Mid-Hudson Woodworkers and Kaatskill Woodturners Current Events

What: A hands-on sharpening workshop.
When: August 14, 2010 from 9 AM to Noon.
Where: Opdahl Building.

Who: You and David Bird, Joe Kennedy, and Chuck Walker.

Bring one (1) chisel or plane iron (with chip breaker) plus your sharpening stuff (stones, sandpaper, jigs, etc.) and learn how to use it to achieve a truly sharp edge. You will use your own gear to bring up a keen edge. Also bring a pencil. If you will be using water stones, bring a spray bottle with water. The instructors will be available to guide you in your efforts. They may perhaps bring their own sharpening tools and jigs and show how they are used if there is interest.

Please do not bring anything that has been ill-used like for opening paint cans, prying up bent nails and so forth. The idea is to learn to sharpen not how to reclaim those garage sale specials. Of course you will need this class as the final step in any restoration.

Don't miss this special session and you will be able to claim bragging rights to the sharpest tools. Or even win the planing contest at the NWA summer picnic!

$$$ There will be no fee for this workshop. Feel free to bring your own coffee and/or snack if you want.

What: Mid-Hudson Woodworkers Meeting
When: Thursday July 15, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Where: Hurley Reformed Church

Who and What:


David Bird will present "Wood Movement and the Wet / Dry Joint"

Part 1. Wood Movement - Changes in Moisture Content and Effects of Grain Orientation. Once a tree is felled and its wood is somewhat dried, atmospheric humidity determines its moisture content and changes in moisture content determine when wood moves, i.e. shrinks and swells.

On the other hand, grain orientation determines how wood moves in response to those changes in moisture content.

Part 2. The Wet / Dry Joint - This joint accommodates and takes advantage of wood movement.

The photo at upper right shows various types of wood movement as dictated by grain orientation. The second photo highlights the wet / dry joint (red circle) in a post and rung chair.

Click on the photos for a larger image.

Don't miss this important talk about the nature of wood which all woodworkers should know. Of course we will have all the other good stuff at our meetings: "Show and Tell", "Members Helping Members" and so on.