June 2009 Meeting: 8 board feet of wood contest, raised panel doors

The 8 Board Feet of Wood competition was judged this evening with about 12 entries, which represented the largest number of entries to our challenge thus far.  First place was awarded to Steve Altman with a very detailed and exacting jewelry case made of common pine, which is a species very out of character for Mr. Altman, yet the workmanship was excellent and his finish was that of very old wood.  Steve received a $50.00 gift certificate that was generously donated by Monteath Lumber for our contest. Kudos to Steve! 

Bob Masterson demonstrated an easy method of making raised panel doors. He made a cherry door for a vanity using only 3 cutters and a router table. The purpose was to show that if Bob can do it, anybody can do it (his words) and he hopes some were inspired to try. He also says that the vanity has yet to be completed.

The passing of Sam Maloof and his work and kindness was mentioned.

May 2009 meeting: Tool swap

This meeting was our swap meet. Although not as many articles were for sale as last year, it was still a successful swap meet.

Next meeting's 8 Board Feet of Wood competition was discussed in detail. The most notable change in our rules this year: instead of receiving identical stacks of wood to make a project, contestants may use up to 8 board feet of a single species of wood of their own choice.  All other rules apply.

Matt Greco acquired a $50 gift certificate from Monteath Lumber for the winner. Thanks Matt!

April 2009 meeting: Glen Guarino

Our meeting was opened by Jeff Brown with 3 new members. Jeff announced that Todd Gleason has volunteered his time and shop to cut 200 bird houses and feeders for our fund raiser. We still need volunteers to assemble.  The club will be selling its wares at the Marlboro Community Day in May. 

This evening's speaker is Glen Guarino, of Guarino Furniture Designs. Glenn is a one of a kind furniture maker.  His topic was his method of designing furniture. He explained the steps he takes from the idea to drawing the piece in sections to determine the most pleasing design. Glen brought 2 tables with him which were very unique and quite beautiful. I would say his work falls between contemporary and Asian. A retired shop teacher, Glen has been building his pieces for over 30 years and leaves no doubt he is very talented. His work has been selected for 500 Tables, published by Lark Books, and has had numerous articles in magazines including Fine Woodworker.  We appreciate his time and his willingness to share his skills with us. The topic was very interesting, well prepared and presented. Many thanks to Glen.

March 2009 meeting: Three ways to a beautiful finish

This meeting was opened by Jeff Brown with 8 new members present.  Jeff discussed our participation in The Woodworking Show in Edison this month. Paul Weber gave us his input about dyes, stains, and finish techniques. Matt Greco talked about how he applies shellac. Marc Gaertner went over his process of applying wipe on and aerosol polyurethane.  Roger Ackerman made a home electroplating rig to extract rust from iron. The components necessary are a bucket, with a steel anode as a positive and the work as the negative attached to a low amperage battery charger or rectifier. The solution Roger used was sodium carbonate and water. the results were quite pleasing. Some links related to the process are provided by Roger are listed below.

A Primer on Rust

Rust Removal using Electrolysis

Rust Removal Using Electrolysis (another page)

February 2009 Meeting: Walpole Woodworking

This night we had three new members with us, including two ladies. Our guest speaker was Bill Lowell, of Walpole Woodworking.  Bill gave us a slide presentation and spoke about his company which primarily builds cedar fencing, outdoor furnishing, custom period railings and of the like. Bill is very knowledgeable about his company. Walpole has a work force of 500 employees in the height of their season, and is based out of Massachusetts.  The bulk of production is in Maine. 

Bob Masterson discussed a problem of drilling a straight hole through a 18” long block of cocobolo. With over 10 members suggestions, we’ll see the outcome next month.

Bill Woodard was able to show his shop of the month again, as time was limited last meeting.  Bill is building a kayak from cedar wood and fiberglass in his basement.  Bill has been added to our Members Gallery with a number of beautiful furniture pieces he has built over the years. Check him out, as Bill is a very skillful woodworker.  I’m sure we’ll soon have pictures of the finished boat and Bill kayaking off the coast of Anchorage!

Thanks to Mihail for providing a banquet for our break!