couldn't think what I'd like to see, since I feel pretty comfortable with most work I do in my shop, but I just recently got the lathe and would like to maybe see a workshop or two on that. Also, veneering might be a good subject (making, using/applying, etc). (just trying to pick things I don't know much about). Thanks.Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT
Lathes are always popular at fests like this. I'm looking for people to demo small stuff like pens, large stuff like bowls and everything in between. You can be sure turning will be well covered and that there will be a selection of lathes on hand. David Smith of Longview, Washington has already said he will do a bowl or plate turning demo and discuss alcohol drying for turnings.I'm doing a vacuum press demo which will include seaming and some basic fundamentals of veneering unless we get someone like Frank Klauss or Frank Pollaro here. If they want to do the veneering workshops I'll step aside.There is a lot going on behind the scenes on MontanaFest. I expect to announce some names everyone will recognize. Thanks for the ideas, Alan. Keep em coming.Lee
Edited 1/25/2005 3:46 pm ET by Lee_Grindinger
I've hinted to rootburl I'd like to see him demonstrating his detail sanding tecnique. I hope he shows up. I'm pretty confident I'll show up and continue on to San Fransisco from there to visit some relatives. I'll also be bringing my dog (assistant), great to see a lodge that accepts pets, thanks for the list.
As far as contributing, I'll leave the experts to it. I could demonstrate painting and sculpture (classicaly trained) but I believe sawdust is the main attraction.
He mentioned something about a PM66 to the first 200 to show up compliments of Taunton.
I'm leaving right now, have mine ready, I want left tilt.
Doug
Here's the beginnings of the information for MontanaFest.
http://www.furniturecarver.com/MontanaFest.html
This page will grow, let me know what information you need as time goes on, I'll try to find it for you.
Lee
Lee,
Thanks for the info, see ya in August.
Tim
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