December 2018
Advancing the art and understanding of fine woodworking!
2019 Guild Membership Dues
Renew by December 30th !
Year's end is quickly approaching, and your Guild membership Renewal is due.
We are off to a good start for Renewals, but need to finish strongly.
Many great programs, including the Spring Symposium with well-known woodworker Bob Van Dyke, are planned. Member benefits include a membership card - which entitles you to discounts offered by various Patron Sponsors, listing in the Guild register, voting, monthly newsletters, the website, and mentoring.
Additionally, the opportunity to meet and socialize with other woodworkers for discussion of our favorite subject - woodworking - is priceless!
Simply go to the "Membership Renewal Link" on the Home Page of
the Guild Website www.wwgofga.com
How a Wood Artist Thinks and Works
By Roger Moister
Guild member Doug Pisik
returned as the speaker to talk on Creative Design in
Woodworking on November 12th at Woodcraft. The program was well attended,
notwithstanding the Veteran’s Day holiday. Many lively and interesting questions came from
the floor.
Doug is an effective communicator, and he was quick to compliment the Show and Tell
item from Milton Miller which was a cutting board built in 2 sections and interlocked with a
curve featuring 2 heart shaped holes, this having been made for a young married couple.
Doug seized on how the cutting board demonstrated creativity in woodworking.
Doug was introduced as a self-employed wood artist, starting up a full-time business in
that area, but he adamantly insisted he was a woodworker first. For him being a wood artist is
a subset of being a woodworker. Doug’s talk gave helpful insights in what we all strive to do in
becoming better woodworkers.
As one who does not build from a set of plans, Doug proceeded to address where his
artistic ideas come from. Several sources were revealed: self inspiration, like the need to show
off; mental associations like building a vertical object based Brancusi’s “Endless Column;”
personal sketches; periods of brooding, like designing the top for a particular box; fulfilling a
need by doing a commission like creating a “whisker box” for the ashes of a pet cat or
building a dot box relating to a museum exhibition; using scraps like for a small triangular box
and finally leveraging off of a mistake. Doug pointed to some of his works to demonstrate
these points.
Doug gave us helpful tips on woodworking which revealed somewhat how he
transforms his designs into wooden objects. On finishing, he sands to 6000 grit using micro
mesh to level 9 and then puts on 2 coats Watco oil or Formby’s tung oil. He cuts 45 degree
miter joints with a router using a chamfer bit, and he makes mitered pyramid box tops
referring to a book of pyramid angles available on the web. All the miters in his demo items
were tight. Doug explained his unique technique of “Through Pattern Construction” on a
displayed box. He said the box was glued up using many small pieces of stock cut precisely
into quarter inch thick or less pieces and glued together painstakingly in sections on an
absolutely flat surface. Doug said he cuts most of his stock on a 16 inch Laguna band saw. He
explained how he uses a table saw to rip thin stock. He also uses a big belt sander and a
drum sander to help prepare his thin stock. Doug uses Titebond mostly and sometimes 5
minute epoxy for glues. Finally, he mentioned he sands the inside of his boxes before
assembly.
Throughout the evening Doug shared insights on how he works. In starting his wood
working business, he said he tries to work in his shop 6 hours a day, 6 days a week. Against
this, he spends about half his time on marketing—somehow. Recently he admitted he had to
work to midnight many nights to meet a deadline.
Doug’s mindset toward his woodworking is to work without constraints, focusing solely
on the idea at hand. He looks for ideas everywhere and all the time. He praised the Guild as a
source of ideas for himself and all of us. Sometimes he forces creativity to come out because
of limited options like the need to follow a theme or meet a deadline. He makes a decision
sometimes between a planned build - like for an object he would sell, or for an ad hoc build like
something he would build just for fun, such as the hodgepodge object he showed us made
from scraps. Above all, Doug tries to write down his ideas in words or sketches to capture
them while in mind. Work with patience he said, and embrace your mistakes and never, no
never, point out your mistakes to one who admires your work. Finally work safely, which for
Doug is not entering his shop if he has recently had even a sip of wine or anything stronger and
leave the shop at the first signs of fatigue. “I’m proud of my fingers,” he said, showing us all 10.
Doug commented on the business of woodworking, admitting the difficulty of how to
charge for his work where he must consider the originality of his design, complexity of
construction, time expended and cost of materials. Doug balances the difficulty of charging for
a piece of his work with the good feelings he gets by sometimes selling a piece at a charity
auction because he feels like he is giving back.
