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The Woodworking Show

2K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  weedsnager 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I just attended the Woodworking Show in Dallas yesterday. I hadn't gone for a few years because - 1) the location was very poor, 2) the lack of vendors, and 3) the classes didn't interest me, or if they did they had the wrong times posted and I missed them, or you had to stand. Yesterday was such a wonderful surprise! A new venue, some great vendors and great classes. I spent 7 hours at the show. During that time I sat through 6 presentations and seminars, got to meet Roland Johnson from Fine Woodworking Magazine and talk with him, met Tommy McDonald (T Mac) and talked with him, learned how to tune up my jointer, band saw and table saw (without having to buy any expensive gizmo's), got a personal demonstration on texturing tools from Craft Supplies USA and saw the Woodmizer in action. I sought out the owner of the show and expressed my gratitude towards the huge improvements. I highly recommend this show.
 
#5 ·
I just went to the show nov. the 5th. it was a smaller show from 3 years ago, but who doesn't like,looking at tools and attending the demostrations. but what surprised me was the prices. router bit set $10 off regular price, oohh!
order anything from lee valley at regular price and get shipping free, ooohhh! big F,ing deal.craft supplies; regular prices; not many tools to take home, that i wanted right now.no i get a $10 off coupon when i order from the internet.
I was ready buy some tools that day; why would these companies take the time setting up and the travel and expenses, and be able to deliver products during the duration of the show. oh i forgot; i would have bought a kreg router table set ,but no it was $500 bucks, yeah the same everyday price from woodcraft or rockler. later i noticed this table was in lee-valley's catalog for $500 dollars,and i could have gotten free shipping,as aposed to just taking it with me at show,from kreg. i thought the idea of a traveling show was to drum up extra sales,durring a depression. oh wait a minute,some one in the government declared the recession over 2 years ago. that's another blog though.
 
#7 ·
I look at it as an educational experience. I learned a lot. I have a Rockler and a Woodcraft, as well as many other places to buy tools, all within about 30-40 minutes of my house. They have great sales all of the time. But with an 8.25% sales tax I make most of my purchases on-line. Sure Rockler and Woodcraft often have people in on Saturday's doing demo's but it's not often convenient for me to attend. With this show I made my schedule ahead of time and was able to do see everything that interested me. I agree Craft Supplies didn't have much actually in stock, but it was nice to be able to test out some tools and accessories on the lathe before purchasing them online (to save $10 and 8.25%). If you are looking for unbelievable sales or discounts, check Craigs List; if you are looking for a fun day, learning some techniques or maintenance tips, and possibly trying out a few tools - check out the show.
 
#8 ·
Glad you liked the show. I went to the show here in Febuary and ended up going 2 days and bought alot of stuff. I like to be able to check out what I am buying before making the purchase. I have to touch, smell it and feel it. Sure the prices may not be a lot lower but it still is something off.

Companies like Kreg sell at full list at the shows because they are not trying to compete with there distributors. I used to do a lot of trade shows in a former position I held and the manufactures would usually sell at a little below list and the distibutors would sell at a bit less or the manufacturer set the price. The cost of doing shows is high. You can take a huge hit if you don't have a good crowd. Between both expenses, flights, personel, hotels etc the companies are into the thousands before they even set up the both. So I understand that you may not get a screaming deal.

The shows are fun to go to and see the latest and greatest.
 
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