April and May meetings of 2025
| | The April 2025 meeting featured Milton Miller discussing bandsaws. Milton had too many excellent ideas to list here. Instead, I have included his presentation notes at the end of this newsletter. Also, if you want a great way to set up your bandsaw, look up Alex Snodgrass on YouTube. Or click on this link: Alex Snodgrass video | | | | Hans Meier delivered a fast moving experience of his techniques for scroll sawing. Makes you want to roll out that saw and start cutting away. He gracefully shared his enthusiasm and skill for all who attended. The vast array of scroll saw projects that he displayed were overwhelming. | | | | Member Profile:Cliff Wood | | How long in Atlanta
I moved to Atlanta from Minneapolis about 3 & 1/2 years ago.
What do you do professionally
I'm a Materials Science PhD student at Georgia Tech; my research is on producing carbon fibers.
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Which people have been influences in your woodworking
The biggest influence in my woodworking has always been my father; I would "help" him in his shop about as soon as I could walk, and he always helped and encouraged me on my own projects. A fitting runner-up would be my grandfather, for many of the same reasons. More recently, I've been enjoying the online educational programs of James Wright, Rex Krueger, Paul Sellers, and Shannon Rogers.
Other hobbies
Outside of school, work, and woodworking, I run out of time for other hobbies pretty quickly! However, I do enjoy cooking, and have a modest collection of vintage tools.
Favorite type of projects
I couldn't really decide, so as a cop-out I'll say my favorite thing to make are gifts. All the joy of woodworking, and your mistakes get to go live with someone else!
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Bob Leighton took a Shaker Oval Box class taught by John Jones at Woodcraft on March 29 & 30, 2025. | During a visit to the Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock, Massachusetts in the summer of 2022 I had the opportunity to attend a demonstration for making Shaker Oval Boxes. At the time, I was intrigued by the process and craftsmanship, thinking this was something I would like to try someday.
These oval-shaped bent wood boxes originated with the Shakers for use in their communities during the 1700s. Some communities even produced boxes for sale to the outside world starting in the 1800s. These boxes came in many different sizes, with smaller boxes nesting inside larger ones. The bands are made of hardwoods like maple or birch and tops and bottoms were often made of pine. Most had simple lids, but there were versions with handles and/or hinged lids depending on the box’s utility. The Shakers didn't add ornate features to the boxes but often finished them with milk paints in colorful tints of reds, oranges, greens, blues, browns, and yellows.
The opportunity to try my hand at making Shaker Oval Boxes came this past March with the Shaker Oval Box Class at Woodcraft, taught by fellow Guild member John Jones. John shared that he had learned to make Shaker Oval Boxes several years ago from John Wilson (1939-2023), who was a well-recognized expert on making these boxes. Mr. Wilson had taught hundreds, if not thousands, of people how to make shaker boxes for over thirty-five years, writing many articles and three books on the subject.
The class was an excellent hands-on experience where John taught us the intricate process of making these beautiful and practical boxes. Each of the six students was provided a workbench, clamp, the box materials, cores, shapers, and templates for five different size boxes for the class. We were responsible for bringing a short list of tools, ¾” galvanized pipe, and safety gear to the class. John presented a brief history of the Shakers and the boxes and explained the various parts of a Shaker Oval Box. He then walked us through the steps of building a box including preparing the bands, immersing the bands in boiling water, bending the bands around a core, clinching the bands with tacks (which then dry overnight with shapers inside), preparing and assembling the tops and bottoms, and suggestions for applying a finish.
| | The class was not without its challenges, such as quickly bending the thin hot wood strips around a form without breaking them, clinching the tacks with hammer on the 3/4” galvanized pipe while holding the bent wood in position, and preparing the tops and bottoms for assembly. With John's expert guidance, I was able to successfully complete
five different sizes of Shaker Oval Boxes, which to me turned out very nice given that I had never done this before. The class not only fulfilled my interest but also provided me with new woodworking skills and a sense of accomplishment.
