Replies

1. 
   mike_b | Jan 03, 2007 03:08am | #1

   Matt,

   If you're new to woodworking, and have never been to this show before, you may find it interesting. Comments from those who've attended previously were generally negative last year. If you're going with the idea of getting a deal on something, keep in mind that most show discounts are in the neighborhood of 10% or so. But the cost of admission and parking ($5.00 as I remember) quickly eats into your show discount savings on small ticket items. I've attended this show a half dozen times over the years, and have probably been to my last, but as I said earlier, if you've never been, it can be fun and there are some deals to be had. You may also enjoy some of the seminars.

   Mike

2. 
   Glaucon | Jan 03, 2007 05:47am | #2

   I think- if you are looking for big iron- it is likely to be a waste of time. I also attended a WoodWorks Show last year- with the hope of checking out larger machines. Long story short- I saw more equipment at my local Woodcraft than at the show. I notice that the web link you provided does not list ANY tool companies that will be displaying their wares- although they are quite cagey and show photos of a Powermatic saw and a LN booth in their ad.

   As has been said, if you want to go to meet others or attend some seminars- fine, but unless they are willing to commit as to who will be vending there, you will not likely see anything in the way of major tool companies.

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   mike_b | Jan 03, 2007 01:33pm | #3

   <<I also attended a WoodWorks Show last year- with the hope of checking out larger machines.>>One of these in in '07/'08, may be more what you're looking for:http://www.tsiexpos.com/tsi/More geared toward the pro shop (lots of big CNC), but plenty of products of interest to the serious hobbyist as well.Mike

3. 
   9619 | Jan 03, 2007 04:20pm | #4

   Kummell,
   If you have nothing to do and want to see lots of stuff, it should be a fun time. What the heck? What else would you do with the day? If you are thinking of making a big purchase, I would use another venue. Make sure you do your homework first. Use the web. Use local woodworkers. Don't make any fast decisions on big iron.
   Have fun. Go slow. In woodworking, there is no need to hurry, unles you ae in the business.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

4. 
   kenshep | Jan 09, 2007 12:44am | #5

   Hi Matt,
   The first show I went to had seminars or demos of various techniques/tools. I found it very useful. Garrett Hack did an hour or so on making beading tools from old saw blades or old cabinet scrapers. That session alone was worth entry/parking/gas costs to me. Plus I got pretty good discounts on some items. Vendors don't want to load up stuff and ship it home or to the next venue if they can help it. They will negotiate with you, especially if you are spending a lot.

    

   Regards,

   Ken

   "Do as you would be done by." C.S. Lewis

5. 
   highfigh | Jan 09, 2007 06:51am | #6

   It can be worth going. If you know what tools you need and the going prices, you can definitely find some deals. Keep your eyes open and ask for a deal if you're looking for machines. They don't always like carting them to the next show when it can be shipped there just as easily. Look at the listings for seminars and lectures, too. I'm happy to learn some new techniques and tricks, even if I don't buy much. Lately, I'm buying less and going to more demonstration lectures. They usually have a question and answer afterward.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
6. 
   jquinn | Jan 09, 2007 07:07pm | #7

   L-N is occasionally sold and represented through the people at Fine Tool Journal at these shows.  The prices are the same as what they list on their website, which is usually pretty fair.

   you might also find some CMT, Freud, and other router bits to buy.

   I went to one in Columbus OH a few years ago and they also had Wetzler clamps.  The only big machinery I recall were the lathes used by demonstrators.   That might be a good chance to check out how those operate if the big, heavy and expensive latehs are something you are  looking for.

7. 
   windwood | Jan 09, 2007 09:50pm | #8

   Hi,

    I used to live in CT and have been to that show before. Its good for the info, seminars, talking to vendors, watching demos, and perhaps buying something you just got to have (discount or not). But I didn't go every year, I alternate every other year, some things are still the same after each year, but usually something new comes out every two yrs. or so. (just my thought). Go ahead and go to it; make a day out of it, or go early and you can still get home at a reasonable time to take that someone special out to dinner and discuss what you want to buy, unless you've already bought it and you need to stay off the couch that night !  Enjoy

    

   Scott

8. 
   JJV | Jan 09, 2007 10:13pm | #9

   Funny; I thought of posting something about this today as well.  I live in Franklin MA and I'll be going to Springfield.  If you live near Boston you know that 8 miles downt he Pike is an hour, tops :-) 

   Last time I went to this was 4 years ago when it was in Worcester.  If you're in the market for machinery, you'll probably be disappointed.  They can be fun and inspiring to go to just for the demos as others have said.  Not sure who will be there but I have learned a lot just from watching folks like Frank Klausz doing the same things over and over again (I learned to cut dovetails watching him at his bench at a show in PA 10 years ago). 

   If it's your first one, I think you'll be happy if you go with low expectations.  I just don't think they do them the way they used to, and here I am thinking of the shows sponsored by American Woodworker mag back in the mid-90's.  Those were true spectacles for the small-scale or hobbyist woodworker.

    

    

   Maybe someday I'll know a little something.

1. 
   kummell | Jan 10, 2007 02:09am | #10

   wow, Franklin?  I'm in Medfield.

   Looking forward to the show - I may come home with my first hand plane if there aren't any exciting big tools in my budget.  

   Perhaps we should write a report once we get back on how the show was...

1. 
   JJV | Jan 10, 2007 05:54am | #11

   Oh I plan on it!

   After I posted that message I checked your profile and saw Medfield. It should be an easy ride for you to get there. I'm a lilttle disappointed that the website doesn't list any vendors, so it's going to be something of a crapshoot!! 

   Maybe someday I'll know a little something.