The Box Contest Was a Success!

Congratulations to all the members who entered a box in our 5th Annual Box Contest last month. We saw some extraordinary pieces. Mike Bray regaled us as usual with a hilarious and well-crafted entry. This year it was what he called a "Shaker Box". And there were also many other memorable, well-made entries. You can see pictures elsewhere in this newsletter. Everyone had a good time at the meeting and all of us really appreciated the effort every entrant took to create a unique and beautiful box. Now about those nametags for our Nametag Contest in July -- you have started yours, haven't you?

Classic Joints with Power Tools

Almost two dozen members had the privilege of joining author, teacher, and BAWA member, Yeung Chan for a day long workshop at Per Madsen's shop. Everyone thought it was fantastic as they learned a wealth of new things about how to easily create some simple but classic joinery, and some joints that were usually thought to be too complicated to attempt. After hearing and seeing Yeung's very clear presentation of how to make these joints and what simple jigs and fixtures they could build to do so, they left excited about doing it themselves. Many thanks to Per for hosting, to Neal White and Jay Perrine for organizing the event, and most of all to Yeung for taking time from his busy schedule to teach us here at home. It was a great day spent with a Master Woodworker!

Membership List

Harold Patterson our Membership person, has once again worked his computer magic. With the help of Mark Rand our Newsletter person, he has sent all paid members a new membership list. If you didn't get one, its because you haven't paid. To get one all you have to do is pay your dues for 2004.

SF Exhibits

I recently viewed the "Second Generation" exhibit in San Francisco. It's a combination show of furniture, functional and decorative objects by 50 exhibitors from the Baulines Craft Guild and the Mendocino Coast Furnituremakers. Right off the top of my head I identified at least 5 craftspeople who've presented to our club in the last few years. Michael Cullen (with Laurie Mason) entered a whimsical art piece, David Marks a curly maple table, Dan Stalzer a coffee table, and Ejler Hjorht-Westh a dining chair. Also John deMarchi is exhibiting some of the wonderfully precise metal tools he makes. While not a large show, it is definitely worth a visit if you're in San Francisco. Located in the lobby of 600 Townsend Street, it's open weekdays 9-5, and Saturdays 1-4pm through May 22nd.

Something else worth taking the family to see is at the Hyde Street Pier. In addition to the sailing ship parked there for tours there are other wooden ships. Also right now the park rangers are building small two-person, wooden rowboats there in their woodshop. You can see the different methods they're using to construct the frames and cover them with wood strips. Parking is available several places nearby along the tourist attractions at Pier 39.

Across Jefferson Street, in the front corner of the Argonaut Hotel, is a nice maritime museum, also run by the park service. In addition to the ship models and other interesting information about the history of the port of San Francisco, the lobby of the hotel (which shares space with the museum) contains a display of huge woodworking tools. These are some of the actual tools used to build these large wooden sailing ships. It includes what we consider a giant sized hand auger and bits, saws, and of course a huge wood chisel --- just like we use today in timber framing! Viola, this hand tool stuff is still important in woodworking! And best of all, it's still what you can learn to use in various ways throughout BAWA!