Volume 14, No. 2 November 2002

Key Stories In This Issue 1 Presidents Message 1 2 Toys for Tots 1 3 November Meeting 2

The Guild of NH Woodworkers ñ Founded 1990 4 2003 Juried Show 2 www.gnhw.org 5 October Small Meetings 3 The Presidentís Message from Peter Breu 6 February Guild Meeting 4 7 Period Furniture 5

8 Shop Shavings 6 in the past few years, and I am very Hello! I was elected at the annual excited about the meetings we have 9 September Bending 7 meeting in Canterbury, and Iíd like to planned for this year, and are consider- 10 Calendar 10 ing for the coming years. I hope that take a minute to introduce myself. 11 Windsor Chair Making 12 you will make suggestions to the Steer- First, youíve elected another president with a German heritage, and my name ing Committee so we can best serve is pronounced as if it were spelled your interests. We have a number of BROY. And, like Jack Grube, I taught great programs in place such as the school for a number of years (English Turning Symposium, Scholarships, And, lastly, I have a request. We still and German.) Woodworking is mostly Sunapee Fair, Toys for Tots, and the need to fill several positions for this a hobby for me, but I aspire to be a full Juried Show, and I hope to make each year. We are missing a Vice President, time, professional furniture maker. of these strong and vibrant. Program Chairman, and Sunapee Coor- Iím hoping that if I attend enough dinator. If you would like to help, Guild meetings the inspiration and in- please contact me or the other mem- formation I find will take me there! I must thank the officers, Steering bers of the Steering Committee. I Committee, and particularly Jack, as I hope you had a great time at a small Of much greater importance to you am taking on a job that is already very meeting (any suggestions for other top- however, are my goals for the Guild. well organized with a yearís worth of ics?) and see you in November at Dana Simply stated, I hope that every meet- meetings clearly planned. I hope that I Robes. I look forward to a great year! ing I preside over will be fascinating, will be able to match Jackís energy and inspirational, educational, and make enthusiasm as president. Peter Breu you itch to get back to the shop. I viv- # 603.647.2327 idly remember several such meetings [email protected]

Toys for Tots By Venera Gattaloni

GIVE YOUR GIFT AND LOVE The toys for tots program is proceeding OF WOODWORKING TO A well. Students from Pinkerton Acad- YOUNGSTER emy have made the train bases and some members of the Guild have vol- At the moment the Guild of Woodcarv- REACH OUT TO YOUR unteered to make the caboose and train ers has volunteered to make 25 cars, parts, but we are still looking for some some members of the Guild of Wood- COMMUNITY! volunteers to contribute to making the turners have volunteered to make 24 remaining toy trains. cars , and we have 40 left to make, but Come meet and play with other mem- we are not limited to that amount. The bers of the Guild and the Seacoast For those of you who do not like big seacoast woodworkers club has also Woodworkers at Homestead Wood- crowds and enjoy the comforts of your said they would be willing to make working School on October 26th and home shops, but would like to make some trains. If you have any ideas or November 23rd at 9am. There will be toy trains, I can get you some train suggestions please let me know about coffee and donuts and a fun filled day bodies with wheels and some plans and them. of making trains for children at a Safe you could build the train cars at home. Place, St.Charles Children's Home and the Forest Park Community at the Uni- Please contact me at 659-6372 or at versity of . [email protected].

November Meeting By Peter Breu

volume spray booth which they use for for the bandsaw meeting, and it is worth a November 9th at the Dana Robes spraying oil ñ an unusual method, but visit by itself! If you want to learn more which produces great finishes for them. about Dana Robes you can visit their web Shop, Enfield, NH The Dana Robes shop hosted us last year site at www.danarobes.com. Come and learn more about finishing with a spray gun! On Saturday, November 9th will be the next full Guild meeting, and finishing will be featured. Terry Moore will spray nitro- cellulose lacquer, Bruce Hamilton will dis- Directions to Dana Robes: cuss his use of catalyzed lacquer, and a Dana Robes finisher will show how they Take exit #17 off I-89 and go east on route spray Danish Oil. This promises to be a 4 toward Enfield. Proceed for 2 miles to great meeting! the intersection of route 4A. Take a right on route 4A, and proceed 3 miles. You We will start at 9am with the Christmas will see the Shaker Inn on the left. Dana sale (see related article on page 6 by Peter Robesí building is the second one on the James.) There will be an open discussion left after the Inn. Their address is Rte. 4A, of finishing lead by our presenters before Lower Shaker Village, Enfield, NH, 03748 lunch. If you have ever seen Terryís work, #603.632.5385 you know that his finishes are as perfect as they come. Bruce is a professional refini- sher (who also give classes on finishing ñ Program Coordinator see the article on the Guild Series classes Peter Breu at the Homestead School) and is a wealth Occasional Round Table [email protected] of information. Dana Robes has a high by Terry Moore #603.647.2327

