Eastern Massachusetts Guild of Woodworkers

As evidenced by this month's featured piece this column is not devoted only to furniture. Jigs, fixtures, tools, and other pieces related to woodworking are also welcome.

The poker chip box is a whimsical piece of woodworking that is enjoyed at the home of the poker club that uses it. From a woodworking perspective, skills including veneering, routing, marquetry, miter cuts, splines, building the wood hinge and others are used. Alternating maple and mahogany veneered sides of the box house the woodworkers' originally designed removable poker chip holders and tray for related contents. Take a look inside here.

Bevel Cut

Build or Buy

by Andrew Davis

This month Andrew discusses another dilemma for woodworkers - whether to make or buy the jig (or fixture). Even beginners face this question, though admittedly some jigs may be beyond their skill set.

On the other end of the spectrum I know a clever woodworker who rarely considers the buy response. In fact, he'll sell you a self-made jig (or tool) at labor and materials in the single digit dollars for $79.99. This is just to have you consider making the jig (or tool) yourself.

So take a look at Andrew's article and see if his observations are familiar to you.

Moxon Vise Advise

Bob McKee shares his Moxon Vise build.

Furniture Interest Group Meetings

Meetings of the Guild's Furniture Interest Group (FIG) are held every third Monday of the month. All members are welcome. Members meet at a different member's house every month where they attend to discuss all things furniture building, including designs, jigs, wood species, joinery, tools, etc. Members have a chance to seek advice from a varied, friendly, and experienced assembly of woodworkers or add to this body of collective knowledge. Keep an eye on FIG meetings for time and place in the Upcoming Guild Events at the top of the page.

Mentoring in the EMGW

Mentoring in the Guild takes many forms. Everything from a brief conversation or email on a particular technique to a full-blown cooperative effort to build an entire piece. Most mentoring occurs informally among members. However, the Mentor Program provides an easy way, especially for new members, to get involved in mentoring. Members listed on the Mentor Program page of this website have expressed a willingness to help other members in a variety of ways.

To read more about the Mentor Program, click here or navigate to About Us then Mentor Program. To see the list of Mentor members with their interests and contact information, click here or navigate to Members then Mentors.