Category: Meeting Notes

GREETINGS all DWC members:

SAFETY:  Exits, first Aid kits, AED were pointed out by Gene.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. This was the last official club meeting of the Spring/summer.  Meetings will resume the first Monday in OCTOBER.  Some members may continue to get together on Monday evenings!
2. CARVING:  Bernie V.  informed us that there is an informal carving group that meets Tuesday mornings from 11:00 to 2:00 at Lakeview park (near the gazebo west of the Jube pavilion) starting in June.  Anyone is welcome to join in!
3. IDEAS for club meeting presentations are being sought by our VP, Kent.  Any topics or guest speakers or ideas for a presentation could be sent to Kent!
4. THANKS to our club Executive for all of their work this year in keeping the club running smoothly.
5. LOTTO group.  NO, Paul is not moving to some exotic island with millions!  The group’s $42 winnings will buy tickets for the next big draw.  Stay tuned…
6. Leah J circulated a sign-up sheet for any interested carvers to get together (see item 2 above) 

NEW prospective members:  Rich has heard good things about the club from Josh!

SHOW and TELL:

1. Gene: Community book is full of activity photos, will be kept at our library shelf.
2. Chris: Inspired by Annie, Chris has been making MICE of various woods, accented with pins, cord, leather.
3. Paul:  pointed out the $ benefits of sharing bulk glue purchases.
4. Leah M: Showed two cutting boards which were crafted by Josh!  Also showed some handmade jewelry using old china pieces.
5. Annie: showed a custom hanging basket
6. John: showed a walnut and other custom monitor stand, with some 3D printed bits and some creative measuring/adapting.
7. Don: showed some Woodcraft FUN projects – fence flowers, ladybugs.
8. Tom: showed a piece of incredibly thin veneer

Gene did a presentation on the year to date, highlighting the frequency of various machines being used, the various club activities and presentations, cleanups, 2 by 4 challenge, etc.

The new club protocol for material storage is posted in the room across the hall… the exec is working on sending out an announcement about this process.

Flatwork 101 is going to be parsed into smaller manageable segments to be delivered by volunteer members…stay tuned.

 HAVE a GREAT SUMMER.

SAFETY:  Fire Exits, First aid kits, A E D, New Emergence Phone for 911 calls by the sign-in book.  

2 new Prospective members attended

SHOW & TELL

Chris L.  – Showed a stainless steel measuring set. Kit available at William Wood Write. Handles Paduk. NOTE kit currently on sale 20% off
Leah J. – gave the club 2 Carving Books for the library plus some others to give away.

John K. –  Showed Dry Fit Dowels printed on his 3D printer  Thanks John for the samples

Don Mc had 6 Scrollsaw workshop magazines to give away.  If still at the club help yourself.  Don has issues 1 – 96 on DVD as it is much easier to print the patterns. 

Group Buy Baltic Birch

Panels 12 x 15 (1/20 of sheet)

1/8 is BB/BB  $2 each          1/4 is B/BB    $3 each  

• Online orders, email Don Mc. by Monday May 18th.
• Orders will be available Monday May 25 ^th
• Please bring cash.
• If not available that day email to arrange pick up in Brooklin 

PRESENTATION:

There was a virtual presentation by Sam Lavers from Crush Grind.

Showed the different ceramic grinders that are available, some examples and how to install. Learned something new too – you do not have to have a lathe to make a pepper mill.  It can be done on a drill press and make it square or out of a tree limb. 

You can see the products and examples at the https://www.crushgrind.ca/

Stay tuned for details on maybe doing a group buy.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: .

• Kent T.  … LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to help with teaching/leading some modules – Please contact Kent if you can help.
• The table saw run-off cabinet has been assembled and attached to the saw.  Big thank you to Wayne P. and all others that made this happen.
• 50/50 draw was won by John K.

QUESTION:  Who do you call when you notice that the sawdust bins outside the church are getting full..???

ANSWER:  Call member Joe MacD.  He will deliver the shavings to Nova’s Ark (THANKS JOE!)

NEXT meeting is MAY 25th..NO meeting next week Holiday. This is the last meeting of the year and the agenda for next year will be discussed so if you have any ideas please come and let us know.

SAFETY:  Fire Exits, First aid kits, A E D, New Emerg Phone for 911 calls all pointed out.  Chad is preparing detailed instructions for the emerg phone – posted by the sign-in book. (thanks Chad!)