Annual 2003 Juried Show By Marty Milkovitz

Our 2003 Juried Show will be held at the show, but as of yet (Oct 1) has not commit- of the show. As soon as I have more solid famous Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton ted to do so. The museum will be opening information I will be sending out a formal Woods in White Mountains. The exact a new gallery on State St. in May. request for a Call for Entries. dates of the show have not yet been final- ized, but it appears as though it will be in If possible, I am going to try for both loca- So there you have it! late summer or early fall. At any rate, it tions for the 2003 show. If not, then the will not be before June. The Hotel will not 2004 show will likely be at Strawbery I have given you an approximately 10 be finalizing their schedule for the latter Banke Museum. During Oct, by the time months lead time, so the excuse ìI didnít half of the year until Nov. Strawbery you read this, I already will have met with have time to build anythingî just wonít Banke museum in Portsmouth has also ex- the Events Coordinator and Sales Depart- hold. Donít make me call and Nag! pressed a strong interest in hosting our ment of the hotel to work out all the details North Bennett Street School Open House

Carpentry, Piano Technology, Jewelry Students from each of these departments On Friday November 1, (10 AM-2PM) and Making, Bookbinding and locksmithing. will be working on projects and instructors Saturday November 2, (10AM-3PM) the will be available to answer questions. North Bennett Street School in Boston will be holding itís annual Open House. The school is located at 39 North Bennett Street (1 block down from the Old North This is an opportunity to visit the eight Church) in the north end of Boston. For programs of the school including: Cabinet more information contact their web site at and Furniture Making, Preservation Car- nbss.org or call them at (617) 227-0155 pentry, Violin Making and restoration,

Volume 14 No. 2 Page 2 October Small Meetings

mills that have consistently high quality brine or oil bath (old time blacksmiths Dovetailing Demonstration cutting and grading lumber. Highland were know to use common horse byprod- buys their lumber green from these mills ucts). By Rod Swanson and then ships it to one kiln in Massachu-

th setts for drying. This further results in a Tempering ñ since the hardening process On October 5 , eight Guild members at- consistent quality of wood. can result in a tool edge that is prone to tended Steve Marcqís small-group dovetail chipping, tempering is the process of heat- demonstration. Highland acquires their lumber from all ing to a much lower temp, (ranging from over the United States thereby assuring a 400 to 600 degrees) and then cooling. Steve not only showed us how he tunes up good selection of native wood species. his saws, he also tuned up saws which Rick Lange has thirty-three years of ex- Although tool forging is commonly associ- members had brought with them. The dem- perience in the trade and he knows the ated with a coal fired forge, a small home onstration took on a hands-on approach as reputation of his lumber sources. He will built gas fired forge burning propane gas each of us was able to try different saws purchase from new mills only after asking was demonstrated. Although the coal which varied in price from $12.00 to a lot of questions. The exotics are pur- forge does provide the ambience of the $125.00.He demonstrated various layout chased through other vendors and not di- past, the coal forge requires a suitable tools and explained the advantages and rectly from the mill. chimney, generates black dust, is not as disadvantages of the various tail ratios. portable as a gas forge and costs more than A tour of the lumberyard showed enor- a gas forge. The gas forge can be easily In addition to explaining and demonstra- mous stacks of wood in various buildings built from scrap pile angle iron, a surplus tion the cutting of both through and half and included a discussion on the grading metal container or large diameter pipe and blind dovetails, Steve explained various process. Highland sends their graders to common hardware store plumbing fittings. techniques for correcting mistakes. He also school to ensure consistent quality grading The two main purchased items are an ad- explained wood movement, grain orienta- standards. justable gas regulator (around $35) and a tion and discussed the age-old debate of small piece of refractory insulation ($10). whether pins or tails should be cut first. Following the tour of the lumberyard. Ted A product called KAOWool was used for While he cuts the tails first 99% of the Bachly gave a presentation on how he indi- the forge to line the inside of a surplus time, he suggested the right technique is vidually selects wood and what he looks Freon tank accompanied by a high tem- the one that works for each individual. for in his wood based upon the specific perature firebrick. The gas jet is a sim- project. Ted shared with the attendees the ple - a #58 or #59 drill hole through a º The demonstration was very informative sequence of steps he goes through. He dis- inch pipe stub. Further details on hobby and proved useful information. cussed figured woods and talked about type gas forges can be easily found by web how changing the direction of two boards searches. I am certain each of the attendees join me can change the color of the wood. It was a in thanking Steve and his wife, Pauline, for very enjoyable and informative talk. their hospitality. In addition to the forge, an anvil and tongs I again I would like to thank Ted and Rick are needed for tool making. Anvils can be for very informative presentations. purchased for $1 to $3 per pound. Alterna- Highland Hardwoods tives such a railroad track sections can be By Brian Sargent used if securely mounted. Beginners will need a small number of tongs, but barn sales prices are around $5 to $10 each. I would like to extend a special thanks to

Highland Hardwood for hosting a very Members were cautioned to not use any well received tour of their facility and to Toolmaking for gas fired forge in their homes or any base- Ted Blachly for sharing with us how he Woodworkers ment type workshops since propane is individually selects his wood and what he By Ken Kuster heavier than air and will not dissipate. looks for in wood for each project.

