the newsletter of the minnesota woodworkers guild northern ... · david uses mahogany, white oak,...

Volume 115

NORTHERN WOODSThe Newsletter of the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild

June / July 2008

In This Issue President’s Notes Northern Woods Show - winners MCAD Student’s Works May Meeting - Sign Artistry Mark Laub - Weekend Seminars (see classifieds)

Best in Show - 2008 Northern Woodsby - Lee Toman

President Mark Laub [email protected]

763-753-1368Vice President Dick Schultz [email protected] 952-927-6207Secretary Position OpenMembership Director Carole Magnuson [email protected] 952-881-2171Treasurer Angela Kopacek [email protected] 612-845-7151Librarian John Griffin-Wiesner [email protected] 763-543-1153Newsletter Editor Bob Bridigum [email protected] 651-484-4855Program Director Kent Huelman [email protected]

651-483-1489Tool Master Craig Jentz [email protected] 612-922-0734Volunteer Coordinator Bob Bonde [email protected] at Large Lee Richards, Allan Hall,Barry Whiteaker, David Lane Richard Tendtck

NORTHERN WOODS

MembershipTo become a member, fill outthe coupon below, writecheck to MN WoodworkersGuild, mail both to:

MN Woodworkers Guild5700 Vincent Ave. S.Minneapolis, MN 55410

You will receive yourmembership card by returnmail.

Address Changes

Please forward address andcontact change informationto Carole Magnuson at theemail address shown to yourleft.

NewsletterSend articles, "Buy & Sell"submissions and letters tothe editor to:

Bob Bridigum [email protected]

651-484-4855

Northern Woods is publishedbi-monthly by and for themembers of the MinnesotaWoodworkers Guild. Allcontent is copyrighted by theMinnesota WoodworkersGuild, Inc. Opinionsexpressed in this newsletterare not necessarily those ofthe Minnesota WoodworkersGuild, Inc. Newsletters arepublished February, April,June, August, October andDecember. All submissionsare due to the editor by the15th of the month prior topublication.

New Membership Coupon_________________________________________________Name_________________________________________________Business Name (if any)_________________________________________________Address_________________________________________________City State

Zip Code

I read somewherethat woodworkingis the fastestgrowing hobby inthe US. Thatdoesn’t surpriseme, since I amcontinuallyamazed at thediversity of activities that are collectivelyreferred to as” woodworking” There’s turning,carving, sculpting, joinery, finishing, marquetry,inlay….the list goes on…..

No wonder, then, that every woodworkingcatalog seems to have another new gadget weall want to try out….another tool we can’t livewithout. This is all great…who doesn’t like toplay with a new toy?

All this is leading me to this month’swoodworking tip: The best woodworkinginvestment you can make is…..in yourself.

When you are buying any new tool, thatpurchase will rarely elevate the quality or beautyof your work. It may make your work easier orsafer, you may feel good about your newequipment, but, remember, the only thing thatmakes your work better is…..you. Your own skillbase. I have never met a woodworker that hasreached a plateau because of not having theright tools. Instead, it is because they haveforgotten to invest in their own training andeducation.

Consider this. About 80-90% of mostwoodworkers budget is spent on tools,equipment and materials. The remainder mightbe spent on a class or 2 here or there whentime permits. If this sounds like you, I suggestyou revisit your woodworking priorities. Mostbeginning/intermediate woodworkers will see aremarkable improvement in their expertise byincreasing their training/education to about 50%of their woodworking budget.

Northern Woods 2 June 2008 / july 2008

President’s Notesby Mark Laub

Northern Woods 3 june 2008 / july 2008

President’s Notes, continued

In next month’s column I’ll explain why, and give you my thoughts about how to put together your ownwoodworking curriculum. Till then, remember all this is only my opinion…I could be wrong, but its mycolumn and for now, I’m sticking to my story!

Northern Woods, an Exhibition of Fine Woodworking

This year marked a quarter century of shows displaying the highest level of artistic talent from hard-working, dedicatedartisans from mostly the Minnesota area. There were 52 entries this year that did not disappoint, as anyone who madeit to Southdale can attest. Our three judges, Bob Kinghorn, Jennifer Komar Olivarez, and Stephen J. Skoro had theirwork cut out for them, to select winners for each of the 14 categories.