New Prospective member:  Joe introduced himself to the members.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

• Chad: – 3 more parking places are being arranged for club members, immediately north of the church just off Simcoe’s west side…AARON will be sending out detailed instructions about this location
• Aaron:  there will be details coming soon about storage of wood etc inside shop and other room, stay tuned in coming weeks.
• Kent T.  The exec is working on revamping the Flatwork 101 course into a series of smaller modules, rather than one long 2 day course… LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to help with teaching/leading some modules – details will be forthcoming from Kent or Paul and Noel.   Stay tuned for further details!!!
• Wayne P. – The table saw run-off cabinet will be being assembled THIS SATURDAY at 9:00 a.m.   Any interested members may attend!
• 50/50 draw was won by Tony Maglietta

SHOW & TELL

1. Bernie V.  Carved Rose spoon of Basswood
2. John K.  Small Tambour storage unit of wormy maple
3. Gord T.  Collection of 19 old woodworking tools that had belonged to Bernie Visser’s grandfather… specialty planes, scribes, & blades, some of which were made by the original user!
4. Don McF.  Draw from last week’s 2by4 challenge for a classic Mack Cameron fountain pen in wooden case…won be Al P.
5. Kevin B.  Salt and Pepper grinders made from Ash and Yew
6. Annie F.  A box of critters…turned mice, chickens, and salt and pepper shakers (had to see these later in the meeting near the back!)

PRESENTATION:

KENT T.   Adjustable adapter for his Moravian Workbench

    Sits on top of his Moravian workbench, clamps down, has many dog holes, has a moxon vise, clamp downs, planing stops, end stop.  Also brought in several dovetail saws – 2 Japanese (cuts on pull stroke)  2 western (cuts on push stroke) and members took turns learning to use them to cut on the line to the line with some accuracy…

QUESTION:  Who do you call when you notice that the sawdust bins outside the church are getting full..???

ANSWER:  Call member JOE MACDOUGALL at 289-200-6134.  He will deliver the shavings to Nova’s Ark (THANKS JOE!)

NEXT meeting is MAY 4th… first meeting of the month – social meeting, bring along a sweet or savoury treat to share!

WOW! FANTASTIC display of DWC creativity and skill last night.

Good day to all DWC members:

This years 2by4 Challenge was awesome.  14 entries showed the amazing creativity and skill of DWC members…  the photos included here do not do these projects justice; those who were able to see and touch the creations will agree.  Our creators this year were Leah J, Noel G, Tom L, Chris W, Paul K, Don Mc, Andy B, Gene H, Bernie V, Dale C.  The event was organized by Don Mc.

Prizes were donated by DWC executive, and by our friends at Peacock Lumber ( www.peacocklumber.ca ) on Ritson just north of Adelaide, and Gardenerette ( www.gardenerette.ca ) on Taunton just east of Durham 57.  Be sure to thank these businesses when you visit!  Thanks to all who participated this year for your efforts…you have inspired us!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  

1. Margo M.   Forjars.ca  Margo recommends a vacuum sealer pump device that can easily seal mason jars for effective storage.
2. Hardwax oil sample giveaway, leftovers from a year or two ago
3. SHOP CLEANUP is this Saturday at 10 a.m.
4. 50-50 draw won by Noel G. 

SHOW and TELL

1.  Chris L.   Presented Salad Tongs with hot water bent wood, discussed various issues that can arise sometimes
2.  Paul K.   Presented a walnut and pine book shelf with some staining problem due to use of moist wooden drying racks…various solutions and ideas were discussed.

SAFETY:  emergency exits, first aid kits, and AED were pointed out.

SEE YOU ALL NEXT MONDAY, April 27th. 

REMEMBER TO USE REDTAGS FOR ANY DAMAGED EQUIPMENT, AND EMAIL THE MAINTENANCE TEAM.

Greetings all

Announcements:

1. 2 by 4 Challenge showing/judging takes place next week…April 20th
2. Lottery group (Paul K)  small winnings are being reinvested for the big win…we hope!
3. Workshops with Kent (building a hand tool) conclude this Saturday morning 9 – 12
4. Mortise machine – Do NOT overtighten the nut that holds the fence/guide.  Finger tight only!
5. 50-50 draws: 3 winners were John K, Richard K, Tom M.
6. Our Emergency Phone, on the sign in table, has died.  Aaron has donated one and Chad will be posting instructions on how to use it.
7. NEW MEMBER – James B, actually returning to the club…WELCOME to DWC.
8. Aaron:  Sin up to join and learn with the Maintenance Team (Bruce, Chad, and…) YOU CAN HELP with this by emailing them.
9. Annie F:  giving away some hinges and pulls from kitchen reno.

MEETING RECAP:

SAFETY:  2 exits, AED upstairs, Bring your own personal protective equipment, First Aid kits in shop.

