In this class, Hans Meier and Karl Taylor tag teamed to cover many of the ways that scroll saw puzzles can be made.  Hans and Karl showed many examples of puzzles that they made and market.  They both showed the processes they used to develop many of the puzzle types.  The very small and the very irregular puzzles were the highlight of the presentation.

 Gerry Jones talked about basic fasteners for wood in this class. The history of nails and screws was discussed as well as how nails and screws are sized. Gerry also talked about knockdown fasteners. These type of fasteners are used when the piece is designed to be taken apart for transport. Woodworkers are familar with some of these such as tee nuts and threaded inserts. Others are used mainly by the furniture industries for cabinets that are assembled by the customer.  

In 2010 the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association Board of Directors decided to better automate membership activities through online sign-up of new members and annual membership renewals.  Each of our membership plans are published in the Membership Sign-up section under the Membership menu.  The process of online sign-up also sets up the initial information for your Member Profile.

Your Member Profile

A Member Profile allows you to publish contact information, woodworking interests and personal and business website information.  You choose how much of this information you want to provide and share.  The Member Profile information is only available to registered members when they are logged in on the website.  The public does not have access to this information.  While our webmaster and web managers have the abililty to assist you in making changes or corrections to your profile, you the member are ultimately responsible for your member profile information.  You are also responsible for choosing a password that will not be easily guessible and that will remain confidential to your or those you have allowed access to your profile.  Your login credentials should never be provided to anyone who is not a GWA member or family member for security. To access your member profile first log into the GWA website then click on My Profile in the User Menu at the left.

Renewing My Membership

Your GWA membership renews annual on the anniversary of your original sign-up.  Since we began this new renewal methodology in 2010 if you joined prior to 2010 then your membership anniversary date is 12/31 at midnight.  You may renew your membership up to one year in advance.  Renewing adds one year to your membership.  For example if your anniversary date was 7/1/2011 and you renewed your membership on 3/1/2011 your membership would be renewed through 7/1/2012. If your membership expires the system will notify you by email (so please make sure your profile email address is correct).  However, if your membership has expired, the next time you log in the system will tell you your membership has expired and you will have the opportunity to immediately renew your membership.

To renew your membership at any time (as long as your membership is currently active)

1. log on to the GWA website.  A User Menu will appear on the left side of the page.
2. Click on "My Profile" in the left side User Menu.  Your profile will be displayed and there will be a number of tabs below your profile photo.
3. Click on the "Subscriptions" tab.  Then click the "Renew" button to renew your membership.

Edit My Profile

To edit your profile:

1. Log on to the GWA website using your username and password
2. Click on "My Profile" in the left side User Menu
3. Mouse over the Edit button above your profile photo then click on "Update Your Profile"
4. Verify, add to, or correct your profile information then click the "Update" button to save changes or "Cancel" to return to your profile without saving any changes.
5. Click "Logout" in the User Menu when you are finished.

Steve Mellott presented our December meeting and it was a wonderful show. This was Steve's first turning demo, he was steady, practiced and produced a perfect Urchin Ornament. Although he appeared a little nervous it was still easy to see he was having a good time.  Many thanks Steve.

All who were present enjoyed this fine show.  I called upon our own members to step up and do a Demo, come on everyone we would like to have you show what we are teaching and that we make a difference.  Please see me and I'll put you in a schedule.   Butch

The session on wooden brainteaser puzzles was a spin off from the class held several weeks ago on scroll saw and band saw toys.  Karl Taylor did a great job describing a number of different puzzles he has made.  These puzzles work off centrifugal force, magnets, mechanical catches, etc.   Steve Mellott, Mike Peace and Buice Maday also brought various puzzles that they had made.  Lots of great ideas for Christmas and challenges for future projects.

Wow - what a great Grand Opening!  Many GWA members conducted demonstrations on the midi lathe, scroll saw and Jack Morse's "monster lathe."  Even more came to shop and lend their support.  It was great seeing the demonstrators and especially gratifying to watch some members share tips with other members who wanted to learn how to use the lathe and the scroll saw.  We also spoke to several individuals who might be interested in joining our Club.  Thanks again.

Wow!  What a class.  Multiple members brought in samples of toys that were made on either a scroll saw or band saw.  There had to be approximately 50 different projects presented during the Show and Tell.  Diane Nistler, Karl Taylor, George North and Hans Meier then demonstrated how they actually made some of the toys.  We also learned that there is a bit of child in each of us - several of the adult members had a great time playing with several of the toys.  As a result of this learning, GWA will be scheduling a class on "brainteaser puzzles."

During the class, Steve Mellott also presented  a Certificate of Appreciation to R.B "Smitty" Highsmith for his contributions to the Portrait Freedom Project.  "Smitty" has cut more than 60 scroll saw portraits of military personnel who have been killed in action during the past several years.

Steve Mellott announced the Veterans Day celebration is intended to be an annual event rather than a 1 time occurrence.  The celebration included verbal comments as well as two brief videos.  Highlights are as follows:

1. All GWA members were asked to identify themselves and were offered thanks for their service to our Country.  As a lasting reminder of our gratitude, GWA memberws who are veterans will receive a $5 discount on all future renewal dues.

2. If a GWA member has a son, daughter or spouse serving in the active military, that dependent will be eligible to receive a GWA Certificate of Appreciation, a hand turned pen, a hand turned mug and a wooden Blue Star plaque.  If you have a dependent who qualifies, please let us know.  Also, if you'd like to help turn the pens, turn the mugs or make the plaques, let us know that as well.  The same program pertains to GWA members who go into active service.

3. GWA presented a Certificate of Appreciation to R.B. "Smitty" Highsmith for his involvement in the Portrait Freedom Project.  A copy of this award will also be placed in the Peachtree Woodworking class room.

4. Cake and coffe was served at the conclusion of the celebration. 

5. Butch Davis, Wayne Martin and George North displayed their projects that won awards at the 2010 Georgia National Fair.

Steve Mellott begin this class by discussing dust collection theory as well as system selection, layout, installation and operation.  Then Bob Aldea, John Eaton, Ron Harvey, and Wayne Mullins described the systems they have installed in their shops. (Home-Made, Grizzley, Oneida and ClearVue).  Each discussed the benefits and limitations of their respective systems.  It was interesting to hear both the theory and the real world experience.  A special thanks to Peachtree Woodworking for providing Halloween cookies and to Mike Maples for giving away several boxes of woodworking magazines.

Last Saturday, Alex from Carter Products conducted 3 different bandsaw demos for the GWA membership.  These are the 3 educational workshops he plans to conduct on the Woodworking Show circuit this year.  GWA members received a lot of great technical knowledge and Alex received some great feedback regarding the presentation format and content.