March 2017
Advancing the art and understanding of fine woodworking!
WWG Spring Symposium March 18 - 19
The Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia will hold its annual Spring Symposium Saturday and Sunday, March 18th and 19th at Woodcraft in Roswell.
We are looking forward to Peter Gedrys, who was here for this event 4 years ago, to again share his vast knowledge and expertise in Finishing.
In addition to the Saturday and Sunday sessions, he will be presenting highlights of his portfolio and finishing career on Friday evening, the 17th, at 6:30 PM, which is open to non-attendees and the general public at no charge.
Please refer to the below article for all the details.
Rob Milam's Marquetry Demo-- A Success
By Roger Moister
Rob Milam demonstrated marquetry techniques at the Guild meeting Feb 13, 2026 at Woodcraft to a full room of members. Rob took a week long Paul Schurch marquetry course in 2009 to learn the craft. Rob's interest is making photo realistic images in veneer, based on a picture of the subject. He brought 3 examples of his work which were heads of this children, the largest being about 30 x 24 inches.
Rob explained how he changes the color in a photograph into a workable template using Photo Shop Element 9. His goal is to reduce the approximate 255 colors or values of a picture to a manageable number, which he considers 7 or less. The fewer the better because having more values makes it more difficult to replicate and requires more wood veneer colors. To handle the colors, Rob has a collection of veneer samples on small boards which he has hanging in this shop. Rob uses Photo Shop to get numerical values for each color sample.
The demonstration object was a natural form resembling a tubular shell. Rob took his Photo Shop template and then made a line drawing of the object by tracing the template on the top of a light box (His box was impressive, being about 42 x 18 x 8 inches, having an opaque glass surface with florescent lights encased in the box). In tracing, Rob showed us his tracing skill as well as making a fair curve to flow the lines properly.
Rob wanted the demo object to have colors from dark to light, so he chose wenge as background (value 29) and maple as the foreground (value 142). To get the intervening colors, Rob took the difference in values of 113 and divided by 4 to get an interval of 28 and then selected veneers of zebra wood (value 57), Cherry (value 85) and white oak (value 113). Using these 5 veneers, Rob had previously assembled a packet for cutting on the scroll saw. Each sheet of veneer was taped on the show side to stabilize it when cut. All the veneers were sandwiched between two sheets of card stock with the line drawing pattern taped on the top. The packet was a little bigger than the pattern and stapled all around to hold it firm. The center was secured with a #23 headless nail bent over at both ends to hold the packet firm.
To start cutting, Rob used a finely pointed dental pick in an electric drill to make a hole in the packet to thread the scroll saw blade. This type of bit separated the veneer fibers rather and removing them as a conventional drill bit would do. He then proceeded to scroll saw out parts of the pattern, carefully removing the several pieces of each part and numbering it along with the corresponding number on the pattern as the key for assembly. He put each numbered part in a numbered compartment of a plastic utility box. Rob said he uses only one piece of each part in the object, the others being the wrong color and discarded. In scroll sawing, Rob said he worked from the inside of the pattern to the outside. His scroll saw skill in making 180 degree turns and following the line was noted by attentive viewers.
With several pieces cut, Rob showed us how he would assemble the object according to his pattern using blue tape to hold it together on the bottom side. In this process he said he would be working from the outside of the object to the inside.
Rob would use urea formaldehyde glue in most cases and apply pressure using a vacuum bag to complete the glue up. The substrate for the object would be half inch MDF. Rob gets most of his veneers from Certainly Wood, Inc. in New York, by mail order.
Implicit in the presentation was the amount of planning for a project and the tremendous amount of patience it takes to do the precision work, all of which Rob has mastered.
Wood Show 2017
By Nick Zucchino
It's that time of year again and most of us have been patiently waiting for the annual Wood Show
www.thewoodworkingshows.com
It is back soon and will be held at the Cobb Galleria, beginning Friday March 31st through Sunday, April 2nd.
The show will open at 12:00 noon on Friday and close at 6:00 PM.
Saturday the show will open at 10 :00 AM closing again at 6:00 PM,
Sunday opens at 10:00 AM with the Show wrapping up at 3:00 PM.
The only exception to entrance times will be Friday one hour prior to opening for display items or for competition and judging in our Booth.
At this point we have lots of help to display items, etc., but we badly need additional works to be displayed for judging. So get your project(s) ready !
If you would like to be included in the judging contest you can call me (Nick) at (404)353-1568.
