A Rollercoaster at the International Woodworking Fair 2020
So, I was sitting on my porch, nursing a cup of my "house blend"—you know, the stuff that’s half decent mixed with whatever’s left in the can—and I started thinking about the International Woodworking Fair 2020. Man, what a whirlwind that trip was. If you’ve ever been to a fair like that, you know it’s not just a bunch of booths; it’s an experience. Walking into that convention center in Atlanta felt like stepping into a whole new world, one where sawdust and ambition hung thick in the air.
Unexpected Beginnings
Let’s start with how I got there. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, really. Just me, a nearly empty truck, and a head full of dreams. I thought, “Why not? Maybe I’ll find some new tools, discover some exotic woods, and get inspired.” You know how it is when you’re stuck in a small town and your woodworking projects feel a bit… mundane? So, I packed up my safety goggles, a couple of old chisels—my trusty Stanley and a newer VonHaus I picked up on sale—and hit the road.
I can still smell the exhaust mixed with the faint hints of pine as I drove down that highway, spinning through all the projects I planned to tackle when I got back. The thought of tackling a walnut dining table made my heart race. I’d been dreaming about that for years, picturing it shiny and perfect, of course. Let’s be honest, I wouldn’t know perfect if it sat next to me on this porch and asked for a cold drink.
The Fair Experience
The moment I stepped into that convention center, my senses just… exploded. The smell of fresh wood—oh man, it was intoxicating. You could hear tools whirring, people chatting excitedly about their latest builds, and vendors trying to outshout each other while touting their magic saw blades. I swear I could’ve just stood there soaking it all in for hours.
But eventually, curiosity got the best of me. I wandered into one booth showcasing these glorious slabs of figured maple and cherry. There was this one piece that practically begged me to take it home—beautiful flecks of color that shimmered in the light. I picked it up, almost dropping it when I felt how heavy it was. Then I had this wild thought: “What if I make a coffee table?” Just imagine it, sitting right here on my porch.
Mistakes Were Made
Now, every seasoned woodworker knows about the importance of planning, but honestly? I was so starry-eyed that I kind of skipped that part. I bought that glorious piece—well, a bit more than I should have, if we’re honest—and headed home with it. I could almost hear that piece calling my name, “You were meant for greatness!” Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.
I got home, placed it on my garage workbench, and then the reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I had no idea what I was doing. Sure, I had a vision in my head, but translating that to actual wood? Yikes. I’ll never forget that day I nearly set my garage on fire trying to sand it down. I was using a random orbital sander, and let me tell you, the dust was everywhere. I mean everywhere. Not just in the air but on my tools, my clothes, and even a bit in my coffee.
The Moment of Truth
I almost gave up after the first disastrous attempt. I called my buddy Jim, who’s been doing this woodworking thing for ages and probably has half a dozen projects that never saw the light of day. He chuckled when I told him about my flame-thrower impression and said, “Well, at least you’re keeping the fire alive!” It was exactly what I needed to hear. That silly little conversation reignited my spirit.
So, I went back to the drawing board—or, you know, back to my dusty workbench. I decided to take a step back and reevaluate. I did some research, watched a ridiculous number of YouTube videos, and just practiced. I learned about the right types of finishings, how to take proper measurements, and even gave a shot at mortise and tenon joints. That was a whole new adventure on its own—can you say stubborn?
The Sweet Reward
Fast forward a couple of weeks later, and I finally started to shape that piece of maple into something beautiful. I remember the first time I heard that satisfying ‘ping’ as my chisel just glided through the wood. I laughed out loud, startling my dog, who had taken to napping in the sawdust. I remember thinking, “Hey, maybe I can actually do this!”
And then the day finally came when I could set that coffee table down. I put it right in the center of my living room, proudly showcasing my incredible craftsmanship, complete with its live edges that told a story of its own. Every flaw, every uneven leg, every little imperfection? They all reminded me of the journey, of the mistakes I made and the lessons learned.
A Simple Takeaway
If there’s one thing I wish someone had told me before that wild ride at the International Woodworking Fair, it’s that building something isn’t just about the finish line; it’s about the process. Sure, it can get messy and frustrating, but you never really know what you’re capable of until you try—until you let those mistakes guide you instead of discourage you.
So, if you’re sitting there sipping your morning coffee and wondering whether or not to pick up that saw or that piece of wood, just go for it. Dive in, embrace the chaos, and don’t forget to chuckle at your own missteps along the way. You might just surprise yourself.