Twenty-one people attended including Al The toolmaking demo focused on the 3 Forging consists of 5 basic operations ñ Mitchell's ten-week woodworking class heat treating aspects that are required to drawing, cutting, upsetting, bending and from the Homestead School. Those in at- fabricate most woodworking tools. The punching. tendance provided very positive feedback three areas are: on the day's presentations. Coffee and The drawing operation is commonly used donuts were served at the start of the morn- Annealing ñ this is the process of heating for forming a tapered tang on a chisel or ing event. the steel stock above the critical tempera- forming the blade on a adze. ture (approximately 1600 degrees F) and The impression that one came away with then coiling slowly. For toolmaker wannabes without a from the day's tour is that Highland Hard- wood goes to great lengths to purchase and Hardening ñ the first step of hardening is (continued on Page 11) sell the best quality lumber. Over the years also heating to the critical temperature and Highland has found a number of select then rapidly cooling in either a water, Page 3 February Meeting at the Society for the Preservation of NH Forests By Andy Young Grant has been a professional woodworker Members can brown bag or go to a nearby The Guild will meet in Concord at the So- since 1975. A founding member of the sandwich shop ciety for the Protection of New Hampshire Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers Forests (SPNHF). Dave Anderson, and a state-juried member of the League of 1pm-1:45 pm Guild presenter, SPNHFís Director of Education, will pre- New Hampshire Craftsmen, Taylor studied Grant Taylor on the uses of NH wood from sent the slide show For- in the United States with master wood- his perspective as a main stream wood- ests Forever which is an carver Art Ritchie of Keene, New Hamp- worker focusing on millwork and furniture. introduction to the Soci- shire, and in Connemara, Ireland with fur- ety and its history. He niture master Al OíDea. He also has at- 1:45 to 3 pm Two other Guild mem- also will discuss the state tended the Celtic College in Goderich, On- bers will present their unique uses of local of New Hampshireís tario, to study the design and construction woods forests as they relate to of Celtic knotwork, spirals and key pat- the Societyís focus and terns. Directions perspective. Taylor has combined his training of carv- The Society is located at 54 Portsmouth Dave Anderson is responsible for the de- ing and Irish design to make traditional Street in Concord, New Hampshire. sign, development and delivery of a state- Celtic and Celtic-inspired furniture since wide curriculum of conservation education 1981. He also makes and plays Celtic From : Take Exit 16. At to Forest Society members, conservation harps. He works alone in a stone studio end of exit ramp, make a right. Follow partners and friends. In promoting the So- that he built in South Acworth, New brown and white ìConservation Centerî cietyís duel role as a land trust and forestry Hampshire. signs to the Center. organization, Dave leads field trips which showcase the land protection, public pol- Additional presenters will be announced in From Interstate 393: Take Exit 2 onto icy, forestry and land stewardship efforts the next newsletter. East Side Drive. At exit intersection, make of SPNHF. Also, Daveís monthly column a right onto East Side Drive. Follow ìIn the Woodsî appears in the Sunday Agenda brown and white ì Conservation Centerî Concord Monitor. signs to the Center. 10 am SPNHF presentation by Dave After Daveís presentation, he and Paul Le- Anderson From the West: Take to Ext deille of SPNHF, will split the group in 1. Get on I-93 heading north. Take Exit half for a guided tour of the Societyís 11 am Passive Solar Tour split into two 16. At end of exit ramp, make a right. wood passive solar addition. groups led by Dave Anderson & Paul Le- Follow brown and white ì Conservation deille Centerî signs to the Center. After lunch, three Guild members will pre- sent their unique ways of working with 11:30 am or later Lunch Break local woods. First up will be Grant Taylor. Guild Series Classes at the Homestead Woodworking School

The Homestead School continues with this ries. After our finishing meeting in Novem- fallís Guild Series classes which allow ber, Bruce Hamilton will teach a seminar on Contact the Homestead School for pricing members to learn more about techniques finishing Thursday, December 5 (7-9:30pm.) and details call 603-659-2345, wood- demonstrated at our meetings. [email protected] or visit their website These are great instructors and an opportu- at www.woodschoolnh.com Steve Marq will teach hand-cut dovetails nity for ìhands onî experience! Saturday, November 2 (9am-3pm.) as a follow on to the October Small Shop se-

Scholarship Names

The official names or the two major schol- Announced at the September Annual Meet- arships awards are now the ìRoy Noyes ing by outgoing Guild President Jack Scholarshipî and the ì Peter Bloch Scholar- Congratulations to Grube was the naming of the two large shipî that recognize the leadership and Roy and Peter! Guild scholarship awards. multi year efforts of both members to the GNHW mission. Page 4 The Old Saw Period Furniture Making By Dave Andersen

Saturday September 14th saw the Guildís riety of endeavors including a dressing table period furniture group meet at Dave (low boy), and a high chest. Andersonís shop in Chester. This new group, organized last February, is oriented Geoff Ames, the group organizer and men- toward furniture produced before the tor, covered more fixtures and jigs and 1840ís when the industrial revolution took showed a piecrust mahogany table top he has hold in America. Members started the day under construction. Of particular interest with a shop tour of Daveís bench and ma- was the evolving discussing on methods of chine rooms before settling into the bench producing sliding dovetails for a pedestal room for the main part of the meeting. table base. Dave Anderson handed out a bibliography of books on period furniture he Members covered their progress on per- acquired at the Society of American Furni- sonal projects since the last meeting in ture Makers meeting in Lancaster, Pennsyl- June at Lester Huckinís. Ed Jones brought vania in August, and a full scale set of plans the prototype of a folding cabriole leg for the reproduction Colonial Williamsburg round top table like the one shown in Van- bow saw he made at Wood Days in Canter- dalís book. John Watson brought parts of bury this past June. his Queen Anne side chair and the corre- sponding templates. Paul Miller brought The next meeting of the Period Furniture and displayed his completed maple console group is scheduled to meet at Paul Millerís table in Daveís living room. Chuck DíAr- shop in Chester at 9:30AM on Saturday, No- rezo had drawings and some of the parts of vember 16th. Those with a serious interest in a tall pedestal table he is building. Other building 16th thru early 19th century furniture members discussed their progress on a va- are cordially invited to attend.