Spring Symposium Scheduled March 17 - 19
Finishing professional Peter
Gedrys, who headlined this event 4 years ago, is returning for our annual Spring Symposium.
He will present a slide show of his work on Friday evening the 17th, which is open to all at no charge, followed by the Symposium all day Saturday and Sunday.
Following is general information for the event:
Guild and SAPFM members register by 2/15/17: $85*
Non-Members registration opens after 2/15/17: $130, includes 2017 Guild Membership.
*Guild or SAPFM members
Seating is Limited!
Friday:
6:30 - 8:00 PM Open to the Public - Free admission
Slide presentation on Peter’s portfolio and Finishing career
Saturday:
8:30 AM Registration
9:00 AM Morning Session
Noon Lunch
1:30 - 5:00 PM Afternoon Session
Sunday:
9:00 AM Morning Session
Noon Lunch
1:30 - 4:00 PM Afternoon Session
Symposium location:
Woodcraft
8560 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, GA 30022
770-587-3372
2017 Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia Spring Symposium
As a restorer, Peter Gedrys' resume includes eighteenth and nineteenth century furniture of American and Continental origin. His architectural projects allow him to reproduce the rich colors and patinas usually reserved for fine antiques. Along with teaching classes in a variety of finishing disciplines, Gedrys regularly contributes finishing articles to Fine Woodworking magazine and is considered to be one of the leading finishers and restoration experts in the Northeast.
The Program:
When building furniture, the craftsman faces various tasks such as wood selection, designing, milling, and joinery. Yet upon completion it’s only half done. Then there is the question of finishing. With all the myths, recipes and formulas, invariably it becomes confusing and intimidating.
In this symposium a variety of techniques employing dyes, stains, glazes and final finish will be demonstrated. Glazing, which is a translucent color over a sealed surface is one of the finishers most potent and forgiving techniques. Since the surface is sealed you can easily remove a glaze while it is still wet.
A variety of filling techniques will be also be demonstrated. This seminar is designed to take the guesswork out of your next finishing project.
Topics to be covered include:
• Surface preparation
• Sanding
• Scraping
• Wash coatings
• To color or not to color
• Stains and dyes
• Layering color
• Creating visual depth
• Choosing the proper finish
• Finishing the finish
Day One
Dyes, Stains and Glazing
One of the biggest difference between a professional and amateur finisher is the ability to control their color. Even those who prefer to finish wood naturally are at odds when faced with glaringly mismatched boards.
The question becomes "Now what!!" Arbitrary staining for staining sake rarely produces satisfactory results and now you've lost control.
This seminar will teach you to control your color not the other way around. A variety of woods will be employed and samples produced.
This will include, but not be limited to:
On Mahogany:
Antique Golden Brown,
Red Mahogany
Bleached to simulate satinwood
On Walnut:
Early American
Antique French
Day Two
Finishing
With all the coatings and myths available, choosing a finish is often a challenge. That's why many have only one finish in their arsenal. This seminar will give you the knowledge and confidence to step outside your comfort zone.
We'll cover all the bases with wiping varnishes, waterborne and shellac. Shellac will be given some extra attention and Peter will show you how to get the most out of this very versatile coating. Applications will include brushing and French polishing
Throughout the weekend Peter will take time to discuss the many aspects of Finishing, resulting in an informative lecture for all skill levels. There will be ample time for questions and interaction.
Expect an enjoyable weekend of woodworking, finishing and an exceptional opportunity to enhance your finishing skills.
2017 MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Woodworkers Guild of Georgia
By Kevin May
Purpose: Reward the member(s) whose efforts of promoting the Guild brings in the most visitors and new members.
Incentive: Be the member who either brings the most visitors to regular Monday night meetings or the member who refers the most new members, you will receive your 2018 membership in the Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia for free.
How:
(1) A guest registry will be made at each regular Monday night meeting (January through November) and the guest will be asked who enticed them to attend the meeting. The registry will be recorded and reported at each month's meeting as to which members are bringing in the most visitors.
(2) All new members will be asked who referred them to the Guild. The online and hardcopy membership application forms will be updated to include a field for this data. This will also be reported at each monthly meeting.
(*) If it happens to be that the same member wins both contests, they will receive their 2018 membership in the Guild for free and would also be able to receive a $45 discount on the 2018 spring seminar.
Show 'N Tell
Show 'N Tell was again very nicely represented at the February 13th Guild Meeting at Woodcraft.
