Sin City Woodworkers, a Vegas valley social and networking group committed to serious (and not so serious!) woodworking discussions. We meet on the third Thursday of each month to share everything from techniques and ideas, member’s work, demos and much, much more.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 when emeritus member - Dennis Patchett - will be sharing his technique for making intricately carved boxes.
These boxes - mostly made with Mahogany (but occasionally Walnut, which ridiculously harder) - feature dovetailed joinery and custom feet. (Dennis will also speak about the feet that he crafts for each box.) But the most amazing aspect of these boxes is the meticulous carvings on every box he makes.
I’ve said it before - mostly because he prefers to stay out of the limelight - but Dennis is one of the best woodworkers in this town. Period. His carvings alone show skill that most of us will never achieve. When he adds these carved details to the furniture he builds, he’s creating heirloom pieces that will be cherished for generations. Most days, you’ll find him carving away in his shop, enjoying his process in solitude.
He makes these boxes as gifts, and has never sold a single one. Each takes about six weeks to make, with Dennis working about 3-4 hours a day on each one. The detail and perfection in these boxes are something to be seen in person!
One last note - we recently lost one of our charter members - Jim Chadbourne - and I recently wrote a post about his passing. You can read about it here: https://sincitywoodworkers.blogspot.com/2025/04/a-loss-in-our-woodworking-world-jim.html
We will miss him immensely, and send much love to MaryJane and the rest of his family.
This meeting will be held at Woodcraft of Las Vegas at 5220 W. Charleston Blvd. As always, the public is welcome to attend the meeting, so members - please feel free to bring a guest along. If you have questions or need directions, call (702) 672-8981.