Bob Bonde was the Master of Ceremony for thisyear’s awards banquet. He regaled the audiencewith one liners in between awards. As anexample, “we invited a choir from Stillwater butthey were behind a few bars and couldn’t find theright key”. The groans that followed allowed thewinners time to find their way to the front for theiraward. Some of the winners are pictured withtheir works in the following pages. Thank youBob, for a great job with this years ceremonies.And special thanks to Richard Tendick forchairing another fantastic show.

Bob Bonde, MCRichard Tendick, Show

Chairman

Best Turning - Behind the Eight Ballby Tim Heil

Best Detail - Carved Top Jewelry Boxby Rutager West


Best Original Design - Jax Round Oak Tableby Duff Thury

Judges’ Award - Beginning of Timeby Ken Anderson, PhD

Best Finish - Bubinga Coffee Tableby Peter Schulzetenberg


Best 1st Time in Show - Stoolby Robert Sorenson

Best Carving - End Tableby Bob Kraby

Most Technically Accomplished - Ellipsoid 2by Tim Gorman

june 2008 / july 2008 6 Northern Woods

Best Traditional Piece - PhiladelphiaQueen Anne Side Chair

by Tony Kubalak

Woodworking for PleasureSanibel Lighthouse

by Bob Paulson


Best in Show - Bathroom Vanityby Lee Toman

People’s Choise - Ariosa ChiffonierBest Handwork, Peer Award

by Mark Laub


Burton and Ruth Elvig Award Paul Lee AwardTo regognize a piecethat exudes any of thefollowing: patience,spontaneity, creativity,persistence, joy,humor, tenacity,plucks, uniqueness,determination,exploration, adventure,silliness, and above all- Love.

Cryptex byRichard Tendick

Presented in memory of one of Minnesota’s mostextraordinary woodworkers. Given to the best entry that

has a playful spirit and soundconstruction

Newport Tall Clock byMichael Siemsen

Minneapolis College or Art and Design (MCAD)Student works on display at Northern Woods Show


May Guild MeetingSign Artistry with Nancy and David Allan

by Bob Rocknem

Nancy Allan and David Winslow Allan started an artistic sign studio after theyretired from teaching high school classes. Nancy taught art and David,shop. They describe their work as wood carving, but their work combinesgraphics, sculpture, painting, gilding, carving, and all the additionaltechniques needed to make striking signs. Actually the signs are verybeautifully done and they have a right to be proud of them.

Signs range in size from small ones to attachto a wall or beside a door to almost billboarddimensions supported by steel framesgrounded in concrete footings.

The husband andwife team obviously enjoy their work and workingtogether. This was apparent during the well organizedand illustrated presentation. Nancy is the artist andDavid does the application using machine and handwoodworking tools. But their talents very frquentlyoverlap.

When they started thebusiness, clients weremostly local: resorts,

churches, wineries, B&B’s, etc. Over time their reputation for producing eyecatching, colorful, and interesting signs spread by word of mouth,newspaper articles, BBB write-ups, their internet web site, and bydistribution of business cards. After several years they have become verybusy. A special computer program helps with designs which incorporate logos,paintings, sculptures, photos, and a variety print fonts. This also helps with

presentations to clients and allows anynecessary changes before work begins. These photographs from a cd romshow the results.

To make the signs durable(nearly always they are exposed to the elements),David uses mahogany, white oak, marine plywood, and high densitypolyurethane board called Sign Foam. For glue, it’s epoxy. Outdoor signprimers and enamels wear well with minimal fading, a necessity since theirwork is very colorful.

Most of the time they work in a large room attached to their home next to thekitchen. The messy, dusty chores David does outside even when it is 40degrees.

One time, and maybe the last time, David used a motorized extensionscaffold to apply gold leaf to stone carved lettering above a bank’s secondfloor windows. There was a breeze so applying the almost molecule thickleaf was exasperating as well as expensive from the loss of several sheetsthat blew away. Standing on the scaffold was scary and no fun either. Wehad a fine evening with a happy couple who definitely enjoy their newoccupation after retirement.

