I’ll be driving up to Chicago on Thursday to participate in the Lie-Nielsen Hand Tool Event at Jeff Miller’s shop April 20-21. This is one of my favorite shows because of the city itself and the people who exhibit and attend.
This year we will be bringing one of Peter Follansbee’s joint stools – it’s actually the one shown on the cover of “Make a Joint Stool from a Tree.” We will also be bringing copies of the book. Once you see the stool in person we think you’ll want to make one. Trees beware.
I’ll also be traveling with the traveling version of “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest.” It’s small but packs everything you need.
As always, the Chicago venue gets some top-shelf talent in addition to the Lie-Nielsen folks. The Abraham boys from Benchcrafted will be there. I have heard that they will be bringing a device that will change the world of leg vises. I cannot say more without Father John giving me a withering look. But let me say this: The show will be worth the drive just to see what they are bringing.
In other tempting news, Raney Nelson from Daed Toolworks will be exhibiting his fantastic miter planes (bought one) and smoothers (bought one). Raney does excellent, excellent work and you can play with his tools all day if you like.
Also coming: Kevin Drake, the maker of the Tite-Mark – hands down the best cutting gauge ever made in the history of human civilization. I own three. I wish I had 10. Plus the nice folks from Elkhead Tools, who make some bad-a$$ screwdrivers.
Oh, and don’t forget the host: Jeff Miller, one of my favorite contemporary furniture makers and an all-around nice guy. Goad him into talking about his new book project – there’s never been a book published like it (I wish we were the publishers….).
I’m also told that Megan Fitzpatrick from Popular Woodworking Magazine will be there to chat up the magazine and hassle me. And Andy Brownell will represent Gorilla Glue. Right?
As always, the show is free and open to the public.
— Christopher Schwarz
I will be there! Looking forward to meeting you, Chris 🙂
So tempting…
A withering look? Me? I’m probably guilty of that look whether you have it coming or not!
Just leave that Chowles guy at home this time. He smells like fatted calf. And the high heels… ugh.
i’ll be there first thing on saturday. i hope to get a good look at some of your tools, chris, and ask a few questions along the way. as well as pick up some of the vise hardware from benchcrafted. i hope he brought enough.
Looking forward to the show and meeting you Chris.
I would really like to see some detailed pictures of Jeff’s tool cabinet. Anything would be appreciated.
Looks like a GREAT event.
Darn. I wish the hours were slightly longer. I’m in Chicago for an art show, 10 miles away. But our show hours almost exactly coincide with yours. Pout.
Lunch across town?
Nice thought, but artists at shows don’t really get a lunch break…
Only 10 miles away, but the hours of our arr show are about the same as your event. Pout…!
See you there. Looking forward to meeting you and the man who built the bench bench
Robert Wood
Dear Chris…
Nice meeting you in Chicago. What I forgot to mention, is that much of your writing has a) a good conceptual framework/organizational structural (e.g. course, medium & fine), b) practical advice/suggestions for the beginner/advance craftsman, and c) just enough pleasantries to make each book a fine and enjoyable read. Superlative writing! As a newcomer to the craft, I find you work the most helpful and an asset to the craft.
BTW, I’ll be cutting my first set of dovetails next week with Rob Cosman.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Christopher Adamsick
Chris,
It was great to meet you, Meagan, and all of the other reps. Thanks to David for the sharpening lesson. I posted the pictures on Facebook and I hope you don’t mind the decription I gave. I said that if Norm and Bob Villa were the Beatles, you would be Bill Monroe and Meagan would be Dolly Parton. I hope to see you at WWIA.
Clark
Spent some seriously good time, and of course the highlight was meeting you, Chris!
Peter