Included were the following members sharing their excellent creations:
Jeremiah Warner - Shadow Box housing his Grandpa's WWII medals, as well as a table.
Charley Levin - Scissor Holder and Turning
Kevin Wood - Wind Chimes and Turnings
James Porter - Small Double Dovetail Boxes
Gary Fjeld - Small Box
Gary Fader - Small Box and Toy Dragon
Bring a project you would like to share at our April 10th Meeting.
Turner’s Group
The 3rd Monday Turner's Group at Rockler continues every month on the Third Monday.
We always learn quite a bit, pick up a few tips and techniques, and enjoy each other’s company and feedback.
If you own a Lathe, if you turn, or if you have any interest in turning – no matter the skill level – please feel free to join us at 6:30 on the 3rd Monday at Rockler - Sandy Springs !
Woodworkers’ Guild of Georgia
Upcoming Events
March 17, 18 & 19
Annual Spring Symposium
Woodcraft - Alpharetta
Finishing with Peter Gedrys
March 20
Rockler - Sandy Springs 6:30 PM
Turners Group
NOTE: No "2nd Monday" Guild Meeting at Woodcraft on March 13th
March 31 thru April 2
Woodworking Show - Cobb Galleria
Monday, April 10
Woodcraft 6:30 PM
Building Rolling Pins and Scholarship Presentation - by James Porter
Monday, April 17
Rockler - Sandy Springs 6:30 PM
Saturday, May 20
Spring Mini-Symposium
Peach State Lumber, Kennesaw 9:00 AM
Routers with Mark Barr
Monday, June 12
Woodcraft 6:30 PM
Building a Michael Fortune Chair #1 with Andy Wilkerson
Free Demonstrations
Rockler 6690 Roswell Road / Sandy Springs
&
425 Ernest Barrett Pkwy / Kennesaw
March 11: 11:00 CNC and Laser Engraving
March 18: 11:00 SawStop
March 25: 11:00 Sorby & Rockler Turning Tools
April 1: 11:00
CNC Machines
Woodcraft 8560 Holcomb Bridge Road / Roswell
March 11: 1:00 Hand Plane Tuning
March 18: 1:00 CNC Machines
March 25: 1:00 Turning Pepper Mills
April 1: 1:00 Lock Miter Joints
For Sale
Stanley Sweetheart No. 62 Low Angle Jack Plane
$ 150
Brand New! In the Original Box & Never Used !!
Please contact Roger Moister 404-355-5033 or [email protected]
Bosch 4000 Jobsite Table Saw
Well used, but only by hobbyist for home projects. Includes the gravity stand, zero clearance throat and 6 inch Freud dado set. Asking $ 350 or best offer. Contact Kurt Batsel at 770-578-9696
The Guild Board of Directors
John Nielsen, President 770-434-3812
Joe Rodriquez, Treasurer 224-659-2225
Community/Charitable Projects Open
Nick Zicchino, Woodworking Show 2017 770-237-2280
Tom Melcher, Patron Sponsors 770-851-1098
Nuane Neely, Spring Symposium 2017 770-922-1933
Tom Risoli, Website Administrator 678-513-0887
Programs
Open
Gary Fader, Vice-President, Secretary 770-977-7271
Jim Milam, Member at Large 404-255-2314
Roger Moister, Librarian 404-355-5033
Kevin May, Membership 404-735-9807
Ken Gregg, Scholarships 678-799-6157
Mark Haugland, Newsletter 678-294-8043
Jim Wright, Audio Visual/Member at Large 770-973-4692
John Jones, Communications
678-576-7265
Gary Fader, Program Committee Chairman 770-977-7271
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.
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
Hardwoods Incorporated
- A division of Atlanta Hardwood Corporation, Hardwoods Inc. has grown to become one of the largest hardwood distributors in the Eastern United States. Hardwoods Inc. stocks more than 100 species of domestic and exotic lumber, plywood, Arborite laminates and turning stock. When you think of wood, think of us. Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday. Guild members receive 10% OFF qualifying purchases.
Located at 5400 Riverview Road, Mableton, 30126. 404.792.0910 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. 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) - We started 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, as well as 425 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy in Kennesaw. 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. 404-460-1000. 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 450 Highway 23 in Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-945-2102. Moving to a bigger and better location soon! 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 are interested in contributing an article or placing an ad, please contact Mark at [email protected]
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 80750 / Atlanta, GA 30366
You may also pay dues using PayPal at wwgofga.com
Enjoy Your Newsletter. We welcome your feedback below.