John Petrovic
It’s hard to believe that June is upon us and we are already half way through another year. We have had many interesting programs and workshops during the past six months and the remainder of the year should prove to be just as exciting. If you have not already done so, this would be a good time to review the upcoming program and workshop schedule to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities to increase your woodworking knowledge, learn new skills, and enjoy the fellowship of other Guild members.
The June program features one of our more popular program topics: Show and Tell. And when I say it’s popular,
I don’t mean just for the audience. The presenters on Show & Tell night seem to have the most fun of all!
Oh, sure, there may be some sweaty palms and nervous tummies as folks await their turn before the Guild, but that
quickly gives way to quiet confidence as they begin to share their latest project, shop jig, or woodworking tip.
We would love to have you join in the presentations. Please contact me or Bruce Bogust if you would like to participate.
Ron Hinderman
Come on Folks! Lets start those toy projects now and not wait until November. I have available for a small fee, the following:
Wood for your toy projects can be gotten hold of in any number of ways. Try new housing construction projects — they have plenty of “throw-away” wood. But please ask before you take any.
You do not have to make a toy to come to the end-of-year Holiday Party which the Guild has in December — it just happens to be a convenient time to bring the toys. I will start collecting toys at the November meeting if you can’t bring them to the Holiday Party.
Combine your toy making with fun. Lets get some groups together and have a toy making fun fest.
If you have any questions contact Ron Hinderman.
Bruce Bogust
Bill Lehman has agreed to host a logfest at his property in Muskego. He owns a portable saw mill. This will
be in September. The exact date has not been set. Start saving your logs. There will be a small fee to have your
logs sawed. We will have a truck and trailer available to pick up logs. We will be asking for volunteers to help
pick up the logs. If you have a log but do not wish to pay to cut it up, please consider donating it to the guild.
It will be cut up and auctioned at the log fest. You will be updated as more information becomes available.
Bruce Bogust
Many new members have been asking for information on how to setup a home workshop. The program committee would
like to setup a series of presentations at the monthly meetings where a slide and/or video presentation is made
of a member's workshop. The idea is to present workshops of various sizes and sophistication. The member whose
shop is being presented would explain features of his shop and answer questions. We anticipate this will take 10
to 15 min. for each shop. We are asking for people to present their shops and for volunteers to take slides or
videos.
Please contact Bruce Bogust if you are interested in showing your shop or doing the photography. Your help will
be appreciated by everyone trying to set up a shop.
Alan Clapp
The winners of the adjustable squares and compound mitre tables from the June raffle were John Mueller and Henry
Yum. The July raffle will feature several Guild treasures. Stop by the raffle table during our annual Show ‘N
Tell meeting on July 7 and see what may be the next addition to your shop.
Carl Widder
An informative seminar on the history of the Shakers and their furniture was presented to 26 members and 2 new
members by a respected historian and maker of shaker style furniture, Chris Becksvort. Chris outlined the history
of the Shakers who at their peak had seven colonies and over 4,000 members. They are now down to one colony and
only seven members; but the furniture style continues to grow in popularity.
Shaker furniture is characterized by clean lines free of superfluous detail, classic proportions, and simple
yet effective moldings. Besides religious beliefs, another reason for the lack of ornament is that the Shakers
were meticulous housekeepers and that carvings, moulding, and raised panels were just another place to dust. Chris
went on to show slides of original pieces from the Sabbath Day Lake community and noted the design details that
define the style.
After lunch Chris went on the explain the construction details he uses to make his pieces immune to the effects
of wood movement. He had samples of his drawer web frames with a floating tenon at the back to allow for expansion
of solid wood sides. He explained his system of attaching cornice moulding by using a dovetail connection that
will keep the front miter joint tight, keep the moulding tightly attached, and allow the side to expand and contract.
It was a great opportunity to learn from a fine woodworker like Chris Becksvort who was willing to show us the
joinery techniques and design details for building furniture that will be treasured and last for generations.
For Sale:
Bob Vincent
Upcoming Workshops:
Workshop Tour with a bonus:
Jay Hollingsworth will make his shop available for a tour on Saturday, September 14, 1999. Jay runs a commercial shop in Silver Lake, WI. About the bonus — Jay just acquired a new 37 inch wide belt sander and is willing to run panels through at a rate of 50¢ per minute. Sign-up is available at the July meeting.
Show 'N Tell. Y'all Come!
Last Update: 08/03/1999
Web Author: Jerry F. Davis
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