Doug’s program was informative and very interesting. His cards were distributed to the
audience, and guests were directed to his website www.dougpisik.com
If you want to talk to him, buy one of his pieces or engage him, reach him at [email protected] or phone 404-307-2185.
President’s Message
December 2018
Gary Fader
Support Our Guild Patron Sponsors
Who gives you advice about a woodworking product when you need it? Who helps you solve a problem when you get stuck working on a project? Who provides classes that teach you basic, and sometimes advanced skills, often for free. Of course, it’s Amazon. NOT!
But how often do we go to an online supplier because we can save a buck or two? I’m not talking about major savings when it really pays to order something on line, but when you consider delivery charges compared to the typical 10% or more your Guild sponsor stores provide, I’d wager the savings are not that great. And often you’ll get advice on setting up a major tool based on real experience, or maybe the name of someone who recently made the same purchase and now has first-hand experience to share.
How many stores can you name that no longer exist because online vendors blew them away? Think Radio Shack and Toys-R-Us, just to name two recent ones. The other day, I needed a few minor electrical parts that I would have gotten at Radio Shack two miles from my house. I had to order them online; $7.00 worth of parts, $8:00 postage & handling. Then, I had to wait several days for delivery. Duh!
And how about the time I couldn’t figure out what hinges would work on a chess board storage case I was making. The guys at Rockler had the answer. I'd never heard of barrel hinges before that.
So, the point is, our local sponsor stores are precious. They support the Guild through annual dues, discounts, and raffle awards, in addition to the valuable services that provide. They also provide us with space for our meetings and symposiums, and often offer lunch, snacks, and drinks, all for free. Let’s not err on the side of making purchases on line to save a few bucks and risk losing these valuable local resources. Some of this logic also applies to shopping at the big-box stores. Convenient sometimes for a can of poly, but takes business from the stores we really need to depend on!
Stationary Tools Donated to Guild to be Offered
via Silent Auction
The Woodworkers Guild of Georgia is the recipient of a generous donation consisting of an 8” Jointer and a 15” Planer. Inasmuch as we have no shop in which to place the machines, they are being offered for sale to Guild members with all sale proceeds going to benefit the Guild. Specifications for both items are as follows:
15” Planer Grizzly Model G0453Z
• ï€ 3 HP, 240 volt, single phase
• ï€ Spiral cutter head
• ï€ Magnetic starter
• ï€ Mobile base included
• ï€ Mfg. date 11-2013
• ï€ Weight 655 lbs.
• ï€ Approx. price new $2100
8” Jointer Grizzly Model G0656PX
• ï€ 3 HP, 240 volt, single phase
• ï€ Spiral cutter head
• ï€ Mobile base included
• ï€ Mfg. date 7-2014
• ï€ Weight 465 lbs.
• ï€ Approx. price new $1700
Please submit bids via email to [email protected] by end of day on December 19, 2025
• ï€ Minimum bid for planer is $950
• ï€ Minimum bid for joiner is $650
If you wish to inspect machines, please E-mail [email protected] to arrange a time.
Shown below are Photos of Doug Pisik's PowerPoint slides
from his Excellent November Meeting Presentation
Guild Annual Holiday Party and Show 'N Tell
The Woodworkers Guild of Georgia will again hold its Annual Holiday Party at the North Atlanta Seventh Day Adventist Church in Dunwoody on Monday, December 10th, at 6:30 pm
with registration beginning at 6:00 pm. The address is 5123 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road,
Dunwoody, GA 30338.
Show 'N Tell will again be featured in both the Craftsman and Masters Categories, with judging by Attendees.
One of the Highlights of this event is viewing and enjoying these projects!
Please note that entering an item for judging is not mandatory.
Epicurean Endeavors will again be catering the dinner, which they have been doing for us the last few years. Excellent food !
We look forward to seeing everyone who signed up by November 30th, needed for the Caterer.
START PLANNING YOUR PROJECTS FOR THE WOODWORKING SHOW
NEXT SPRING!
The Woodworking Show 2019 is set for March 15-17 at the Cobb Galleria. The Guild will again have a Booth at the Woodworking Show, and will have a a judged contest of your projects in the Craftsman and Masters categories.
It is time to start planning and building!
For the Woodworking Show, you can get further details about the entry process on our website under Activities > Woodworking Show.