John Jones is an excellent and patient teacher, and I would highly recommend his Shaker Oval Box class to anyone interested in learning to make Shaker Oval Boxes or wanting to learn the skills involved.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Guild for the Scholarship provided to me for this class. I hope other Guild members take advantage of Scholarship Program.
John Jones is an excellent and patient teacher, and I would highly recommend his Shaker Oval Box class to anyone interested in learning to make Shaker Oval Boxes or wanting to learn the skills involved.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Guild for the Scholarship provided to me for this class. I hope other Guild members take advantage of Scholarship Program.
Bob Leighton |  | | | | Upcoming events
May 8 – Scroll sawing
How to Access Your On-Line Membership Credentals
Just visit http://www.wwgofga.com and log in. Click your name in the upper right and click Profile. Once in your member profile you can add your photo, download your member card, add a bio under Member Directory, and update your interests located in the Your
Website Functions box.
List of Woodworking Schools
Before you book your next woodworking class please check out the current list of woodworking schools and academies on the website: Woodworking Schools
| | Social Media and Our Guild
The Guild uses social media to inform the public of our activities, boost membership and promote woodworking in general.
We have pages on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, plus we run a public Facebook group to encourage a multi-way dialog with interested woodworkers.
Links for all of these may be found on the web at: linktr.ee/wwgofga
We are always looking for ways to increase and enhance our social media posts, but need help in doing so. Send email to social@wwgofga.com if you might be interested in joining our social media team.
Linktree
Woodworkers Guild of Georgia | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Join Today! | | |  | | CAG Lumber is known for the largest selection of live edge slabs and unusual woods from all over the world. They sell by the net, not the gross, so you take home what you pay for with no added on or hidden fees. They can saw your logs, kiln dry, resaw lumber, plane, straight line, and glue up ready. They are large enough to handle your needs and small enough to give one-on-one personal service. Guild members show membership card to receive 10% off most items, except items on clearance or discounted. Check out their web site at www.caglumber.com. They stock a lot more than is listed. Visit them at:
4050 Old Cornelia Hwy
Gainesville, Ga 30507
770-869-3377
Mon – Fri: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm | | |  | 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. They have some great woodworking class opportunities coming up with classes and seminars every week that include basic sharpening techniques, turning, finishing, project builds, and much more! Visit their website to see their class schedule. Their catalog of fine woodworking tools and workshops is available online at highlandwoodworking.comor visit their fully stocked store at:
1045 North Highland Avenue NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Telephone 404-872-4466, or 800-241-6748
Our Atlanta retail store is open
Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Sun 12:30-4:30 |  | 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. Visit them at:
6684 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Suite 100
Peachtree Corners, Ga 30071
Telephone 888-512-9069 or 770 458-5539
https://ptreeusa.com/m
Sunday, Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM |  | Specializes in new and used woodworking and metal working machinery in a 25,000 square foot showroom. They stock machinery, accessories, and supplies from top-name manufacturers. Bargain hunters check out their large inventory of used and scratch and dent machinery and accessories. They are a source for older American made Powermatic and Delta parts. Guild members are invited to stop by and visit:
WM J. REDMOND & SON, INC.
58 Weldon Road
Palmetto, GA US 30268
redmondmachinery.com
Telephone 800-428-9898 or770-683-7297
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday / Sunday: CLOSED
Directions From Atlanta:
Get on I-75 S/I-85 S, continue on I-85 S. Take exit 56 from I-85 S Turn right onto Collinsworth Road. Continue straight onto Weldon Road Destination will be on the right. |  | Rockler began as a mail order woodworking supply company and today the retail chain stretches across the United States. Their magazine, Woodworker’s Journal, is dedicated to offering plans, techniques, product reviews and tips to woodworkers. Their goal is to be your go-to woodworking resource. Please mention you are a Guild member BEFORE your purchase to receive 10% OFF every day (normal exclusions apply). Services Available: Cut to length and rip-to-width cutting and thickness planing. Call their store for details.
New Services Available: Cut to length and rip-to-width cutting and thickness planing. Call store for details, Visit their website rockler.com or either of two Atlanta store locations:
425 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW
425 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW
Suite 1120
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Telephone 678-383-0087
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM
6690 Roswell Road, Suite 450
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Telephone 404-460-1000
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM |  | We are 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). Visit them at:suwaneelumber.com .
