July Meeting -- Wow, is the year already half way done?

     Time seems to be flying, as I typed in the month the reality of it hit me!  Seems like only yesterday we were having our end of the year Christmas happening.  Speaking of that, don't forget this years theme has to do with making a toy.  It can be for yourself, a member of your family, or given as a donation after the judging.  No limits this year on materials so be creative if you're into making toys -- I know some of you are!

     Not all of you that receive this blog are always able attend the meetings so let me remind you one last time about the AWFS convention that will be in Las Vegas the end of this month.  Here's a LINK to it should you want to see the schedule of classes and exhibitors and also sign up to go.  It's the largest woodworking convention in the country and will give you a chance to see all of the latest equipment and supplies.

     Our meeting is tomorrow (Wednesday 7/15) from 7:00 to ??  After the customary introductions we will have a short business meeting.  Be sure to bring in your latest project or information to share for the Show & Tell section of the meeting.  This is where you can spend about five minutes or so to inform, show, or tell the group about recent events in your woodworking life.

    It's always a bit awkward to talk about yourself so I'll use Jamie's announcement on MeetUp to set this up.  She said:  " …. one of our oldest members - (not age-wise, membership-wise!)  John Eugster will share his insights and techniques on one of the most popular joints out there - the mortise and tenon."   Hey, I'm not the only grey beard in the group!  In any case, the mortise and tenon is a joint that is used to make most everything from small cabinets to tables and even for timber framed houses.  I plan to go over the various ways the joint can be made and finish up with cutting one using hand tools only.  I will use a power drill though to demonstrate the technique of draw boring which makes this joint bullet proof and can eliminate the need for clamping.


As always, the meeting is open to the public so feel free to invite a friend, neighbor, or spouse to join you.  Seating can be limited so bring a chair if you'd like.  The meeting will be held at WoodItIs Studio and begin at 7:00 pm.  The address is 2267 Gowan Road Suite 106,  702-631-1870.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 where one of our oldest members - (not age-wise, membership-wise!)  John Eugster will share his insights and techniques on one of the most popular joints out there - the mortise and tenon.  The mortise and tenon joint is one on the most widely used joints in woodworking, traditionally used in almost every piece of furniture or cabinetry.  There are a number of ways to cut this joint, and John plans on sharing his depth of knowledge about it, while showing us a trick or two. After a brief discussion of some of those ways, John will show how to cut this joint using hand tools. Like all hand work, it is a process but the more you practice it the easier it should become. (He’s still waiting for that moment!)  Once the joint has been fit John will demonstrate a process called "draw boring" which will secure the joint forever.  This process adds a more mechanical method to ensure that the joint will hold forever and was used extensively in Shaker furniture construction. It also allows you to build with a minimum of clamps.