March 2, 2021:  A new permanent page is being developed to store member-created files and to make them available for download.  Often the file will be a slide show at a past meeting, but there is no restriction on the types of files stored there as long as they're legal.  Access to this page is by clicking the "FILES" tab along the top edge of this page. March 3: Link to YouTube video on how to make perfect splines or keys added.

Alright.  There's no way to spin it.  We do not have a feature presenter for our March 2, 2021, first Tuesday of the month, meeting.  Still, some of us are having birthdays in March, so that's something. We will do again what we did last month, execute a move first put forth by Mark Allen when he was Program Director, namely, we turn the meeting over to us, the members.  So, what do you have to Show-and-Tell us?  Are there Shop Tips you would like to share?  What about Jigs , are there some that work really well for you?  Maybe there's a recent Shop Improvement to crow about?  To take a page from Fine Woodworking, what about Methods of Work ?  And one more: How do I ... [fill in the blank]?  To explain, every meeting has one or more of us who have solved the very problem that faces you now.  Ask your question at the meeting, and just pray you don't get too many conflicting answers.  Look, there must be a million things yo...

Your Best Woodshop Tips We want to hear your best shop tips.  The tips can be about anything, whether it's about working wood or storing rags; fine furniture or machine stands; hand tools or power tools; whatever.  If it's something that you do in your woodshop that might benefit others to learn, let's hear it.  You can set up a live demonstration, prepare slides, or make a video, doesn't matter, we're up for it.  You can even just talk about your tip if that's what you want to do.  By the way, let George know if you would like to practice with your set-up, slides, or video beforehand.  Email georgef@uottawa.ca  Prepare several tips.  We will start with everyone's best tip, and then have a second round, and maybe a third until we either run out of tips or run out of time.  Come prepared because Jocelyn will be calling out names.  We will also hold a Show-and-Tell segment and a Question-and-Answer portion in the meeting.  Look for ...

The OWA was invited to join a developing umbrella group called WoodShows.com.  They promise access to virtual woodworking shows from Tuesday afternoons to Thursday nights, and are offering us the ability to hold our own meetings as before, but using their platform.  It seem we can attend other groups' meetings as well. At this point it is a little cloudy on exactly how to use their platform.  Their platform is not Zoom, but similar enough so that the transition will be painless.  Annoying?  Sure.  Painful?  Maybe not. Some things we do know: They have given us 60 tickets, enough for all the OWA members we have this year and had last year.  Don Duchesne will send you an email that contains a link, maybe with instructions to activate your ticket.  It will be personalized in the sense that it, along with your email address, will give you access to their offerings.  To get started, you will have to register with them, WoodShows.com. ...

Our first Tuesday in January -- First Tuesday in 2021 -- features the secrets of special jigs to handle curves!  The title is: Dining Room Corner Cabinet Design & Build , a Presentation by none other than Marty Schlosser of the Kingston Artisans.  Follow along with Marty as he describes how he designed and built a pair of dining room corner cabinets for their home.  The following points will be covered:  Design considerations Construction of the carcass, drawers and hutch doors. (including the many jigs that were needed) Finishing (stains, topcoats and application methods) Questions will be encouraged throughout the presentation. Members of the OWA and friends of Kingston Artisans will receive an invitation to attend the Zoom get-together by email.

Our own Karen McBride has an eight-page spread dedicated to her woodshop in this year's annual issue of Fine Woodworking's Tools & Shops.  Her shop is a log cabin that she relocated log by numbered log and outfitted with truely high end tools.  The article will either inspire you to greatness or depress you into quitting woodworking.  Brava Karen!

Here's a quote from George:  "When I joined the OWA in 2011, Jack Schwass conducted a special interest group in his home workshop on making planes.  I couldn't believe it; these people made their own tools!  I stayed." On Thursday the 10th at 7 PM, our partners, the Kingston Artisans, will host a Zoom meeting showing how one makes a wooden hand plane.  Additional details along with an invitation to the meeting will be (or maybe have been) provided to members of the OWA via email.  There's also talk of a surprise presentation lined up.  Check your email.