Ed Jones with Cabriole Legs

Roger Myers Discussing Geoffís Geoff Ames with Tenon- Piecrust Table Top ing Jig for PieCrust Table Dave Andersen ìAnother Cabriole Legíerî

Page 5 The Old Saw Shop Shavings By Garrett Hack

tening edges, or drawing the viewer to distracts your eye and to some extent hides what you want them to see. the inevitable warp that doors are prone Itís All In The Details to. A cockbead hides even more, because One of my favorite details are beads, espe- it is proud of both stiles. Beads can also

cially the finely proportioned ones cut with hide the necessary gap between door and If a piece of furniture is like a good meal, hand tools. Cut into an edge they are frame or two doors closing together. The the details are the herbs and spices, a fine known as side beads; applied to an edge dark line of the gap mirrors the "quirk" or wine, a rich dessert. Without the details and proud of it they are called cockbeads. groove of the bead profile. And if you use the dinner will be just as nutritious -- the The ever-practical Shakers used sidebeads a sidebead as one element of a molding, furniture just as functional -- only maybe everywhere. Beads are one of those details the quirk is a perfect place to sink and hide not quite so enjoyable. that can do a lot for you. They round an a brad. It all adds up to a hard working and edge, such as along the bottom of a table handsome detail. I like to think about designing furniture apron, so it's more comfortable to sidle up and details in a similar way. From across to the table. A smoothly rounded edge is When it comes to the details, more is not the room a chair might attract your atten- also less apt to be damaged and disfigured always better. Some historical styles used tion by its shape, proportions, or by the wear and tear of time and carelessly many -- Louis XIV for instance with exu- color. Moving closer reveals the details. slid in chairs. And a sidebead or cockbead berant carvings, moldings, rich exotic Maybe it's an inlaid line along the top of (especially of contrasting wood) creates a woods, inlays of tortoiseshell, horn and the crest rail, square ebony pegs locking strong visual line along the bottom of the brass. That was the preferred taste then joints, or beads run up the rear legs. Sit in aprons, drawing your eye to and along it. and for some still is. Other styles such as the chair and perhaps day dreaming one Craftsman use far fewer details such as day you run your fingers along the under- chamfers, decorative pins, and through side of the seat rails and you feel another joints. Don't forget that we are working less obvious detail -- a chamfer cut along with wood, that has unique detail in the the inside and outside edges. Any one of form of color, grain, and figure. Even the them could be missing and the chair might textures that your tools leave behind can be just as comfortable, but each of the de- add interest. But if you need more inspira- tails adds to the whole. tion, look at architecture, furniture of all types, good design in any medium, or look to nature. The challenge is not finding details you like -- they are everywhere you look -- but Part of my enjoyment of making furniture using them in a way that enhances rather is allowing some flexibility as I build. I than clutters your design. The details need don't have all of the details worked out, but to be unified with the design and each they are easy enough to mock up on a other. Don't give your viewer so much va- piece of scrap, to refine my ideas and to try riety that they feel confused and over- Beading Illustrated on Table Leg out cutting them. Sometimes these test whelmed. Think of the details as varia- samples get sent to a client. I save most of tions on a theme, made from similar them; you never know when you might use woods, colors, patterns, repeating shapes, an idea again. Beads can do even more. Run along the or scale. Design details that work for you; hiding joints, smoothing transitions, sof- closing stile of the door or frame, a bead

Christmas Sale By Peter James

Last year Jack Grube suggested having a Among these might be stained glass, of the afternoon presentations and for a short Christmas sale at the November meeting to wrought iron, paintings, etc. Because space time after the presentations. Price tags will provide an outlet for quality artisan made will be limited, it is requested that if large be provided and sales conducted by person- items. Because of other commitments, it pieces are to be sold that they be represented nel manning the tables. did not happen, but Peter James has agreed by photographs. Also, if orders for custom- to organize the sale this year. The sale will made items are to be offered, that a small Peter can be contacted at 435-8133 or by feature not only wood craft items, but also self-contained display of similar work is pro- email at "[email protected]". other crafts that either members or family vided. It is planned that the sales tables will create. be manned in the morning up until the time

Volume 14 No. 2 Page 6 September Bending Seminars By Ken Kuster

steel is preferred to maximize the Once again, the educational value of Guild moisture and heat while avoiding cor- membership was demonstrated at the Sep- rosion problems with either a steel or tember 21st meeting at Dave Emersonís galvanized liner. shop in Canterbury, NH. Three qualified • ì Overcookingî of stock is not a prob- presenters consisting of host Dave Emer- lem son, Garrett Hack and Brian Sargent each • Do not use kiln dried wood discussed their varying experiences with • Machine the stock ì good and smoothî bending of wooden components. • Red oak is preferred over white oak or ash • Read the Lee Valley documentation that comes with the bending products.