Mary applies details

David cuting Sign Foam small sign

each grape hand turned

gilded eagle onsign above


DISCOUNT SUPPLIERSThe following suppliers offer specialdiscounts to Guild members. Toreceive a discount you must be amember in good standing and showthe merchant your currentmembership card.

Abrasive ResourcesAbrasive ResourcesAbrasive ResourcesAbrasive ResourcesAbrasive Resources900 Lund Blvd #400, Anoka, MN(763) 586-9595 or (800) 814-7358Sandpaper, coated abrasives, rolls,clearance items - 20% discount.

Art Betterley Co.Art Betterley Co.Art Betterley Co.Art Betterley Co.Art Betterley Co.11160 Central Ave NE (Hwy. 65)Blaine (763) 755-3425Various discounts depending onproduct.

Eide Saw ServiceEide Saw ServiceEide Saw ServiceEide Saw ServiceEide Saw ServiceDave Heidtke<[email protected]>1329 Tyler St. NE (BehindYoungblood Lbr.) Minneapolis612-789-3288Saw blades, router bits, planerknives, and band saw bladeswelded to length. 10% discount onall items, sharpening included.

Forest Products Supply2650 Hwy 61, Maplewood, MN 55109(651) 770-2834. 10% discount on alllumber purchases.www.forestproductssupply.com

Gardner HardwareGardner HardwareGardner HardwareGardner HardwareGardner Hardware515 Washington Ave N,Minneapolis (612) 333-3393.Contractors standard discount withMWG card.

Hirshfield/Lathrop DecoratingCenters20+ metro locations, Rochester, St.Cloud. Discounts on all itemsincluding stains, varnishes,application tools, etc. Must showmembership card. Ask for MNWoodworkers Guild account.www.hirshfields.com

Holdahl CompanyHoldahl CompanyHoldahl CompanyHoldahl CompanyHoldahl Company1925 Annapolis Lane, Plymouth(612) 333-7111 or (800) 777-8992.Commercial cabinetmaker’s

supplier but will sell at wholesale toGuild members - router bits, sawblades, abrasives, tools forlaminating, laminate, decorativeand functional hardware.

Nob Hill Decorative HardwareNob Hill Decorative HardwareNob Hill Decorative HardwareNob Hill Decorative HardwareNob Hill Decorative Hardware3027 Holmes Avenue South,Minneapolis (612) 824-7424.Decorative hardware for doors,cabinets and bathrooms. 10%discount, 15% on orders over$1000.www.nobhillhardware.com

Rockler WoodworkingRockler WoodworkingRockler WoodworkingRockler WoodworkingRockler WoodworkingMinneapolis, 3025 Lyndale Ave S(612) 822-3338; Burnsville, 2020 WCty Rd 42 (952) 892-7999;Maplewood, 1935 Beam Ave (651)773-5285; Minnetonka, 12995Ridgedale Drive (952) 542-011110% discount on all regularly priceditems except power tools.www.rockler.com

Savitt BrothersSavitt BrothersSavitt BrothersSavitt BrothersSavitt Brothers1515 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis(612) 871-1155. Everything inpaints & stains, accessory items.Contractor discount to net price.

Swanson HardwareSwanson HardwareSwanson HardwareSwanson HardwareSwanson Hardware7501 W 27th St, St. Louis Park(952) 925-4083. Cabinet shopsupplies, hinges, handles -Wholesale to Guild members.www.swansonhardwareco.com

Valspar PaintValspar PaintValspar PaintValspar PaintValspar PaintPlymouth, 2984 Niagara Lane (763)557-1361; St. Paul, 106 Water St W(651) 222-8435; 20% discount toGuild members.www.valspar.com

WoodcraftWoodcraftWoodcraftWoodcraftWoodcraft9125 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington(952) 884-3634. 10% on all itemsexcept power tools.www.woodcraft.com

Woodcarvers Store & SchoolWoodcarvers Store & SchoolWoodcarvers Store & SchoolWoodcarvers Store & SchoolWoodcarvers Store & School3056 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis(612) 927-7491. Books, tools,classes, supplies. 10% discount onall items (except electrics 5%).www.woodcarversstore.com

