Popular Woodworking Editors' Blog

The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association has invited me to come out and give a three-day seminar September 12, 13 and 14. This is one of the oldest and best organized woodworking clubs in the country, well-known for their annual Design in Wood competition. These guys know how to put on an event, and I'm excited to be a part of this year's Fall Seminar. I'll be speaking and showing photos Friday night, and Saturday and Sunday I'll be building a piece of furniture.

What's unique about this event is it's location and presentation. I'll be on stage in an auditorium, along with a complete shop set-up. The audience will be in comfy, theatre-style seats watching me on stage, as well as on two large screens that will show details of what I'm doing. I'll be bringing along hand tools and jigs and you'll be able to watch the complete process of making through mortise and tenons as well as other joints and details of this Arts & Crafts style buffet.

My talk on Friday night will include some history of the Arts & Crafts movement, as well as the design process, and how I arrived at the design of this piece. I'll preview the building process and will be answering questions about my work and what we do here at Popular Woodworking. On Saturday and Sunday, the club is going all out to make this an enjoyable experience. In addition to the cushy seats and big screen video, breakfast, lunch and beverages are all included in the modest price. The club is also providing each attendee with a copy of one of my books.


We had originally intended to give everyone a copy of my new book, Drafting and Design for Woodworkers, but that title won't be available until late in October. Instead, we've decided to let those who sign up before September 1 take their pick of any of my other books. If you're planning on attending, additional titles will be available at a discounted price, and without any fees for shipping. If you've already signed up, you'll be receiving an e-mail from me directly to choose your book.

If you haven't signed up, seats are still available through the SDFWA website. Click on the link at the bottom of the page to reserve your spot. I'm looking forward to seeing you there. More information about the event is available from SDFWA, and more information about my books is available from my web site, craftsmanplans.com.

--Bob Lang