Shaker Chip Basket with Steam Bent Handle As an closing comment, Dave discussed linseed oil fire hazards during finishing operations. He cautioned the attendees against the storing of paper towels or rags that have been used to apply or wipe up Here are the initial steps that Dave follows linseed oil or any products that contain lin- to obtain straight grain, defect free stock: seed oil.

• Oak planks are obtained directly at the sawmill by screening planks immedi- ately after sawing to avoid handling. • Latex paint is applied to the rough board ends to minimize moisture loss Our first presentation covered steam bend- and checking. ing and was given by Dave Emerson. • After arrival at Daveís shop, a water Dave discussed his bending station that based urethane is applied to the plank consists of a propane fired ì Lobster ends as an additional sealer. Cookerî that heats a 5 gallon container that • Air Dry for one year generates steam that is piped to a lined steam box via radiator hose. For the demo, Dave used 13/16 oak strips for bending After planing and cutting of the stock, the plant holders. Wooden forms were strips are kept in the steam box for one shown with a Lee Valley clamping and hour. Dave emphasized that the steam box strapping jig that allows a quick bend to be should not present any back pressure to made. maximize the steam flow through the box.

After the plant hooks are removed from the During his bending, Dave emphasized that bending jig, the hooks are quickly trans- he prefers the wood grain to wrap around ferred to drying boxes that keep the hooks the jig and that his use of selected rough in the bent shape while drying for a week stock, a year long drying interval and grain or so. In addition to the plant hooks, selection results in almost no bending de- Shaker ì wood chip boxî handles were fab- fects. The second presenter, Garrett Hack, ricated in a ìUî shape with almost square opened his talk by describing his bending corners. Several other hints were mentioned: approach as ì empiricalî from his associa- tion and training with Jere Osgood. • Fill the water container with hot water Garrettís discussion focused on wood Dave kept an interesting commentary go- to start the steam generation bending by either steam or laminations ing discussing the business aspects of mak- • Fill the container half full to avoid with comparisons of both methods. ing many items cheaply and efficiently to boilover allow profit at wholesale prices. His first • A sliding steam box door is critical so bending experience was a sleigh restora- the door can be opened a small tion project and since then he has bent 50 amount to retrieve bending stock Garrett added the following comments to to 60 thousand wood components. • A metal steam box liner of stainless steam bending:

Page 7 The Old Saw September Bending Seminarsó continued By Ken Kuster

• Steam bending is faster than laminat- uum press, traditional bar clamps or band ing Other methods of bending such as kerf clamps since his components are typically • Donít use kiln dried wood when steam bending for architectural woodwork was too large for a steaming process. bending covered, but caution was issued since ker- • White oak is preferred for bending fing tends to put stress on the defect spots. Brian uses both veneer and solid stock for over red oak For thin stock bending, a steel pipe can be covering his bent components. • Ash, elm and walnut can also be bent heated from the inside with a propane torch • Wood grain follows the piece and used for hot bending. As a last alter- Several choices are considered: • Select straight stock with no defects native, the natural bend in a branch or the • knee between the trunk and branch can be MDF cores • On the negative side of steaming, the con- used in a curved design. 2 Ply Birch with 7 ply backing struction of a steaming apparatus and • 3 Ply Italian bending plywood bending jigs requires both financial and Garrett covered the techniques for making • Wackywood labor resources. The steam bending proc- tapered, curved parts. He uses a sled with ess also requires some practice and experi- a slot that slides through his planer for Brian usually uses veneer from ì Certainly ence. making consistent tapered strips that will Woodsî and uses Unibond 800 as an adhe- be glued into a tapered assembly. sive and has little or no springback prob- Solid cuts to create a curve can result in lems. He suggests leaving the component ìshort grainî that may affect the grain look Since laminations require strong glue, in the mold for 6 hours for a complete glue or the strength. Garrett recommends ì Unibond 800î as an curing. adhesive. ì Resourcinolî is also available as a 2 part glue, but is harder to use. Tite- Brian walked us through the layout process bond is an alternative also, but Garrett di- of using full size brown paper pieces of The advantages of lamination are: lutes the glue by 20% with water. ìG2î with a beam compass to mark curves. The epoxy (available from Highland Hardware) paper shapes are then cut out and then used • Any wood can be laminated allowing is an epoxy alternative. as templates for bandsawing, followed by more selection and grain design alter- touching up with sandpaper. For male and natives female bending templates, Brian cautioned • Glued laminations will add consider- that the jigs must be very precise ñ 1/32 able strength and rigidity over a same inch tolerance. Titebond glue is not rec- sized solid stock component ommended since it sets up quickly. • Laminated bent parts are more consis- tent than steamed parts and donot vary Next reviewed were the jigs used for the by stock moisture content and tem- box that was presented at the Sharon Arts perature and humidity changes Center juried show. Molds are used and • More complex shapes can be built supported by ribs with holes to each com- with lamination process compared to partment for air movement. Plastic lami- steam bending nate can be used to cover the molds since • Laminations with different colored Unibond does not permanently adhere to the laminate. woods can be used as a design feature

