Steve's Shavings in April

This month’s column will include;

•     Minutes from the March 2013 TWA meeting,
•     Donation of New Irwin Marples 10 inch Saw Blades for review and T4T Auction,
•     TWA members contributions,
•     Announcement of TWA Board of Directors/Committee Chair Meeting.

Meeting Minutes
Several TWA members met with Cliff Greaves, and Tony Abbruzzi, President and Scribe (respectively) of the Triad Woodworkers Association before our March meeting. As a small club they contacted us looking for thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for enhancing their membership. There is a possibility of a future joint meeting. Cliff and Tony then joined us for our regular TWA meeting. With the support they received from our board and committee members we sure hope they had a lot to take home with them. Thank You one and all for representing our great club so well.
The meeting came to order at approximately 7pm with President Steve Steinbeck presiding. Approximately 55 attended including; 3 visitors, 4 new members (Tom Konsler, David Murphy, Duane Ryder, and David Stepp), and 3 returning members (Hank Heppt, Bill Kelly, and Leo Radzik).

    Steve Steinbeck reminded the attendees to support Klingspor as our host by "picking up, putting up, and cleaning up" following each meeting and please, NO water on iron.
    Fred Ford gave a brief update regarding Toys for Tots and reminded members of the planned T4T kickoff/pigpickin’ in July. More details will be shared in future.
    Mike Payst advised the members that he is planning another workshop for constructing his special leg vise. Mike has perfected this ancient vise and your shop is not complete without one. See page 5 for more details.
    Kay Baker reminded members to check out the Roy Underhill DVD series from his early Woodwright Shows. She also announced that woodworking book and DVD donations are still needed for the planned ‘Book Expo‘ at the August meeting.
    Jeff Leimberger gave a program schedule update and introduced O’Neal Jones of Cotton Wood Studios in Graham, NC who gave a fascinating presentation on the design and construction of Shoji Screens.
    Following the refreshment break, Mike Payst conducted the gift card drawing and Pete Bucki quickly auctioned off some tools, raising more funds for Toy for Tots. Irwin Tools donated new Marples Woodworking Series Saw Blades. Jeff Amrein (Jeff.Amrein@IRWIN.com), Senior Product Manager, contacted me a few months ago to announce an opportunity for TWA members to receive several newly designed saw blades. I immediately responded without objection, and the request for blade review would be stressed to all recipients. Jeff felt the support to our T4T program was bonus.
    Your chance to try out the new Marples Series of 10 inch saw blades will occur at the April meeting. Pete Bucki will auction; 1 general purpose blade, 2 rip blades, and 2 combination blades. If you are fortunate enough to obtain one of these blades your only obligation is to use the product and write a product review for their R & D team. Reviews should be submitted to: https://marplesreview.surveyananalytics.com.
    Everyone submitting a review by July 1, 2013 will be entered in a drawing to win a $500 IRWIN Woodworking Prize Pack including saw blades, chisels, clamps, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to test drive some new saw blades and help raise funds for the Toys for Tots Program.

The success of TWA requires the support of many. During the Chris Schwarcz workshops I asked TWA Member, Jack Kite, if he would consider submitting an article for our April Newsletter summarizing the workshops. He has exceeded all expectations by providing an excellent overview with detailed drawings. Jack exemplifies why TWA continues to be a successful woodworking club when other clubs are losing members.
    A special thank you to Jim Olesen for preparing the refreshment table, filling in for Chuck at the March meeting. Thanks Jim for stepping up at the last minute.
    Long time TWA member and old friend of the Steinbeck family, Mike Payst is another TWA member who continues to contribute to the craft of woodworking and has been active in supporting numerous TWA efforts.
    The regular meeting of the TWA on April 16, 2013 will have another TWA member, Tom Calisto, who will be presenting his finely crafted infill planes. You may remember Tom from his presentation on hand made woodworking saws. We are fortunate to have him as a TWA member who contributes his unique woodworking and tool making skills.

Please bring a friend who shares our passion for woodworking to our next TWA meeting, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop at 3141 Capital Blvd. in Raleigh beginning at 7 p.m.

Now ~~ let’s go make some shavings~~

President: Steve Steinbeck