Youngblood Lumber CoYoungblood Lumber CoYoungblood Lumber CoYoungblood Lumber CoYoungblood Lumber Co.1335 Central Ave., Minneapolis(612) 789-3521, or (800) 933-1335.Wholesale prices to Guildmembers.www.youngbloodlumber.com

James DohogneGerald P O’DriscollPaul BoninShane BoydRoger BrandelBrian CornellMichael FullerPeter GrandeJohn Griffin-WiesnerJim HannahMarc C. HodelEric HoppDale JansenGary LechkoBoris MorariLarry MykingWyatt NewbauerTodd RoachCraig RowePeter SickelerJohn StasielukJoseph SullivanDallas SursleyKeven SwansonMike TorisonNick TretiahRoy WerveyTimothy PoorLynn AavangDean AbbottBjorn AndersonThomas A. BangDave BrittainTim DaultonGreg FlanaganByron GilmanDavid GreensponJack HarnessJeffrey HarveyJohn J. HughesBob JensenBrian J. KerberRichard M. KoneckiJim ManleyDennis MartinJohn D. McCabeDavid A Paulson, MDDwight T PedersonDavid K. PorterMichael PowerAustin RutherfordSteve SchwabecherNorris Stafford IIIKen StoffregenTad ThompsonWil TraegerChris ZawistowskiDavid (Bud) Zeien

New Members

THE CLASSIFIEDS

Advertising in The Classifieds is provided to membersof the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild free of charge.The ads placed herein should be for goods or servicesthat are of general interest to the crafts people whomake up the membership of the guild. Ads for serviceswill run until cancelled. Ads for tools and materialsfor sale will run for one issue unless renewed. Forsubmissions, renewals and to cancel an ad, pleasecontact Bob Bridigum, e-mail [email protected] snail mail to 4755 Laura Lane, Shoreview, MN.5126


Materials

8/4 and 10/4 Hard Maple Slabs. All are30" wide and 121" long. I rescued thislog from being burned! They were sawnon a bandmill, dried in a vacuum kiln to6%, and are quite flat. There was not aknot in the whole flitch. I’ve got 10 ofthese available. I’m asking $5/bf,discount possible if purchasing morethan one. Contact: [email protected],715 557-0328

Nemadji Woods of SandstoneMinnesota would like to announce thatwe have a full assortment of hard andsoftwoods for purchase at verycompetitive prices (Ash, Maple, Oak,Basswood, Pine, Hickory and Cherry).We have both a Vacuum Kiln and D/HKiln for drying wood. We also have a fullservice milling operation for customrequests, which is able to produce andreplicate moldings. We are able toaccommodate the needs of both thelarge and small wood worker. For typesof wood available, pricing and otherinformation contact Ken, Toll Free at(888) 496-5556 or (320) 245-6909 duringregular business hours.

Woodturning – Architectural, Furniturecomponents and Artistic. Diameters upto 18" and lengths up to 8 ½ feet. I canhelp with design or duplicate an originaland supply the turning blank or useyours. Quantities from 1 to 100 or more.Contact Don Wattenhofer at 763 3608282 or 218 573 2386 [email protected]

ToolsSteam bending box, 8' x 12" x 12" withthe copper steam manifold inside, opensat both ends, built in the fashion noted inFine Woodworking some 25 yearsago. No longer bend wood, available forfree to a good home. Jim Marquardt,“Arkworks”1500 Duluth St.,Saint Paul, MN.651-774-7993

Having recently overhauled my dustcollection system, I have used 4"and 3" PVC pipe, 4" and 3" flexible hose,and fittings; free to anyonewho wants to set up a system. All youhave to do is call me and pick upthe stuff. Mike Hipps [email protected]

Restored trade and collector tools fromearly 1800’s to 1950’s. Large assortment ofquality planes, chisels, saws and hand tools.Grey Wolf Antiques will provide currentguild members with a 15% discount on alltools. You must present your membershipcard. Located at Midtown Antique Mall, 301South Main Street, Stillwater, MN or Email:[email protected]