Shown below are some of the entries at the Woodworking Show this past Spring.
Show 'n Tell
David Albin and
Milton Miller
each shared one of their recent projects at the November Guild Meeting.
David showed us his set of 5 stacked Shaker Boxes - Cherry w/ lacquer finish.
Milton showed us his Sapele interlocking
cutting boards, with heart-shaped handles.
Fine Woodworking, Gentlemen !
Woodworkers Guild of Georgia
Upcoming Events
Monday, December 10
Guild Holiday Banquet and Show 'N Tell
6:30 PM with Registration beginning at 6:00
North Atlanta Seventh Day Adventist Church
5123 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road / Dunwoody
NOTE: Guild Monthly Meetings will be Held on Thursdays in 2019
Thursday, January 10
Monthly Meeting Woodcraft - Alpharetta 7:00 PM
Derik Van Vleet on Making Farm Tables, His Woodworking Business and Methods
Thursday, February 7
Monthly Meeting Woodcraft - Alpharetta 7:00 PM
Stanley Bench Planes with Brent Richardson
Save the Dates:
Wood Show - March 15, 16, 17 at Cobb Galleria
Guild's Annual Spring Symposium with Bob Van Dyke - April 6 & 7 at Woodcraft
Free Demonstrations
Rockler 6690 Roswell Road / Sandy Springs
&
425 Ernest Barrett Pkwy / Kennesaw
Dec. 8:
11:00 Bandsaw Techniques
Dec. 15: 11:00 Router Table Essentials
Jan. 5: 11:00 CNC Technology
Jan. 12: 11:00 Woodworking Accents
Woodcraft 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road / Roswell
Dec. 8: 10:00 - 3:00 Festool Demo Day
Dec. 15: 1:00 CNC in the Home Shop
Jan. 5:
1:00 Sharpening Chisels & Plane Irons
Jan. 12: 1:00 Drawer Slide Installation
Trading Post - Buy and Sell
The Guild Website contains an interactive area for Guild members to place adds to Sell their woodworking related items, or Buy items that have been posted by others.
Trading Post - Buy and Sell is located on Message Board on the Resources Dropdown.
Click on http://wwgofga.com/forum/trading-post.html to go directly to the Trading Post
The Guild Board of Directors
Gary Fader President 770-977-7271
Art Sanders Treasurer 678-472-9117
Nuane Neely Community/Charitable Projects 770-922-1933
John Champion Woodworking Show 2018 404-307-0817
Tom Melcher Patron Sponsors 770-851-1098
Jim Milam Spring Symposium 2018 404-255-2314
Tom Risoli Website Administrator I 678-513-0887
Steven Sheppard Website Administrator II 770-316-7160
John Jones Vice-President, Secretary 678-576-7265
Jim Milam Member at Large 404-255-2314
Roger Moister Librarian 404-355-5033
Ken Kraft Membership 262-894-1725
Joe Rodriguez Scholarships 224-659-2225
Mark Haugland Newsletter 678-294-8043
Jim Wright Audio Visual/Member at Large 770-973-4692
John Jones Communications 678-576-7265
Ken Gregg Program Committee Chairman 678-799-6157
Support Your Woodworkers Guild of Georgia Patron Sponsors
Proof of Guild membership is required by
Patron Sponsors
that offer discounts. Your membership card can be printed from our Guild website. Login and go to Guild Info > Members Only, and click on Membership Card. If you would like to pick up your membership card at the next Guild meeting, email us
with your member name.
CAG Lumber - CAG Lumber is known for the largest selection of live edge slabs and unusual woods from all over the world.
We sell on the net, not the gross, so you take home what you pay for with no added on or hidden fees. We can saw your logs, kiln dry, resaw lumber, plane, straight line, and glue up ready. We are large enough to handle your needs and small enough to give one on one personal service. Guild members show membership card to receive 10% off most items, except items on clearance or discounted. Check out our web site, we stock a lot more than is listed. Website
Fintech Abrasives - For over 25 years, Fintech Technologies has been fabricating belts, sheets, rolls and other abrasives. They also have extensive experience with the application of the newest materials in coated abrasives. Family owned and operated in Belding, MI, Fintech is a highly respected company that takes pride in its excellent product quality, unmatched customer service, and superior technical support. Guild members are welcome to order products, as well as contact them with questions. Call them at 1-888-223-8768.Website
Highland Woodworking - Providing fine woodworking tools and project supplies since 1978, Highland defines itself as a learning community. The store has attracted nationally known teachers and authors including Tage Frid, Sam Maloof, Michael Dunbar, Rude Osolnik, Toshio Odate, Dale Nish, Mark Duginske and many others in Highland’s ongoing program of seminars and workshops. We have some great woodworking class opportunities coming up at Highland Woodworking! We have classes and seminars every week that include basic sharpening techniques, turning, finishing, project builds, and much more! Click to see our class schedule.
