Thread: Who's Excited - Sydney Wood Show 2013

Originally Posted by Christos

There are heaps left and some very fine pieces.

You mean I missed some???

I thought the students projects were outstanding this year. And I got to meet Hugh Jones and see his amazing harp.

oh and yes Im in the doghouse.... with a lovely stash of Boutique Timbers goodness

Another year and its getting worse!

I have been going every year to see what quality hand tools are available and each year at least in the first few years add another one or two to my workshop. I have been doing this for the past maybe 8 to 10 years going to this show and it has progressively gotten less and less interesting. Gone are the quality suppliers and all we are left with is cheap chinese #### that is used once and throw away.

No wonder I buy more and more outside Aus. Surely I am not the only one who feels this way.

The work by the school kids is nice to see but not my prime reason to be there.

I wont be back next year

Does anybody have any photos of the school kid projects?

Originally Posted by Markw

Another year and its getting worse!

....Surely I am not the only one who feels this way.....

The work by the school kids is nice to see but not my prime reason to be there.....

....I wont be back next year

Hi Mark, I know how you feel but I have a different take on it. So long as local craftsmen like Terry Gordon (HNT planes), Colen Clenton, Chris Vesper etc are there AND Veritas, Lie Nielson, the good Japanese brands and Festool are on display, it satisfies my needs and I'll keep going.
I do however look at the (mostly Chinese) cheapie suppliers to buy some consumables and low use tools.
There were 2 interesting statements on quality vs price that impacted me yesterday.

• I intended to buy Shelix cutting heads for my thicknesser and jointer. I went armed with model numbers and serial numbers and the Australian supplier was most helpful in identifying exactly which model I needed. I was then given the choice, American made OR Chinese! There was a significant price difference and the choice was mine to make. i respect this as a business model. I wasn't being forced to buy one or the other by the supplier having decided for me. For me, a weekend woodworker, the choice was the same design made in either country and a price difference (from memory) of $1400 vs $1900. I chose $1400
• We can no longer think of all Chinese manufactured goods as rubbish. I accept that the majority of it is and I am particularly conscious of this because I worked in China for several years setting up and managing a factory that made high technology product. I have great respect for Jim Davey who is at SWWW selling a range of product including , would you believe, Chinese manufactured bench planes (WoodRiver) and US manufactured combination and engineers squares, both of which are excellent quality and low price. I bough a US manufactured 100mm engineers square and Chinese made WoodRiver 151 spokeshave both of them at a very good price and both very good quality, I used the spokeshave this morning.

I will continue to go to the St Timber's Day Fair even if just to meet up with our fellow forumites BUT I was a bit worried at what felt like a greatly reduced attendance yesterday?

fletty

Not sure about the numbers, but I am manning the Boutique Timbers stand and think them around that of previous years,

Regarding Mal, I thank all who have wished him well. The operation was a success and although there will be ongoing tests, hopefully all will be fine in the future.

Back to the show and attendance, It seems to me that timber supply and suppliers, perhaps unlike tool suppliers, are well established and have stocks of great timbers which expand in range annually. The stands have some well presented and well priced wood, both for hobbyists and professionals.

We are having a successful show, I know our turnover so far is around that of previous years and the consumers including formites have kept us busy....... at times especially on Friday, it was a mad rush. And today will have the rush at the end of the day........

The music adds to the atmosphere and there are some great exhibitions and demonstrations. It all seems to be going well to me.
Thanks
Greg

Originally Posted by Greg Ward

Not sure about the numbers, but I am manning the Boutique Timbers stand and think them around that of previous years,

Regarding Mal, I thank all who have wished him well. The operation was a success and although there will be ongoing tests, hopefully all will be fine in the future.

Back to the show and attendance, It seems to me that timber supply and suppliers, perhaps unlike tool suppliers, are well established and have stocks of great timbers which expand in range annually. The stands have some well presented and well priced wood, both for hobbyists and professionals.

We are having a successful show, I know our turnover so far is around that of previous years and the consumers including formites have kept us busy....... at times especially on Friday, it was a mad rush. And today will have the rush at the end of the day........

The music adds to the atmosphere and there are some great exhibitions and demonstrations. It all seems to be going well to me.
Thanks
Greg

Greg thanks for the update on Mal thats good news

Its good to hear from your side how your seeing the timber side of things we often hear from the tool peddlers.
I know I am missing out on seeing some of the fantastic timbers but at least no one has put close up photos of any enough to make a grown man .

I spent most of the to say hi and goodbye to different people. I did manage to get a few pieces of wood though. Got a nice bit of snakewood from Greg and a piece of Beefwood. See you you all in 12 months.

This was my second show and this time I met some formites and got to put some names to some faces. I will defiantly be coming again. I won't come on a Sunday again though. I think the first day would be the best option.

TT

Well that was my first show for Sydney (Brisbane was my last one) and myself and the wife enjoyed our day we went on the Saturday, I got some good gear and I got so awesome advice so all in all I'll be back next year for sure

Home now after packing up. Christos needs a big pat on the back for the big effort he has put in for the last month or so as well as the last three days. Thanks mate

Hi all,
New to Forums but thought I'd say hi. Went to the show on Friday and for my self a Jet OSC 22/44 drumsander, diamond sharpening stone, buffing pads to get everything razor sharp again. Found every one I talked to was awesome with advice and a great chat with big Standard and his biscuits box guitar A+. Feel like a visit to the show has given me back a spark that was waxing new ideas and new projects
Cheers

Originally Posted by Twisted Tenon

This was my second show and this time I met some formites and got to put some names to some faces. I will defiantly be coming again. I won't come on a Sunday again though. I think the first day would be the best option.

TT

Likewise it was good to meet you , the show does shrink each year but I think that's just an adjustment , times have changed it's not just buying overseas its the ability to buy on line and to see on line products and read reports on how they operate and in part this forum is to blame because it gives good opinions on tools as they appear. To go to the show now , and I have gone every year for a loooooong time I don't see tools I haven't already read up on line and gotten good /bad reports on line already. The show allows you to buy some wood products at a slight discount ( from SOME ) and see a few demos. For me its a day out a chance to catch up with and put new names to faces from this forum and to promote the forum which I personally regard as the best wood/hobby access point there is.
Once again without sucking up thank you neil for this forum

Originally Posted by scuzyboy

Hi all,
New to Forums but thought I'd say hi. Went to the show on Friday and for my self a Jet OSC 22/44 drumsander, diamond sharpening stone, buffing pads to get everything razor sharp again. Found every one I talked to was awesome with advice and a great chat with big Standard and his biscuits box guitar A+. Feel like a visit to the show has given me back a spark that was waxing new ideas and new projects
Cheers

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "scuzyboy",
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork & the new toys.
Cheers, crowie