Coffee, Wood Shavings, and the St. Louis Woodworking Show 2025
So there I was, sitting on my porch with a slightly chipped coffee mug in one hand and a half-eaten cinnamon roll in the other, thinking about that St. Louis Woodworking Show coming up next year. Seems like just yesterday it was a dream, you know? Everything felt so out of reach. But boy, did I have some tales to share.
A Missed Cut and a Lesson Learned
It was a few years ago now, and I had my heart set on this gorgeous walnut table. That dark, rich smell of walnut always draws me in. There’s something about it that just speaks to me. But boy, did I make some mistakes. I’m telling you, when I finally got my hands on that wood, I was like a kid in a candy store.
I had my trusty DeWalt table saw—a real workhorse, that one, and I thought, "This is going to be a breeze." But let me tell you: cutting walnut is a whole different ball game than softwood. I was so pumped, I didn’t even bother to double-check my measurements. I thought to myself, “What could go wrong?”
Well, let’s just say my first cut was a tragic mess. I leaned over the saw, squinting, and as the blade tore through the wood, I realized I’d forgotten to adjust for the kerf. Everything just didn’t line up. I almost gave up then and there. The very idea of taking that beautiful walnut and wasting it made my stomach churn. I took a deep breath, set down my coffee, and thought, “Okay, let’s regroup.”
Finding My Rhythm
I figured if I didn’t laugh at myself, I’d cry. So I took a step back, rubbed my temples a bit, and strategized. I fired up YouTube, not something I usually do because I’ve always been a bit stubborn, thinking I can figure everything out on my own. But the truth is, I found a guy with a scruffy beard who showed me how to make a down-and-dirty jig for the table saw. Just a simple set-up with some scrap wood. Watching him work, the way he confidently made those adjustments, I thought, “Man, I can do that.”
By the time I got back to work, I had that coffee-infused energy flowing through me again. And you know what? When I finally made that cut perfectly? Oh, man, I laughed out loud. It was like the wood sang, or maybe it was just my tired brain enjoying the moment.
Working with Tools and Stains
Fast forward a few months later, that table was finally coming together. I mean, I was dedicated. I had my Hitachi nail gun at the ready, making everything snap into place, and the smell of wood glue was almost intoxicating. And the finish! I went with this Minwax Dark Walnut stain that was the perfect complement to that stunning wood grain. It’s funny how I used to be scared of finishing. I thought it was going to turn my hard work into a disaster.
But here’s the thing: as soon as I started applying that stain, I felt a rush. Watching it soak into the wood, every little contour glowing with life—it was pure magic. It was one of those moments where I wished I could bottle it up and share it with folks. As I wiped off the excess stain, I almost got choked up. I mean, who would’ve ever thought a small-town fella like me could pull off something like this?
Remembering the Community
Now, about that St. Louis Woodworking Show coming up next year. I can’t help but think about all the folks I met at previous shows. There’s something unspoken about the camaraderie. Last time, I bumped into this sweet older gentleman who was carving some intricate designs. You could smell the fresh shavings, and every time his gouge hit the wood, it made this satisfying ‘thunk’.
He noticed I was struggling with my own carving and walked over, holding out a piece of cherry like it was a prized trophy. “This stuff’s forgiving,” he said, with a wink. “Don’t be scared to mess up.” I’ll never forget that. Just a simple piece of advice, but it resonated. I mean, how many times have I sat there sweating bullets, worried I’d ruin a good piece of wood?
Embracing Imperfection
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout this journey, it’s that the process is often far more fulfilling than the finished project. Whether it’s the first terrible cut or the moment when you realize you’re not alone in your struggles—those experiences shape us. This St. Louis show is a chance to share stories, but also to remember our shared love for woodworking, the failures that shape us into better craftsmen, and to pluck the courage to continue.
So if you’re considering diving into woodworking or even just attending the show, go for it. Because honestly? You find out who you are in the mess. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about creating something beautiful out of simple wood, even if that means messing up a few times along the way.
As I sit here sipping my now-cold coffee, I grin at the thought of what’s to come next year. If I can do this, so can you. Just keep carving through those challenges, folks.