Their catalog of fine woodworking tools and workshops is available online, or visit its fully-stocked store at 1045 N. Highland Avenue in Atlanta, 30306. 404-872-4466. Website
Peach State Lumber Products - We are dealers of high grade/cabinet quality hardwoods, plywood, softwood, veneer and also carry a full line of cabinet grade plywood and turning blocks. We welcome small quantity orders and have a retail sales area open to the public. We also carry Hettich brand hinges and drawer slides. We have hardware screws and pocket hole screws. We now have live edge slabs in multiple species, great for bar tops, mantels, etc. Show your Guild membership card to receive their 500 b.f. price on any qualifying purchase.
Located at 4000 Moon Station Road, Kennesaw, 30144. 770-428-3622. Website
Peachtree Woodworking Supply -
Peachtree is a producer and retailer of high quality woodworking products with a goal of providing the woodworker with the hard to find tools and accessories. They stock over 6,000 different woodworking items. Those items include a wide selection of abrasives, books, DVD’s, clamps, router bits, glue, t-track, dust collection, and much more. Peachtree also carries the major brands. The store is located at 6684 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Suite 100, Norcross, GA 30071, 770-458-5539. Store Hours: Mon – Fri 9 am.- 5 p.m., Sat 9 am - 3 pm. Website
Redmond Machinery - Specializes in new and used woodworking and metal working machinery in a 25,000 square foot showroom. We stock machinery, accessories, and supplies from top-name manufacturers. Bargain hunters, check out our large inventory of used and scratch and dent machinery and accessories. We are a source for older American made Powermatic and Delta parts. We invite Guild members to stop by to visit us. We are located at 58 Weldon Rd., Palmetto, GA 30268, 770-683-7297 or 800-428-9898 Website
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
- (Two Locations) - Rockler began as a mail order woodworking supply company and today the retail chain stretches across the United States. Our magazine, Woodworker’s Journal, is dedicated to offering plans, techniques, product reviews and tips to woodworkers. Our goal is to be your go-to woodworking resource. Please mention you are a Guild members BEFORE your purchase to receive 10% OFF everyday (normal exclusions apply).
We invite you to visit us at 6690 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs 404-460-1000, OR 425 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy in Kennesaw 678-383-0087. Hours are Monday-Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. On Saturdays we have free demos. Website
Suwanee Lumber Company – Is a specialty hardwood supplier for custom cabinet and furniture makers as well as the general public. Suwanee features hardwood lumber with matching plywood and other materials to make every project a work of art. Please show your Guild membership card when shopping to receive Level 4 pricing (1,000 b.f. pricing).
Their location is 540 Satellite Blvd. in Suwanee, GA 30024. 770-945-2102. Website
Woodcraft - (Two Locations) – Has been a woodworker's favorite source for quality hand and power tools, equipment and supplies (including wood). Cabinet makers, wood turners, carvers and woodworkers in general rely on our friendly, experienced staff that is always available to help with the selection of tools and supplies as well as provide helpful advice on individual projects. We have fully equipped classroom facilities. Guild members receive 10% OFF qualifying purchases during our monthly Guild meeting or Symposiums at the Alpharetta store.
Stop by our store at 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road in Alpharetta, GA 30022, 770-587-3372 OR our West side Store at 351 Thornton Road in Lithia Springs. GA 30122, 770-485-5636. Website
The Woodworkers Guild of Georgia
Newsletter is published monthly, and is provided to all Guild members.
The Newsletter, and its archived copies, is posted on our website.
It is also available 24/7 on our Newsletter URL wwgga.tlehs.com
If you have questions, wish to contribute an article, etc., please use Feedback form below
The Guild welcomes everyone interested in fine woodworking to join. Annual membership dues are $45.00,
which can be paid at the monthly meeting (2nd Mondays) or mailed to:
Woodworkers Guild of Georgia / P.O. Box 1323 / Woodstock, GA 30188
You may also pay dues using PayPal at wwgofga.com
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