A 30 mil 4 by 8 foot vacuum mold bag has

been used for the last 10 years. Other size Some of the lamination disadvantages are: bags such as 4x4 and 4x10 are also avail-

able. A yard sale vacuum pump controlled • Glue lines may be distracting and not with a pressure switch keeps the vacuum complement the design • Large number of clamps are required constant during the curing process. • Laminated pieces are not as suitable as A æ inch sheet of melamine that is scored solid stock for tenons with a light cut provides air paths and sup- ports the work piece. Vacuum Systems of • Wood loss occurs due to the sawing Brian Sargent provided the members with Brunswick, ME was suggested as a source process another bending method by demonstrating of vacuum bags and pumps.

his jigs and vacuum press. Brian opened his talk by stating that he likes to design Also mentioned was the possibility of par- A collective thanks to all three using curves. He tries to separate the de- presenters from the Guild mem- tial lamination method in which furniture sign process and the engineering process. part could use a solid piece of stock at one bers for their very informative end that transitions into a laminated, After the design of a curved piece is com- presentations! curved section at the other end. plete, Brian considers the options of a vac-

VolumePage 8 14 No. 2 PageThe 8Old Saw Woodworking Books By Tony Immorlica

The December Book Sale will be kicked exact title, author, publisher, and product my your payment right away. [Our dis- off at the September Annual Guild Meet- code or ISBN number. This information is counts are contingent on immediate pay- ing. Catalogs will be available from Taun- available from most catalogs or advertise- ment to the publishers]. ton, Sterling, Astragal, and other publish- ments and from publishers' web sites [see ers who specialize in books catering to below]. Regards, woodworkers. Tony America, [email protected] Last December, we placed orders for about Substantial discounts, averaging 40% to 150 books from Taunton, Sterling, and As- Here are the publishers' web sites. If you 50% off of list price, are extended to the tragal, saving members nearly $2000. The know of other publishers with great wood- Guild members who participate in this bi- June Sale, not quite as popular, was for 44 working books that you think we should annual event. Orders will be placed on books from Taunton and Sterling. [Perhaps consider, just drop me a note. December 1, and books are generally we all have more time for reading during the available for pickup at my home in Mount cold New England winters]. Each publisher Taunton: http://www.taunton.com Vernon, NH, by mid-December. If you requires a minimum order, so if we can't get Astragal: http://www.astragalpress.com/ missed the September meeting, I bring the the book you want, try again at the next sale. Sterling: http://www.sterlingpub.com catalogs to all the meetings I attend, or you I'll email you a notice with the amount due Tiller: http://www.tillerbooks.com/ can send me your order by email, citing the when the books arrive and you need to send Putnam: http://www.penguinputnam.com/

Scholarship News By Bob Jarratt

sylvania, and Paul Miller has attended the bowls. I have already completed my own The applications are all in for this Octo- AAW Woodturning Symposium in Provi- design, which I displayed at Sunapee, and berís Guild Scholarship deadline. As a dence. did a show and tell at the latest Granite result, over $1400 will be awarded to State Woodturnerís meeting.î Guild members for woodworking courses Paul writes of his experience at the Sympo- and events. The Scholarship program con- sium: ì It is hard to pick a favorite of all Please also see Ben LeClercís interesting tinues to be one of the many valuable and the demonstrations attended. I was par- description of the Windsor chair making rewarding benefits of Guild membership. ticularly taken with Stuart Mortimerís class he attended at Michael Dunbarís in Among those receiving scholarships are work and demonstrations. I have since this issue of the ìOld Sawî . Beth Dutton, Paul LeClerc, Julia and bought his book and plan to try and adapt Charles DíArezzo who will be taking several of his projects ñ hopefully to be The next Guild Scholarship filing deadline courses at the Homestead Woodworking able to sell them. is May 1, 2003. Applications may be sent School. Leo Dube will be attending the to Bob Jarratt [email protected] (978- Ellsworth School of Woodturning in Penn- Jacques Vesery and Al Stirt rejuvenated 456-3928) anytime before May 1. my interest and led me to try carving on

Guild Auction By Ken Kuster

The September Annual Meeting opened their trucks with stacks of surplus lumber with the Guild Auction that raised over 600 that would have cost ten times as much at dollars thanks to the efforts of auctioneer the local lumber dealer. Jon Siegel, his helpers, as well as generous donors and eager buyers. Judging from the Donít forgetó donít throw anything of facial expressions, everyone was pleased questionable value out during the coming with a morning of converting ìMy Trash year when cleaning out your workshop. into Your Treasureî . Put the article aside and save Jon provided a fast moving tempo selling articles that ranged from abrasives to vac- it for Annual Auction 2003! uum pumps. Bob Trahan Displaying Several smiling members were loading Auction Item

VolumePage 9 14 No. 2 PageThe 9Old Saw Calendar of Upcoming Meetings For more information see the Guild Web site www.gnhw.org or call the Coordinator listed below

Pinkerton Academy, Derry NH Nov 2, 2002, Guild Series Class Jan 25, 2003 Granite State Woodturners Coordinator: Peter Bloch Homestead Woodworking School Lattice Work by Phil Bowman Handcut Dovetails Newington Woodcraft July 26, 2003, Granite State Woodturners Instructor: Steve Marq Annual Critique February 5, 2003 Guild Meeting Moose Mountain November 9, 2002 Guild Meeting Society for the Protection of New Hamp- Finishing shire Forests Dana Robeís Shop Coordinator: Andy Young Presenters: Bruce Hamilton and Terry Concord, NH Admin Note Moore See article in this issue for details. The Old Saw ì official addressî has now Nov 30, 2002 Granite State Woodturners Mar 25, 2003, Granite State Woodturners been changed to ì 106 PowWow River ì Tool Timeî Home Made Gadgets Road, East Kingston NH 03827î . Please Homestead Woodworking School Keene State College use this address for all Old Saw related correspondence. Dec 5, 2002, Guild Series Class May 1, 2003, Guild Homestead Woodworking School Scholarship Applications Due Wood Finishing Instructor: Bruce Hamilton May 10,2003 Guild 4th New England Turning Symposium

Meeting Schedule Notes: 1. For all regular Guild meetings, - Program Coordinatoró Open Position Unless otherwise specified, Swap Meet and Jigs and Fixtures discussion is 10 - 11, general business meeting 11ñ 12, lunch (bring your own) 12 ñ 1 and presentations 1 ñ 3. 2. Granite State Woodturners (GSWT) meetings are from 9:00 to 1:00, unless otherwise specified. 3. Granite State Woodcarvers (GSWC) meets every Thursday night, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, at Rundlett Junior High in Concord. 4. For all meeting information or in case of bad weather or other uncertainty, call the Program Coordinator for details. 5. Everyone is welcome at all of these meetings, call the Program Coordinator for details. 6. See list below for names and telephone or E-mail of Program Coordinators.

2001/2002 Guild Officers and Other Positions At A Glance

Elected officers: Telephone E-mail @ Programs Open @ Publicity Dave Anderson 603-887-6267 [email protected] @ President Peter Breu 603-647-2327 [email protected] • Scholarships Bob Jarratt 978-456-3928 [email protected] @ Vice President Open @Shirts Steve Belair 603-587-0045 [email protected] @Secretary Bob LaCivita 603-942-1240 [email protected] @SC at large. Brian Sargent 603-483-1330 [email protected] @Treasurer Steve Belair 603-587-0045 [email protected] @SC at large. Jon Siegel 603-934-2765 [email protected] Appointed positions: @SC at large. Geoff Ames 603-269-3571 [email protected] • Books and SC Tony Immorlica 603-673-9629 [email protected] @SC at large Andy Young 603-672-9558 [email protected] Š Columnist Garrett Hack 802-785-4329 None @Video Taping Peter Bloch 603-526-6152 [email protected] @Editor/Old Saw Roger Myers 603-773-9634 [email protected] @Video Librín Bob Trahan 603-444-5284 [email protected] @Editor/ Old Saw Ken Kuster 603-642-5463 [email protected] • Web Master Lou Barchey 603-715-1779 [email protected] • Education Ed Epremian 603-763-9208 None • Wood Days Dave Emerson 603-783-4403 [email protected] • GSWC Lou Barchey 603-753-4336 [email protected] • Sunapee Fair Open • GSWT Clyde Daggett 603-669-1656 [email protected] @ Denotes members of the Steering Committee • Juried Exhibit Marty Milkovits 603-878-3592 [email protected] • Boldó Changes since last issue

VolumePage 10 14 No. 2 Page The 10 Old Saw Granite State WoodTurners By Clyde Daggett

Granite State Woodturners continues with January 25, 2003 May 10,2003 an active schedule for the 2002-2003 year. Phil Bowman will demonstrate lattice work Wood Turning Symposium Following are the schedule of events. on bowls followed by Show and Tell Location: Pinkerton Academy Derry, NH Please direct any questions to Clyde Location: Newington Woodcraft Daggett. July 26, 2003 March 25, 2003 Annual Woodturners Critique November 30, 2002 ì Homemadeî Gadgets, tools chucks, and Location: Moose Mountain A special ì Tool Timeî and a multi- tool rests. Followed by tool and wood auc- demonstration of some of the ìless used tion wood turning toolsî plus wood and tool Location: Keene College auction Location: Homestead Woodworking

October Small Meetingsó continued

power hacksaw or a well powered manual tory of the Mill. It was built in 1868 as a along with lumber storage. The Boiler hacksaw, iron stock can be easily cut by creamery for H. P. Hood. As a woodwork- Room is located next to the Machine Room heating the stock and then hitting and rotat- ing mill, it started around 1920. Mitch is where 35 cords of firewood are burned ing the stock on a chisel type tool that is now the 3rd owner. every year. inserted into the top of the anvil. He then brought us through the drafting Mitch also showed us the building next The upsetting process is practiced by ex- room and office. He described the differ- door which houses lumber and a finishing perienced blacksmiths who can shorten and ent shapers along with an antique "end room. All sash and millwork leave the widen a hot piece of stock. tenon machine" that cuts and caps the rails millworks primed. and minions for window sash. Also dis- I donít think anyone was convinced to be- played were an elliptical upper sash for a come a full time forging toolmaker. But I church. Mitch mentioned that his shop Shop in Small Space hope that the attendees came away with a does a lot of historical preservation work better appreciation for the process. in and around the Boston area with a con- By Tom Nagle centration in curved sash and frame ì Toolmaking for Woodworkersî by Ray work. He has developed a balance system I just wanted to take a minute to tell how Larsen is the recommended starting text- with a Canadian firm. This too was on dis- much I enjoyed Cal Louke's presentation book. Ray also provides classes at his play for us to see. Right now, Mitchís firm on "Creating A Shop in A Small Space" on forge in Hanover, MA. has a job in Weston, MA which requires all Saturday 10/5. Cal is a very knowledgeable built in gutters. He has to fabricate all the guy whose enthusiasm is only exceeded by As the demo closed, one member re- cornice and curved work. his hospitality. I am in the throws of put- marked ìIíll keep on buying my tools!î . ting together my own shop so ANY help or The shop uses a lot of "South American ideas are greatly appreciated. Cal took the Mahogany", which is first shipped to Bos- time to show us all of the little hints that one needs when space is at a premium, Littleton Millworks ton. It is then stored until Mitch sends for it. He does store some of it here on the which is the case with me. I came away By Bob Trahan premises. with some good ideas for my shop and a bit of jealousy. I also received a sense that On a crisp fall morning, 9 members of the On the final leg of the tour, we ventured the New Hampshire Woodworkers Guild is NH Guild traveled north to visit Littleton down to the lower level Grinding a friendly organization with a wealth of with an interesting tour of the Littleton Room. The shop grinds all the knives for knowledge and experience. Millwork property. I know it was a long the shapers upstairs in this room. Also drive for most of the members, but they downstairs is the Machine Room with a said it was worth it. gang ripsaw, a 4-sided head molder, a 24" jointer, a 30" board planer and flattener, Mitch Greaves, the owner, gave a brief his-

Page 11 The Old Saw 2002-2003 Dues are Due! Please complete the application form with any new or corrected informa- tion. Especially note any new or changed email addresses. Your prompt payment helps the Guild. Thank You!

Windsor Chair Making By Ben LeClerc What is it about Windsor chair making that walk away with a completed chair at now annually attracts over 500 students to weekís end. Mike, along with his chief Michael Dunbarís Windsor Institute in assistant Dan Faia will guide individually Hampton NH? Having taken my second if necessary to be sure of a product that class, this one courtesy of a Guild Scholar- weíll all be proud of. ship, I was able to observe the demograph- ics of these classes. On average, a class consists of older individuals ñ some per- Splitting and shaping of all bent parts is the haps retired wanting to simply make chairs order of the first day. Once the parts are for family or perhaps just to enjoy the ca- steamed, they are bent around a form, then maraderie, adventure and challenge that given four days in Mikeís 100-degree comes with a product that is made entirely boiler room, sufficiently dried to be with hand tools. But it is also said that one worked by Thursday when the upper chair in ten in a class will eventually make is assembled. Shaping of the seat comes Windsors for a living. I also observed next on the first day involving such tools some younger individuals and I applaud as a gutter adz, scorp, compass plane and their foresight in getting involved in wood- finally a travisher, each tool smoothing out working at a young age given the demise the marks of the previous tool. Kept ultra of shop class programs in some high sharp and properly used, no sanding will schools in favor of ì Technologyî courses. be necessary, leaving nothing but subtle tool marks finely accentuated with the tra- ditional milk paint and oil finish. You might say Iíve had to go backwards in Nantucket Windsor Chair my pursuit of becoming a fine woodworker having first become involved in the trade The model chair we built is the Nantucket with a custom homebuilder in the late 60ís. Fan Back armchair, perhaps the largest additional classes till I have a sufficient Later as I got involved in furniture making Windsor of all. Also said to be the ìeasy number of models to offer for sale, perhaps as an outgrowth of finish carpentry, I chairî of the Windsor line. The chair is as a supplement to my impending retire- found my shop more and more emulating much completed by Thursday as the entire ment. Norm Abramís Yankee Workshop ñ power last day is saved to carve the knuckles on everything. But having completed some the arms. For the first time carver, this is a successful pieces like Normís, general very nerve racking experience as it is the comments from others gave more tribute to final step to completion coupled with a fi- the tools that performed the work: nal day deadline. I would like to conclude by offering my ì Amazing what anybody can do with the sincere gratitude to the Guild scholarship right tools.î committee and to all members contributing My chair was completed in time and I am to the fund for a truly memorable experi- very pleased with the result. I have since ence. I also want to let all know that one Taking a Windsor chair class is an excel- made all patterns and bending forms for aspect of the scholarship program has been lent way of introducing ones self to hand additional chairs and currently am making achieved and that is to help foster the ad- tool woodworking. Only a fair amount of all parts for a second chair. vancement of skill in becoming a better skill in necessary but a basic understanding woodworker. of woodworking and the dexterity neces- sary to handle a particular hand tool helps. Windsor chair making is a very addictive Also, everyone who takes the class will aspect of woodworking as I plan on taking

The Old Saw Newsletter 106 PowWow River Road East Kingston, NH 03827 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Address Service Requested N. READING, MA. PERMIT No. 140