SHOW and TELL:

1. Doug R:  model horse barn built from birch ply, pine, walnut, cedar, various glues, nails, plexiglass.
2. Chris L:  golf clubs pen set with golf bag and putting green, green epoxy dye used in oil based finish.
3. Dale C:  carved bowl made from Douglas fir cookie, forstner bits and wire wheel used, poly finish.
4. Dan A:  golf clubs pen set from sneezewood (yes it can cause sneezing), and pine

        Also – Dan showed a vacuum sealing device for sealing mason jars used to store finishes; bought on Amazon.  Leah provided a source for a similar item:  https://www.amazon.ca/UNERVER-Mason-Jar-Vacuum-Sealer/dp/B0CLHDKJ42/ref=sxin_33_sbv_search_btf?content-id=amzn1.sym.bda899c3-d099-430e-b4cf-43fa6759fd9e%3Aamzn1.sym.bda899c3-d099-430e-b4cf-43fa6759fd9e&crid=X1XREIQCXDQ2&cv_ct_cx=mason+jar+vacuum+sealer&keywords=mason+jar+vacuum+sealer&pd_rd_i=B0CLHDKJ42&pd_rd_r=735bfe9c-c389-4bf1-b7e9-d5ad529ada9d&pd_rd_w=2Eo8Y&pd_rd_wg=J0HxW&pf_rd_p=bda899c3-d099-430e-b4cf-43fa6759fd9e&pf_rd_r=RCTGGZEWXEMNPWN6MNJ0&qid=1776137935&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=madon+jar+vacuum%2Caps%2C135&sr=1-1-3bb2315b-f120-40bb-95a3-315d464ca631&srs=69733321011#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor     use ‘ctrl’ and click to follow.  Contact  Dan or Leah for more info.

• Chad S:  has a number of pairs of single golf gloves for sale…contact Chad directly
• Gord T:  donated a number of ash pen blanks to the club.  Also, Gord recently met a local man who deals with antique and recovered wood, has a CNC machine.  See Antiquelumber.ca or contact John.
• Mike B:  Whittled Nativity scene, 6 figures whittled and painted

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!  2 by 4 challenge, plus show and tell of course.

1. SAFETY and ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Aaron A. 

2 exits were pointed out.  AED is upstairs.  First Aid kits are located in the shop.  There is an emergency phone in the shop at the sign-in table for 911 calls only.  The building address is displayed on green tape just above the door.

• No new members were in attendance.  A number of name tags were circulated…please advise if any of those members have left the club.
• KUBkars for this week has been cancelled and the program is done for this year.
• SHOW AND TELL:  

Rod L: a hand-built #5 plane, from a course he took.  Bubinga and ‘hock’ iron (ask A.I. For info on this!!) used.

Kevin B:  2 cutting/serving boards, made of maple, walnut, bocote, padauk, and yellow tarara.  

Doug R:  finished (almost) canoe paddle, with wild horse scene laser engraved by Andy W.    Pine, walnut, cedar, epoxy and varnish.

Paul K and Dave R:  a curly maple bowl, with coloured sand and CA glue in a crack.

• PRESENTATION:  BY KENT T.  On a portable Moravian work bench.   Kent demonstrated the assembly of his custom built Moravian work bench.  Woods included ash, and pressure treated dressed, ‘structural’ wood, purple heart wedges.  Top was 4″ by 15″ by 5  ft…heavy, joints used included saddle joints, dovetail joints, through mortise and tenons with wedges.  A large leg vise was attached.  Many websites detail plans for building such a workbench.

• 50-50 DRAW:  winner was Tony M!!

Have a great week!

Review of Safety Protocols ( exits, defibrillator, first aid) 

New Members No new members present at this meeting 

Show and Tell

Scroll Saw  – Two eye glass holders , a puppy and a large nose 

Flatwork – Foot stool with hand made dovetail joints

Turning   – A couple of cute mice 

Whittling  – “alligator” clips 

Pyrography  – a small box highlighted with a loon 

Call for volunteers  – Sign up sheet circulated for sign up for the upcoming Scout Truck /KUB Kar sessions. 

Call for interest  – Our VP  proposed sessions for making shop made tools ( marking gauge first up)  using a variety of shop tools. This was not meant to replace Flatwork 101 course but was an opportunity to use many of the shop machines that some people have not used for a while .

Presentation  – The planning behind the proposed shop build of an outfeed table and storage cabinet for our Table saw was presented . The planning process is critical step in setting up any project for success so do not underestimate the value of pre-planning. Some of the required design features were discussed and there will be detailed plans available for comment. Members will be engaged for construction at a yet to be announced date in the near future 

RECAP OF DWC MEETING JAN 19, 2026

INTRO: Aaron A;  Safety exits reviewed, Defib unit upstairs.

