Best selling wood projects - Woodies With Goodies

Best selling wood projects

.............otherwise known as the Hastings Woodworkers Guild Annual Exhibition.
Yep - its on again.  A triptych of tumultuous, timbered transactions in October - our three day Show.
The lead-up to this event is months in the planning, and involves lots of community events in the weeks and days beforehand.

Apart from the advertising and the publicity, there are, of course the exhibits.  Generally, these are the cumulation of a years work since the last exhibition - but often there are special pieces made just for the show.

My humble contributions this year are two exhibition pieces - the finished Amish Jelly Cabinet ............................

........................... and my tenor ukulele.

In the sales section, I will have some washroom cosmetics and towel rails ..........

............ and some planter stands - tall and short.

I wish my son was home so we could exhibit his just finished verandah bench. On ya lad!

There will be the old tools stall - which includes show, swap and sell from among the members of the Club, as well as antiques and collectables.  My old mate Ross, of Sunday Market fame, will be there - with bewildering bygones to bargain, barter or buy.

The show is looked forward to by all, and has in the past attracted around two thousand visitors to view our endeavours.  Maybe this year we can break that number.
Hope so .....................
Best selling wood projects

Read More..

Best selling wood projects - Woodies With Goodies continued

Best selling wood projects

The Hastings Woodworkers Guild (HWWG)  Exhibition Weekend has come and gone.  It was great - plenty to see, do and listen to.
It is seldom appreciated by the viewing public just how much work goes into setting up and dismantling a show like this one.  It is, however, worth it.
We meet old friends and make many new ones.

We learn new techniques and exchange trade secrets (after the secret handshake of course).

Here, the great teacher woodturner - Peter Calabria - demonstrates turning a juniper bowl.

An absolute gentleman, Peter shares his time and expertise freely with anyone who is interested in wood turning.

Tony turned up a lidded box from one of his favourite Australian timbers - hairy oak.

Johnno shares his model making passion ..............
There were toys for grown ups and children to share ......

............. and toys just for kids.

Puzzles and games for big kids and little kids .....................

Roberts shop-made CNC machine attracted plenty of attention.

This year we had the Sing Australia group brighten our lives while the show went on around them. 

And so many other artists chose to join in our exhibition with samples of their beautiful creations, along with demonstrations for all to see ..................................

Last but not least, the old tools and collectables shared a long table with the buy swap and sell items from the Club woodies ....................  tool heaven for old tools ......................

While the show and exhibition is all over for another year, the memories, contacts and new friendships will linger, helping us into new directions over the next twelve months.
Enjoy your time in the shed and workshop .................
.........................and happy woodworking to all ............................
Best selling wood projects

Read More..

Best selling wood projects - Hans Brunner Stanley Planes A Small Review

Best selling wood projects

My old friend, Hans Brunner, has just released a new publication for hand tool enthusiasts, and for Stanley plane lovers and collectors.

Stanley Planes - An Australian Guide to Identification and Value by Hans Brunner covers most Stanley planes, their manufacturing details and prices realised - as well as illustrative pictures of each plane discussed.  This book had its genesis in Hans old website gem Stanley By The Numbers.  This has been fully revised and added to in this publication.

Hans is very specific in pointing out from the opening remarks in this catalogue of planes, that he has written it to address the two most basic questions that people ask - what is it, and what is it worth?
This publication answers both of those questions extremely well.

In reference to individual plane models, Hans draws on his decades of knowledge and experience as  a vintage tool dealer and collector, to highlight points of interest as well as traps for the unwary.  Many of the Stanley planes came with a standard set of parts appropriate to that model - often these are missing or have substitutes from other models.  Enthusiasts and collectors wishing to avoid landing that dreaded frakenplane, will find Hans insights invaluable.

Pages are laid out in catalogue format, and the planes are dealt with by the numbers, starting with 1 and ending with 444.  Bedrock Planes are dealt with separately, and Stanley variations such as two tone planes, Victor, Handyman and Stanley Gage are also mentioned.  The book finishes with honoured reference to Leonard Bailey and Victor planes - along with Bailey Defiance.

Stanley Number 8 and Stanley 386 Fence

As well as this cornucopia of plane facts and figures, there is an excellent section on cleaning and restoring vintage tools.  Many old tools are rare, and several Stanley planes fit into this category.  Since aggressive "cleaning" can destroy a tools value, this treatise on restoration is invaluable.

Stanley 93 shoulder plane

There is a short history of the Stanley Works, and one of the easiest US Stanley plane dating guides in publication anywhere.  This is not as comprehensive as other in-depth dating and type studies, but is an excellent starting point for those wishing to establish an approximate age for their US made Stanley plane.

Stanley 65 Low Angle Block Plane

This publication is available directly from Hans Brunner - and at the bargain price of AU$22 including domestic postage, it is outstanding value for money.

If you are in any way interested in hand tools, their history and use, then this publication might very well become a much consulted reference.

Disclaimer:  I have no interest or involvement in this publication, nor am I in any way associated with the author, except as a long time friend. Note that the planes shown in use here are my own, and are not illustrations from the book itself.

May your woodworking be joyous and your daily challenges small ......................

Love life and live ......................
Best selling wood projects

Read More..

Best selling wood projects - Happy Birthday Blog!

Best selling wood projects

The Village Woodworker turns ONE today.
Interestingly, folks seem to like reading my scribblings, and have joined me many times on our little journey into the life of the Village.  Most of it has been woodwork of course, but some surprises have popped up along the way.

When I started these blog entries, there were several woodworking projects in the works or on the drawing board.  These took shape over the weeks and months that followed.  It was a productive year.

I had no idea that I would become a ukulele-ist - of sorts - playing with a group every Monday night, and singing with the a capella group on Thursdays.

I never envisaged building any kind of musical instrument - that all seemed part of the esoteric arts - one year ago.  Now that we have entered the magical world of lutherie, there may be no turning back.  Here is Riverside Ukuleles tenor uke - serial number 1201.  There will not be a #1202 - too many other things to do - but a #1302 is a distinct possibility.

I have met so many new fellow travellers through this blogging medium - and have re-kindled old friendships.

The year has seen some holidays and some relaxation, as well as plain old perspiration in getting things done. 

The Village of Telegraph Point continues to grow, in its self-awareness and in the relationships that a living community engenders and nurtures. I love living here.

I hope that the year ahead holds as much joy and satisfaction as the last twelve months.  If so, I shall be content.
Thanks everyone, for sharing this journey with me.

Love life ............
......... and live!

Best selling wood projects

Read More..