I just noticed that there is no woodworking show in Seattle this year! The nearest one is in Tacoma in October. Are there other cities that are getting the short shrift this year? Must be the slow economy, yes?
I think I’ll just wait until November and go to Portland.
forestgirl — you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the girl 😉
Replies
forestgirl-- according to a friend of mine that has demonstrated at a number of WW shows, its a number of factors- the economy being just one part. Rental fees for the show sponsors and increased liability costs are two other reasons. My own feeling is that all the tool manufacturers are getting tired of constantly wiping the drool of their shiny new machines as we admire their new products.
I suspect it may have to do with the web site hits. The sales are up with the amount of web sites hits. So they need less wood working shows to sell the product.
Plus the cost of rent of booths lack of people showing up at the shows.
People don't like paying to park + paying to get into the show.
I received notice of a woodworking show in Syracuse, NY, recently. That, in itself, is an improvement since the shows tend to be held in mid-winter in our area, guaranteeing that those of us who have to drive a few miles will do so in snow, ice, migrating polar bears and musk oxen.
I agree with you in that the show seems to have a group of vendors who don't interest me and demonstrations are promoted, not seminars by the likes of Graham Blackburn. It's not that I don't have something to learn from watching a demonstraton, but I don't really feel excited abot driving 100 miles to watch somebody else operate a router.
I might go, but probably won't.
Regards,
Bob
If my tool budget weren't -$0.00 I'd plan on going. Of course there's always the possibility that my retail sales will actually recover before November (don't I hope!). They're down about 40% from last year, and it's starting to get scary.
If you do go and there's a GripTite demonstration, check it out. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
It seems kind of silly to pay to get in and pay to park all for the privilege of getting to spend more money to buy something.
Besides, I learn more about tools here than anywhere else.
Speaking of web sales - Long ago I predicted that distributors and other types of retail middle men would disappear. Slowly getting there! Now, go out and buy stock in UPS or FedEx!!!!
ps - I would like to buy my next new car over the internet.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
fg, yea there are alot less tour stops for the shows well at least I got mine ccoming..no money to buy anything but its coming...:>)
Darkworksite4: Subterráneo en la república de gente de Calif
PW, fortunately I don't have to pay to park (in Seattle anyway) -- I take the ferry and walk to the show. Last year, I went with a list of 5 or 6 things I wanted to find at a good price (nothing big), and succeeded. Saved around $100 and had a great time to boot. A bunch of us WWers met for lunch, swapped stories and pics, and then toddled over to the show.
If the right vendors show up, it's also a great place to compare (by sight and feel) different brands of a machine your shopping for. Can't do that over the internet.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
FG -
The last time I went to one in Houston (two years ago) it had dwindled down to not being worth my time. It was great several years ago.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood
You missed the best one in Anaheim last July/Aug. I bought a 37" timesavers wide belt and it gets delivered in about 3-4 weeks
Hi Jamie -
I just this weekend got the card in the mail for the show in Tacoma. Don't know what my schedule will be like around the middle of Oct since we have to go south to AZ to my parents but I was thinking I'd like to check this one out. Like you, don't have any budget for new stuff but it's neat to see what's available. Guess that's one (good) reason why the shows are getting smaller, less frequent and in more remote locations: People aren't spending any/much money at them these days.
What's up with the Portland scene? I don't recall seeing anything on the advert I got about 'down there'.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Hi Dennis, I saw the Portland show at the online calendar:http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
It will be the January 2-4, 2004 show in Baltimore for me. I can wait, one show a year is enough. I don't go to the Northern VA shows, the traffic is insane, rather drive more miles than sitting still.
So get this, a WW friend and I always go to the shows together. We lose each other 5 minutes in the door, everytime. His only purchase last show, a gallon of yellow glue. Go figure.
Enjoy, Roy
Thanks for the link, Jamie.
You said you were planning on going to the Portland show. Why there instead of Tacoma which is closer? Or did I read your post wrong?
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Actually not sure I'll go to either, but I'm always looking for an excuse to make a trip to Portland -- just a nice city, and no sales tax! Chances of having some jingle in my jeans are better for November than October also. Just have to play it by ear.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
When is the Portland show? Where is there information on it? My son lives in Vancouver and it would be a great excuse to take a trip.
Here's the link again. Click on "26 Events" when you get there, and it will take you to the schedule.http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/
Portland is in mid-Novemberforestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thanks for the link, think that's where we'll show up.
Here's a link to a whole buck off your admission. Seems to me there was a better coupon from Rockler last year, but can't remember for sure. Anywho, have a great time!
http://www.dewalt.com/us/events/event_detail.asp?EventID=3318
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled