Mark's Musings
Mark Bronkalla
April Meeting and workshop:
Audrey Vincent provided an excellent presentation and workshop on furniture
touch-up and repair. The workshop gave attendees a chance to try a very wide
variety of materials and learn some new techniques. It was quite amazing to
see what could be done to repair or salvage a project.
Upcoming meetings and workshops:
We are rapidly building the list of presenters, meeting topics and workshops
for the coming year. May workshops include: Doug Kreitzman’s Correcting Mistakes,
Errors and Defects in New and old Furniture Pieces. All of us make mistakes
from time to time (and for me sometimes several in one piece). A major part
of true craftsmanship is being able to cover our tracks and recover from the
mistakes. Very few (if any) pieces of furniture are truly flawless with no
hidden mistakes. Also on May 31 is a plane making workshop. You will go home
with your own hand made smoothing plane!
The June meeting and Bending Workshop dates have moved! The Meeting is
Friday June 13th and the workshop with Lon Schleining is June 14th. The
notice is a bit short for Lon’s Steam Bending workshop. Be sure to sign up
at the May meeting or contact Dick Yezek to reserve a spot. This is your
chance to learn the “magic” of steam bending wood.
For more workshop information see: http://wiscwoodworkersguild.org/2003/calendar2003.html
Logfest:
We will be building a list of logs and helpers in the coming months for
the September logfest. The logs must be in the general Milwaukee / Waukesha
area if you need help with cutting or transportation.We are planning on having
this be a full day family event. Volunteers are needed for: log gathering;
transport - 2 + ton trailer is still needed; stacking hauling during milling;
couple of grills and cooks. Everyone will be expected to bring a dish to pass
as well and help clean up.
We will need an auctioneer (the donated logs are auctioned off). Everyone,
including the person donating can bid for the cut boards. In the past, this
has been the source of some nice, but inexpensive, lumber
At some times during the day, everyone is just waiting on the mill. We
plan to have some “Side show” demonstrations ( mini-seminars). They might
include tool sharpening, basket / box making, turning, proper riving / splitting,
chair weaving, etc.
Please contact Ken Bahr to volunteer. The sooner the better. This is big
event so the planning and committee work starts NOW!
Shop musings:
I had promised 2 of my kids that I would make them new desks. The old ones
are very small, old “student” desks. We picked out some plans that looked
close to what we wanted in style and size and got general family agreement
on the project (including promises of helping).
Due to a hectic March travel schedule, I ended up ready to start without
having had a chance to get some oak plywood for the sides of the drawer pedestal
as well as drawer parts. Since I only had a couple of weekends and a few evenings
available, I decided to hit the local “home center” for the plywood. Evening
hours, not having to travel very far and “saving some money” all lulled me
into the trap. Normally I go to either Alpine Plywood or Home Supply for
plywood and have been very pleased with their stock. At the “home center”
we riffled though the stack to find some material with reasonably nice looking
faces, that fit our cutting schedule and went home with our purchase (yes,
we carefully re-stacked the piles when done). We did forget to check for voids…
After laying out the cuts, we proceeded to make big pieces into little
ones. Normally I rip and dado on the table saw. Cross cuts too big for the
table saw or radial arm saw are usually done slightly over-size with a small
circular saw and fence and then trimmed up with a router and spiral bit (1/2”
carbide end mill). About mid way through the process, some sudden very severe
splintering of the faces occurred (on the “good side” of course). Upon inspection,
I found two problems. First there were nice big voids under the paper thin
face (up to 1x2”) and also areas up to 1” wide that apparently had no glue
holding the veneer down at all. Now several cuts had to be repeated and the
scrap pile was growing rapidly (so much for saving money). Where there was
solid wood and the veneer was glued down the cuts were beautifully clean.
I compared some of the plywood pieces with some left over pieces of the
higher quality plywood. Not only did the cheaper stuff have many more and
much larger voids, but the face veneers had been sanded to approximately half
of the thickness of the higher quality plywood. Lesson (re)learned: You
get what you pay for (and sometimes less).
The desks are now almost done. Starting to put on the final finish. The
kids are excited and now tasked with finishing the insides of the cabinets
and underside of the tops as well as sanding and finishing the drawer bodies.
Volunteer opportunities
Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. See article elsewhere in
this issue if you have some time to offer for this worthwhile cause.
Boat Building:
In April I will be updating the boat and refinishing. The entire hull will
get stripped and revarnished. I will also be some fiberglass repair, and
adding a swim platform and wakeboard pylon. Members are welcome to come over
and learn some of the fine points of working with epoxy as well as the special
April 1st spar varnish removal workshop.(April Fool!, Ed.) Progress can
be seen on my website: http://www.bronkalla.com
Boatbuilding is sort of a counterpoint to building many pieces of furniture.
Much of furniture building is precise rectilinear lines and right angle
or mitered joints. Multiple pieces are often cut in sequence to add accuracy
and save set up time. In contrast with the boat, virtually everything is
curved and if I can cut two pieces the same (mirror image pairs) that is
usually the limit of multiple cuts. Very few boat joints are at right angles
or 45 degrees, and most are actually compound angles and curves. Rather than
“cutting to plan”, pieces are “cut to fit”.
Even in gluing there is a contrast. With normal woodworking glues, a
precise glue line is needed and hundreds of pounds of clamping pressure
are applied to force the glue out into a microscopically thin layer. With
epoxy as used for boat building, the joint is fitted well, the thickened
epoxy is applied and the pieces are lightly clamped, screwed or even taped
in place until the epoxy hardens. If lots of pressure is applied, all of
the epoxy squeezes out of the joint, starving it and it will fall apart.
With woodworking glues “fast tack” and grip aid in aligning the pieces while
clamping. Wet epoxy has no tack and is actually a rather “nice” lubricant
prior to hardening. It adds to the fun of clamping curved and angled pieces.
Board Briefs
Jeffrey M. Nebel
President:
Mark Bronkalla reported that the board members will generate a list of frequently
asked questions about the Guild’s operation and procedures. They will be subsequently
published so all members to be current in their understandings.
Vice-president:
Dick Yezek distributed a list of Workshop sign-ups. He still needs information
on the June workshop with Lon Schleining.
Secretary:
The minutes of the March 13th board meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer:
Liz Rohde reported that the treasury was at $6,576.35 on April 10th. She
distributed a graph showing Monthly Balances for the years 2000 thru 2003
(to date) and expressed a concern about the seeming continued downward trend.
The board agreed that we need to operate according to the number of members
we now have (166 at present) or expect to have, and not like the 240 member
organization we used to be. A better job needs to be done in predicting expenses
for events and attendance at workshops and cancelling those that will lose
money because of lack of attendees. Efforts will be made to find a less expensive
meeting place. There are a number of considerations to be addressed before
a move is made. Rent for the Senior Center is paid thru June. The Holiday
Party will be held at Mykonos. The board agreed on three entrees. With tax
and gratuity, the board agreed on a price of only $22.50 per person.
Programs/Workshops:
Ken Bahr reported that help will be requested for specific functions for
the September Logfest. The board agreed paying members to give a program was
not acceptable. However, reimbursing members for costs to give a program was
acceptable. The board agreed Matt Bohlmann should be reimbursed for expenses
to hold the recent Audrey Vincent workshop.
Publications:
Si Farmer reported the Publication Committee meeting was postponed until
April 14th because most of the committee members had a conflict on the original
date due to weather, etc.
Program
Guild Calender
May Program:
Wednesday, May 7 we will be treated to a program on Tree Farming which
will be given by Woody Barton. Woody lives on a tree farm near Bloomington,
Indiana. His approach is one of "managing" rather than immense amounts of
labor in "doing" the work required. He plants very little, relying on Mother
Nature as a partner. He harvests exclusively by selective cutting.
Woody was nationally recognized a few years ago for his work in developing
measurements of year-to-year increase in the value of the timber he is growing.
He frequently hosts tours of his farm and enjoys sharing his experiences with
others. You might find an inspiration for pursuing this lifestyle yourself!
Hands-on Workshop on Saturday May 17, 2003
The topic is Correcting Mistakes, Errors and Defects in New or Old Furniture
Pieces. It will be presented by Doug Kreitzman and will be held at the Sylvan
Studio.
This workshop is scheduled to start at 9:00 A.M. - and conclude at 4:00
P.M. Like all hands-on workshops, this one is limited to members (and spouses).
The maximum class size is 15 and the fee is $25.
Doug Kreitzman has been involved in the woodworking industry since 1988.
He started as a carpenter in Maine and quickly moved on to building high-end
custom furniture and cabinetry. Some of Doug’s pieces have been shown at the
Smithsonian in conjunction with other Maine artists. Currently, Doug is working
for a high end custom home builder making
all the interior and exterior woodwork, stairs, moldings, doors, cabinetry
and installing all of the finish work.
The mark of a true craftsman is the ability to correct their mistakes.
Come and learn techniques of correcting mistakes or defects, and more importantly,
how to avoid them in the first place. A variety of products used to fill
defects will be presented and demonstrated. Also, restoration techniques will
be discussed and you are encouraged to bring a piece or project of your own
to try out the methods and products presented in this seminar.
Hands-on Workshop on Saturday, May 31, 9 am - 4 pm.
The topic of this workshop is Wooden Block Plane Making. It will be presented
by Pete Callen May 31. Many of us enjoyed Pete’s talk last year abut the various
wooden planes he makes for his use as well as for sale. Participants will
make a small wooden block plane to learn the techniques of this craft. This
should be a great time for the craftsman who wants to have one of a kind
tool to use in his/her shop. This workshop will be held at the Sylvan Studio
and as all other hands-on workshops, is limited to members (and their spouses).
This workshop is limited to 12 participants and the cost is $ 45.00.
June Program
Program on Friday, June 13 (Note Day/Date Change!) The program will be
Joinery Techniques and will be presented by Lon Schleining. The scheduling
change was necessitated due to the unavailability of the Washington Park
Senior Center on the date originally published in the 2003 Program Planning
Calendar.
Lon is a well-known woodworking teacher. He is a contributing editor for
Fine Woodworking and the author of several books on wood bending and joinery.
He plans to share some of the joinery techniques from his book.
Workshop on Saturday, June 14. (Note date change).
We will get the opportunity to learn much on the topic of Wood Bending Techniques
from Lon Schleining at this workshop. He has conducted several classes at
Marc Adams’ School of Woodworking, including one on the Thomas Jefferson travel
desk which was featured in Fine Woodworking.
In this workshop, Lon will demonstrate all the techniques from his book
on bending. He promises to make it as hands-on as possible. He will be sharing
a lot of useful information so this promises to be a very informative workshop.
This is an all day workshop, scheduled to run from 9 am to 4 pm. It is a
‘members-only’ workshop and the fee is $ 60. The location of this workshop
will be at the Sylvan Studio.
Raffle
Alan Clapp
Dick Yezek was the winner for April.
The May raffle prize has been donated by Jason Myers, President of Gowest2
International. Jason demonstrated the Cypox Bonding System at the Milwaukee
Woodworker’s Show. It has the speed and efficiency of Super Glue and the
strength and durability of two-part Epoxy. The bonder can be used to adhere
virtually all materials including difficult to bond ‘slippery’ plastics such
as UHMW, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Delrin, and Teflon. Also compatible
with vinyl, PVC, linoleum, metals, wood, masonry, leather, and textiles.
The kit includes a bonder, activator, plastic primer and debonder.
Gowest2 International is a small business in Westerville Ohio that will
be happy to answer your questions about the Cypox Bonding System via their
toll free number: 866-297-6948. Product details are also available through
www.CYPOX.com.
Reflections
Si Farmer
At the April meeting we were treated to an excellent presentation on
Finish Touch-up and Spot repair by Audrey Vincent. She has a wealth of experience,
in applying the trade as well as teaching it. Her experience spans a dozen
years and covered such areas as antique furniture restoration, finishing methods,
spot repair and structural repair.
Experience has taught her which process works best under which conditions.
She tended to favor soft wax and graining pens from the Heinrich König &
Company. She presented a well organized slide show demonstrating the entire
process, while fielding questions from the membership.
She made the whole process look easy. But then, that is what experts are
expected to do. In a future issue, a member who attended the workshop on the
following day will present his opinion of the workshop and describe the process
in more detail.
The products used in her presentation will be available, as retail items,
from a vendor in Red Wing, MN. His name is Russ Ramirez and can be reached
at <www.woodfinishingsupplies.com> He will supply you with a catalog
of products. He can also be reached at 1-866-548-1677.
I believe that the members will be more willing to attack the touch up
process as the result of Audrey’s presentation.
WoodWorking Show
The Woodworking Show held in February was a qualified success. The Guild
received adequate exhibit room, and an excellent
location in the exhibit hall. The staffing of the Guild exhibit area
was adequate and the dialogue and interchange between the Guild members and
visitors was enjoyable and informative. At one time I saw 17 people at the
Guild exhibit at one time. We had several items on display, but as the Exhibit
/ Publicity Director Don Berger said, We should have had much more to exhibit
from the Guild.
Two items were especially attracting at the exhibit; The Segmented
‘Holey’ Segmented Urn by Jerry Tackes and the Carved Hope Chest by Klaus
Zunker. All items were well done and properly presented.
The staffing members distributed a couple thousand trifold informative
hand-outs to visitors. The Guild’s web page got a significant spike of visitation
for several days of the show and immediately thereafter. 
I would assume that the Guild will also participate in future Woodworking
Shows. If my assumptions are correct, then we should be prepared to broaden
our display of completed items.
Special Featues
WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE EXHIBIT
Don Berger
The Wisconsin Woodworkers Guild has submitted photographs of 73 items
for exhibit at the Wisconsin Lutheran College Schlueter Art Gallery, 8815
W.Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Twenty-seven Guild members will
represent the Guild by their participation. The Milwaukee Area WoodCraft
Store will be the major financial sponsor for the Exhibit.
The Exhibit will be a feature attraction at the annual Wisconsin Lutheran
College Fine Arts Fair scheduled for Saturday July 5th. Last year the Fair
attracted over 2000 visitors.
The schedule for the Guild participants is as follows:
Bring Show items on Sunday May 18 from 1- 4 PM. Opening Reception, everyone
welcome, Saturday May 24 from 7 to 8:30 PM .
Pick up items on Saturday July 12 from 1 to 4PM .
The Schlueter Art Gallery is usually open to viewers Monday through Friday
9 AM to 4 PM during the period of the Exhibit, May 26 - July 5 .
Volunteers Needed
The Birdhouse Workshop (This is the place we toured a few years back in
Greendale.)
Birdhouse Makers / Painters Needed! If you are good with a hammer or a
paint brush....your services are requested. We are open Monday through Friday
from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 11:00 am till 3:00 pm.
If you wish, you could work a few hours a day, or a few hours a week, or
whatever fits your schedule. If you are interested and willing, please contact
us at 414/423-2831.
Golden Tongue Awards
It has been the tradition, for quite some years, to present the Golden
Tongue Award to non-member program presenters. For several years these awards
have been fabricated by Bruce Bogust. He wishes to retire from this activity
and is looking for someone to take over this important function.
Please contact Bruce if you are willing to accept this responsibility.
He will instruct you in the process. Thanx.
Habitat for Humanity
Dave Brittain
Roads aren’t the only things under construction at this time of year. Milwaukee
Habitat for Humanity will be putting up 25 new houses this summer. There
will be three framing weeks during which several houses are framed during
a single week. These are May 19 - 23, June 23 - 27 and Sept. 15 - 19, during
which time a couple hundred volunteers are needed. Any other time several
volunteers are needed daily to do siding, drywalling, electrical work, finish
carpentry, painting, etc.
If you can give any amount of time from just one day to a weekly commitment,
please contact Judy Knight at the Habitat Office (414-562-6100). Her hours
are 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Monday through Thurday.
Summer learning opportunities at Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount,
MN
One of our members forwarded a brochure on the above technical college
which lists three-day / week-long courses that may be of interest to you.
This is the technical college where our most recent presenter, Audrey Vincent,
teaches a course on Spot Repairing Damage to Wood.
Some of the offerings are: Finishing New Wood; Advanced Finishing Techniques;
Furniture Finishing, Restoration and Conservation; Spot Repairing Damaged
Wood and Coatings; Creating Aged Finishes. In addition, the Smithsonian
Classes on Advanced Coating Treatments and Marquetry Restoration are available.
If you are interested, please contact Mitch Kohanek,
toll free at 1-877-937-3282 or email at <Mitchell.Kohanek@dctc.mnscu.edu>
for registration fees, dates and housing information.
toys toys toys
Ron Hinderman
Let’s start collecting dolls, teddy bears , Etc NOW so as we have an abundance
at the Holiday Season Dinner Party. Try Goodwill, St. Vincent’s, garage sales,
and rummage sales for good clean dolls, & Teddy Bears. Let’s get started
on those toys before the weather gets too good outside, this way you’ll have
a head start for the fall and it won’t be a rush job to get the toys done.
Then, in the warmer weather you can work on your garden, go camping, or go
to a Brewers game. If you wish, you’ll have time to play golf with your buddies
too!
If you need, wood, wheels plans or advice, please feel free to ask me or
email ronhw@milwpc.com
Thank you
Classified
For Sale
Small Cyclone with 1 hp Dayton Model 4C108 Blower with
controls. $450
Wood: Aromatic Cedar, Oak and 50 bf Hickory . $1.25 bd ft. Dale
Lagerman
For Sale
Planer, Dewalt DW733, New!, 12 1/2in., heavy duty, with Dust Hood, DW7336,
unopened, original carton. $300
Bernard Schlaefer