An ode to craftsmanship

Woodworking show at O.C. Fairgrounds offers tips from the experts and a peek at new power tools. The sound of sawing and the smell of sawdust were overwhelming inside certain buildings at the Orange County Fairgrounds over the weekend.

It was difficult to hear or talk over the piercing sounds of heavy machinery, so it was a good thing most everyone with something to say was behind a booth and wearing a microphone.

Woodworkers were busy handcrafting projects. People with tool belts moved from building to building. You almost expected Tim Taylor and Al Borland from television’s “Home Improvement” to be right around the corner.

This was the scene at the annual ode to craftsmanship called the Woodworking Shows. The exhibition, with headquarters in Los Angeles, travels across the country and lands at the Orange County Fairgrounds once a year.

The Costa Mesa show, which ran from Friday to Sunday, is one of the largest of the year, drawing about 250 national and local exhibitors.

The event attracts a host of local merchants, hobbyists and mom-and-pop store owners, said show manager Chuck Roche.

“Many of the guests are interested in seeing devices that are debuting at our shows,” said Roche, who has been in charge of the tour for about 20 years.

He said the recent focus has been on educating visitors on how to use power tools. Clinics were available in wood turning, finishing basics and table saws, among other topics.

“It’s a good opportunity for advanced woodworkers to get one-on-one lessons,” Roche said. “It’s also good for beginners.”

Roche said he encourages exhibitors to have live demonstrations. Dave Pinto, who works for Pro Marketing and was hawking a welding rod, punched a hole into the bottom of a Coke can and then used the rod to patch the hole.

“This is the kind of product that demands a demonstration,” said Pinto, who had traveled all the way from Overland Park, Kan.

One of the most popular booths was the Orange County Woodworkers Assn., a group with more than 200 members.

Group secretary Edward Straub manned the booth, providing people with information while they watched member David Wade use a spindle gouge to shape a rectangular piece of wood.

The wood spun at a high velocity, and exhibition guests watched as Wade paid close attention to detail.

“When people stop to watch, they want to see immediate results,” Straub said.

Around the holiday season, the Orange County Woodworkers Assn. gives many wooden items made by members to children in hospitals. One of this year’s featured products was a top hat made out of sycamore.

Roche said he was attempting to attract more women to the event this year. The exhibition was free for spouses of attendees.

Beaumont resident John Dowling came by himself to “spend money,” he said.

An avid woodworker, he said he likes to make gifts for his kids.

He attended numerous seminars.

“I learned how to hand-cut dovetails,” Dowling said. 20051107ipk82aknDOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Deneb Puchalski of Lie-Nielsen Toolworks demonstrates the use of a bench plane during the woodworking exhibition at the Orange County Fairgrounds on Sunday. Those attending the event could see demonstrations by experts and ogle the latest in power tools.