Personal & ServicesWANTED: Skilled Woodworkers,Cabinet Makers and CraftspeopleSt Paul Shipwrights, an award winningshop, is looking for skilledwoodworkers/ craftspeople to dorestoration and repair on classicwooden yachts.Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced post high school trainingin woodworking

• 2 – 3 years of seriouswoodworking experience

• Able to understand three-dimensional work, detail work andproduction

• Motivated, energetic, able to workwell in a team

Only applicants meeting the abovecriteria will be considered.We offer competitive salary (DOQ),disability & health insurance, 401(k)plan and a great working environment.Please submit your resume on line atwww.stpaulshipwrights.comGo to the “Contact” page for email

Plane soles milled flat, price rangesfrom $12 for a block plane to $40 for a#8. Sides can be milled square to thesole for $15-$20. Contact ChuckPitschka at 952-935-0660, or by e-mailat [email protected].

“MY F“MY F“MY F“MY F“MY FAAAAAVVVVVORITE PORITE PORITE PORITE PORITE PARLARLARLARLARLORORORORORTRICKS”TRICKS”TRICKS”TRICKS”TRICKS”

An inspirational woodworkingweekend withMARK LMARK LMARK LMARK LMARK LAAAAAUBUBUBUBUB

Mark Laub is well known for hisdistinctive, meticulously detailedfurniture, his many awards at NorthernWoods and other juried art shows, aswell as his love for cheap wine. This summer, Mark will be hosting a 2day weekend retreat in his studio and willprovide a rare opportunity to learn hisapproach to creative furniture design andshare his secrets to exceptionalwoodworking embellishment. Topics willinclude:

• Finding creative designinspiration

• Living without plans and straightlines

• Wood choices• Marquetry• Shell inlay• Decorative joinery• Texture carving• Glasswork• Metal patination

This weekend retreat will be held inMarks beautiful studio in a secludedforest on the banks of the scenic RumRiver, one hour north of the Twin Cities.YOU HAVE YOUR CHOICE OF DATES :JULY 12-13, JULY26/27 AND 8/16/17.

Gourmet meals, picnics, wine, forestwalks, evening fireside chats and acomprehensive class workbook andreference guide are included. THEDISCOUNTED PRICE FOR MWWGMEMBERS IS $150 For more information call or email marklaub at 763.753.1368 or [email protected]

Minnesota Woodworkers Guild10507 Vessey RdBlooming ton , MN 55437

www.minnesotawoodworkersguild.com

Ric

h G

otz

Mark Your Calendars

Check the guild website www.minnesotawoodworkersguild.com for updates.

G u i l dMeetings

June 17th - Tool Testing with TTI

Description: Join us for a night of tool testing with our friends from TTI, Inc. TTI designs,markets, and manufactures tools for Ryobi, Milwaukee, Rigid and Craftsman and they wouldlike your feedback. There will be tools to test as well as the opportunity to talk with the folksfrom TTI to help influence future tool design.

Location: Forest Products Supply. 2650 Highway 61, Maplewood, 55109.Take Highway 36 to Highway 61. North on Highway 61 to County Road C. You’ll see ForestProducts Supply on the northeast corner of the intersection.

July 15th - Wood Finishing Simplified – Kevin Southwick

Description: A discussion of how to simplify wood finishing by defining some importantterminology and applying good decision making before opening a can of finish. Considerusing the same type of well planned and careful thought process to finishing that you woulduse to design and build a beautiful piece of furniture. Kevin Southwick is a wood finishingspecialist and instructor in Minneapolis, MN. His shop offers furniture conservation,restoration, custom wood finishing and consultation services. Kevin has studied with DonWilliams, Senior Furniture Conservator at the Smithsonian Institute and currently volunteers atthe Minnesota Historical Society in the objects conservation lab.

Location: Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Ave. S., Richfield, MN 55423

½ mile north of I-494 on Nicollet Avenue

Time: Show & Tell at 7:00 p.m; Program starts at 7:15 p.m.

the newsletter of the minnesota woodworkers guild northern ... · david uses mahogany, white oak,...

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