On December 17, Chuck Roberts described the process he uses to make non-linear coopered boxes.  He discussed the method he uses to calculate the angles for the staves he uses in the construction process.  He also discussed the table saw techniques he uses to cut the staves and discussed some table saw safety principles.  Chuck also talked about the glue he uses and the technique he uses to glue the pieces together.  Chuck's work is simply stunning - maybe we will see some similar pieces at future Show and Tell sessions.

On December 10, approximately 90 people attended the 2011 Christmas party.  This record crowd was treated to a standing rib roast dinner which had been prepared by Ricky Alexander and his family.  The party featured the popular Show/Tell table as well as the gift exchange.  Peachtree Woodworking once again presented GWA with a very generous Christmas present.  The Club also announced that Heather Hughes had made the winning bid for the Upside Down Christmas Tree.  A good time was had by all!

On December 3, GWA convened its annual business meeting.  In addition to reviewing membership and financials, the following members were elected to Officer positions for 2012.

Bob Brokaw - President

Rob Austin - Vice President

Diane Nistler - Secretary

Wayne Martin - Treasurer

Additionally, the following members have agreed to serve in the following positions during 2012.

Hans Meier - Scroll Saw Chairman

Dan Douthart - Woodturning Chairman

Gerry Jones - Newsletter Editor

Thanks to everyone for helping to make 2011 a very successful year, as well as those who will be helping to make 2012 another successful year.

Larry, at Busy Beaver Woodworks, hosted the GWA members at his shop in Lilburn. Larry talked about the wood he uses and the various products he makes. He helped several of our members identify suppliers for various products and shared tips relating to tools and fixtures. It soon became evident that a number of GWA members are interested in this branch of woodworking. http://www.busybeaverwoodworks.net/index.html

Steve Mellott facilitated a Veterans Day celebration. All GWA veterans were thanked for their service and 2 You Tube videos were shown. Opportunities to thank veterans were also discussed with the group. To round out the morning, coffee and cake were served.

In this class, Mickey Hudspeth talked about the experiences he has had making wooden gear clocks. He explained to the class that it took 2 years to make the clock and then another 2 years to fine tune the accuracy. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to point to something like this in your home and say “I made that in my workshop.” Job well done!

Today, GWA members visited the shops of Ricky Alexander, Rob Austin and Jim Kunzweiler.  The weather was cooperative and about 35 members took this opportunity to see different shop layouts, tools and processes.  The coffee, donuts and camaraderie were also great  Thanks to Ricky, Rob and Jim for oening their shops to their fellow GWA members! 

Dan St. Jermaine from Earlex demonstrated the Earlex HVLP system as well as a new Steam Bending System Earlex is starting to market.  This was a good opportunity to learn about some new tools and get your questions answered.

During the first half of the meeting, Dan Douthart showed how he turns Christmas ornaments on a pen mandrel. He makes it look so easy! During the second half of the meeting, a number of GWA members stayed to decorate the Upside Down Christmas tree. This tree is simply stunning! Thanks to Peachtree Woodworking for providing the refreshments for this class and thanks to everyone who made an ornament for the tree!

This year, the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association made 715 toys for the Toys for Tots program.  On September 24, we presented these toys to Chief Warrant Officer A.T. Wilson.  Thanks to everyone who was involved with this project!