Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

No, not Christmas. Not New Year's Eve. Not Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole Day.

It's the annual Woodworking In America Conference!

This year it's billed as "The Ultimate Skill Building Weekend" and is being held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center—in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area—on October 1-3. Registration opens in May.

Compared to past conferences, this one will have some power tool sessions (in a different location than hand tools), more classes, more vendors, and fun add-on events that are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The class descriptions are diverse and include many things upon which woodworkers would like to improve. Topics include: using different types of hand tools, how to use and sharpen them, and how to cut particular joints and details with both hand and power tools.

There are some new speakers on the list, like Marc Adams and Michael Fortune, as well as familiar ones, like Roy Underhill, Frank Klausz, Bob Lang, Glen Huey, and Chris Schwarz.

I'll give you one bit of inside information. Although I was not able to attend any of his classes, I was told by many people that Ron Herman was the hidden jewel at the conference in Valley Forge last year. I'm going to do my best to sit in on at least one of his presentations this year.

Hope to see you there!

11 comments:

Dyami said...

Kari,
I've got it marked on my calendar. At this point I'm about 40/60 on whether I can go, but I'm trying. I've already taken the time to calculate that it's only an 11 to 12 hour drive. Now I just need to figure out what to do with the kids while I'm gone. With any luck, I'll see you there. Whether I make it or not, please do your normally great job of covering it. So we can all see what we've missed.

Kari Hultman said...

I hope you can make it, Dyami! I will have camera, camcorder and notebook in hand.

naomi said...

So jealous! Hope you make another funny vid, Kari!

Dave Griessmann said...

I'll see you there!

Ross Graham said...

Thanks Kari - will confirm your comment on Ron Herman - I attended the last 20 mins of one of his classes and realized that I had made a big mistake not going to any of his classes. Still owe you pictures of the folk village in Tblisi Georgia (the country) - will send soon.

Extremely Average said...

I am very much considering it. I hope it fits into my budget. I have found that I seem to run out of money frequently, now that I have discovered woodworking.

Kari Hultman said...

Naomi, I'll do my best!

Dave, great! You're buying dinner, right? heh.

Ross, looking forward to seeing your photos of Tblisi. I was there in '86 but I'm sure it looks quite different now.

Brian, woodworking is not for the thin-walleted, for sure. Hope to see you at the conference. :o)

Woodbloke said...

Kari - sounds like another good one...have fun! - Rob

Unknown said...

Cincy is my home town and I am so glad they are doing here this year. I am going to try my best to be there, even if its to come down for a day trip. Cincy is rich in woodworking and architecture. and if you get a chance we have some great flea markets where I always find some tool or other gem. I can't wait to see you all there.

Joey

Kari Hultman said...

Thanks, Rob!

Joey, you're lucky to live so close! I hope you can make it. It will be well worth your time.

Unknown said...

Yup, you're right about Ron Herman! I attended one of his sessions at Valley Forge and was simply amazed at the depth of his real-world knowledge when it comes to hand saws. The guy is simply amazing. He's VERY entertaining as well. His session should be at the top of anyone's list who are interested in hand saws.