Coffee and Wood Shavings: My Experience at the Harrogate Woodworking Show 2019
You ever have one of those days where you think you’re stepping into something that’s gonna change your life? Yeah, that was me when I decided on a whim to hit up the Harrogate Woodworking Show back in 2019. What was I thinking? I mean, I love woodworking — I’ve got my garage full of tools, sawdust permanently embedded in my hair, and a collection of wood offcuts I might have a problem parting with. Okay, maybe it’s a mild obsession. But still, there I was, imagining all these experts sharing golden nuggets of wisdom and showing off their finest pieces. Almost idealistic, huh?
So, picture this: I wake up early. Too early if you ask me, but the excitement had me wide-eyed. My wife, bless her heart, brewed a fresh pot of coffee that morning; the smell wafted through the kitchen like an aroma from some gourmet cafe. I can still taste that first sip; warm and inviting, it set the tone for the day. I piled on layers like it was an Arctic expedition, ready for whatever the show had in store.
Diving Into the Daunting
Pulling up to Harrogate was like rolling up to a carnival for wood nerds. The place was buzzing, and I could practically hear the hum of creativity. Tables were stockpiled up with all sorts of exotic wood — mahogany, cherry, and even some intriguing stuff I’d never laid eyes on before. I mean, who knew that wood could make you feel all sorts of emotions, right? The grain patterns sang to me, and I was in really deep.
But, here’s where I tripped a little too hard. Everyone seemed like a pro. My confidence shrank faster than a cheap sponge in a rainstorm. You should’ve seen me awkwardly trying to show interest while, internally, I was thinking, “What am I even doing here?” I almost turned around and went back home when I saw this incredible booth showcasing the most intricate marquetry work. My jaw hit the floor!
Tools Galore and Learning the Hard Way
After shuffling around like a kid lost in a candy store, I found myself drawn to a booth featuring some fancy routers. You know, those gadgets that give you this high-tech edge to your woodworking projects? They had this shiny DeWalt router that looked like it could do the impossible. I listened intently as the salesman rattled on about its features, how it could carve out perfect edges, and I could feel the gears turning in my head — “How amazing would that be?”
But then I learned a tough lesson. I bit the bullet and decided to give it a go right there. You know what? Turns out, precision is key with those things. I plucked a piece of reclaimed pine (which smells delightful by the way, like a fresh-cut lumberyard) and hooked it up. But my hands? They were shaking like a leaf in a windstorm. I fumbled around trying to adjust the speed, and man, did I regret not practicing beforehand. It was like trying to teach a cat how to fetch.
In wonky style, I ended up with more chips than actual carved edges. I swear, I almost heard the wood laughing at me. I turned around; the audience of expert woodworkers — casually sipping coffee — were shooting sideways glances at my masterpiece. It was messy, and there was no hiding it.
The Surprise Moment
But as fate would have it, just when I thought all was lost, I stumbled upon a workshop by a local craftsman named Jim. That man, I tell ya, had hands like magic. He was nothing short of a wizard with a chisel, making it look as easy as pie. His laughter echoed through the room as he talked about the missteps he made when he first started. That’s where the air turned warm and familiar, and I thought, “Hey, I’m not the only one.”
The room went quiet as he moved through his demo. “It’s about the journey, folks,” he said, slicing through a piece of walnut effortlessly. And I laughed when he said, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat — and trust me, sometimes that way involves some very messy mistakes.”
Reflecting back on my earlier router disaster, I realized I wasn’t there to be perfect. I was there to learn.
Leaving with More than I Came With
By the end of the show, I walked away — not with the router of my dreams, mind you, but with a newfound appreciation for the craft, the community, and my own stumbles. I got a packet of reclaimed wood, picked up some tips from Jim, and a small bottle of finish that smelled like heaven.
Honestly, if you’re thinking about diving into woodworking or even this kind of expo, I’m here to say, just go for it. Don’t worry about being an expert or making a fool of yourself like I did. You’ll find your footing among those wood chips and shavings. No one starts as a master; we all fumble through some missteps.
It really is about the journey, and with a cup of coffee in hand, or maybe some fresh-cut wood in your workshop, who knows what you might create next?