540 Satellite Blvd NE
Suwanee, GA 30024
Telephone 770-945-2102 or 800-330-8087
Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat: 8 AM - 1:00 PM
Closed Sunday | | Whether you're building heirloom furniture or bringing Mom's old cutting board back to life, we make the tools you need to finish the job, and without any chemicals or synthetics. Their Cutting Board Oil and Wood Wax for Cutting Boards are 100% food-safe, VOC free, and made with absolutely no synthetics. Visit them here: walrusoil.com or at:
2075 James River Ct., Suite C-D
Nixa, Missouri |  | | Woodcraft 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 their 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. They have fully equipped classroom facilities. Guild members receive 10% OFF qualifying purchases during the monthly Guild meeting or Symposiums at the Alpharetta store. Visit them at woodcraft.com or at either of two Atlanta locations:
Woodcraft of Atlanta
8560 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Suite 115
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Telephone 770-87-3372
Sunday Noon - 5 PM
Monday-Friday 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 6 PM
Woodcraft of West Atlanta
351 Thornton Road, Suite 102
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Telephone 770-485-5636
Monday-Friday 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday 9AM – 6PM
Sunday 11 AM – 4 PM |  | | The Wood Yard is a friendly hardwood and specialty lumber store that caters to the furniture and cabinet builder, the home hobbyist, and the craftsman. We offer superior grade domestic and imported lumber and plywood for all your projects. We also stock a large inventory of natural live edge slabs for counter and table tops, benches or whatever your imagination will allow.
At The Wood Yard, we encourage you to pick through the lumber to select the right pieces for your particular job. We are woodworkers too and understand how just the right boards can make your project special.
thewoodyard.com
122 Main Street
Concord, GA 30206
Telephone 770-468-8588
Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mon-Fri |  |  |  | Notes from Milton Millers presentation
WOODWORKERS GUILD OF GEORGIA
APRIL 10, 2025
Milton Miller
mmiller063@att.net
678-576-6054
BANDSAW—TUNING THEM FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
SAFEST stationary tools in your woodshop—always unplug saw before making any blade adjustments
Common Sizes—10 and 14 inch wheels
Welded metal blade that revolves around two wheels—if a blade breaks in the weld manufacturer should replace
It is possible that a brand new blade will not cut well
Common Blade Sizes to consider
Resawing —2 to 3 TPI—1/2 inch or wider—long boards 4 to 6 feet are hard to resaw without a second person keeping the cut piece against the fence. Sometimes easier to cut longer boards freehand without a fence
General cutting—5 to 8 TPI
Finer cutting with lots of curves—8 to 12 TPI
Opening, Folding and Storing Blades — several methods — be careful that you don’t damage blade while removing from box or unfolding
Blade must be at right angle to table—use small square or block of wood
Alignment of blade to fence to eliminate drift
Align with slot in bandsaw bed
Use a Carter Mag Fence
Cut a test strip about 10” long
Surfaces against the fence and table must be flat and 90 degrees
Don’t ever cut round boards without securing them from rolling forward
Adjusting bearings upper, lower and back—should not move until blade is engaged in making a cut, back bearing should not move until you start a cut
Keep blade protection at least 1/4” above your cutting surface
Extra lighting is often needed
Never cut a curve without the teeth being engaged
Go slowing at end of cut to avoid problems
Do not stand to the right of the blade—3 o’clock to 6 o’clock
Remove tension from blade if not being used for 24 hours
Gullets of the teeth should run in the middle of the upper rubber wheel—adjust lever at back write correct direction on the saw with a magic marker
Rubber tires must be clean—use soap and water not a solvent
Blade must be sharp—quality of the blade, proper tension and type of wood you are cutting will determine blades life
Check blades tension by running your finger at the lower left of the upper wheel blade guard —should move no more than 1/4 “ without too much pressure
Other devices that will help with making special cuts
cutting slabs
circles
cookies
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