* other ww clubs are being contacted to see what they do regarding safety and training of members…results to follow

* our practice of club build nights promotes skill development and safety

* Executive developments: Kent T is new VP, Matt P Stepped into treasurer, Aaron may be appointed president, Gord T stepping into Director at Large, Gene H is Community director, Bruce C is staying on as maintenance director. Need a secretary still. Specific duties/roles are being adjusted.

* This writer may be decreasing his communication role in coming weeks and months.

* We have been getting about 1 or 2 new members most weeks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Gene H: photos continue… this time from ornament build night in DEC.

* Kub Kars upcoming!!! sign up by emailing Gene

DATES: Feb 3, 9, 11, 24, Mar 4.

• Pyrography with Vicky happens this week Jan 22nd. Contact is Don Mc.
• SHOP CLEANUP is this Saturday, Jan 24 10:00 a.m.
• 50-50 DRAW… winner – Leah
• OUR DWC ‘KUBKARS’ competition night will likely be in March…we need 8 teams of 2 or 3 designers/builders
• PLEASE WEAR your name badge at meetings... it helps newer members get to know people, and it really helps other members too!!!

SHOW AND TELL:

1. Chris L: Turned and burned “BOX of SHIT” produced with aid of grandson, may become a big seller?!
2. Mike B: whittled and painted ‘VIKING’. Good whittling class this past week.
3. Jeff B: an oven rack SQUIRREL !!!, and a peg game for kids of all ages!
4. Matt P: Toy pick-up truck, expectations and skills evolved.
5. Annie F: various turned and carved ornaments/creatures.
6. Rod L: Pen and pen box, discussion about shellac. Sofa Arm Table dovetailed walnut

PRESENTATION -Chris L on the oscillating belt sander at DWC

* how to avoid catches and tears

* proper careful introduction of the work piece to the moving belt

* be aware of end grain orientation and do not lead with end grain corner into the belt. Do side grain edges and trailing corners, then flip piece over and repeat carefully.

* use a smooth sweeping motion on curved pieces, do not force the work, let the belt do its job gently. CLEAN the belt before, during and after use using the crepe block

* Be SURE that Dust collector is on and up to speed, correct gates open and closed!

* ABSOLUTELY WOOD ONLY… NEVER NEVER METAL – that is a big FIRE HAZARD

* Square up belt to the table!. Adjust table angle and height as needed!

NEXT DWC Meeting MONDAY JAN 26th, features a special guest speaker on “Dementia Friendly Communities” We all can learn from this excellent presentation!!!

RECAP OF DWC MEETING JAN 5, 2026

INTRO: Gene H; Safety exits reviewed, Defib unit upstairs. The small flip phone on the sign-in table can ONLY BE USED for EMERGENCY 911 calls!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. PYROGRAPHY 4 U. Pyrography class will be January 22nd, 1-4pm or 6-9pm by Vicky The Real Artist.

The cost is $35 etransfer to Don Mc. or bring cash/cheque to AGM on Jan 12. SEE attached note from Don. will include all materials, patterns and use of wood burning equipment. A 14 inch paddle included.

• COURSES: ongoing…TURNING 101 WITH Chris or Kade. See Kade B. to get on ‘the list’ for either instructor/session. Course to be in Feb/March. For ‘Flatwork 101’ course contact Paul K.
• SHARPENING Clinic with Dale: Jan 17th. ONE spot left!!
• WHITTLING Sessions with Mike B, arranged…send email to Mike
• SHOP CLEAN-UP: Saturday 24th Jan 10 a.m.
• Our Annual General Meeting (in the church proper) will occur ON JANUARY 12. It is REALLY important that we get a good turnout to the AGM, so PLEASE MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDARS to ATTEND. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for DWC by attending the Annual General Meeting!

YOU can read the club’s constitution and bylaws by going to the “about” page of our club website

• 50-50 DRAWS… winner was JOHN K.
• renew your membership $80 if you haven’t already done so…see Terry at the AGM

Money can be sent by etransfer

• PLEASE WEAR your name badge at meetings... it helps newer members get to know people, and it really helps some of us older members too!!!
• LOTTOMAX group (Paul K.): won $84, reinvested, won $120, reinvested…and life goes on! 2026 we may finally win big??&#!@**
• NEW MEMBERS to DWC… we welcomed Jason and Peter to the club.

SHOW AND TELL:

1. Gene H: A photo of the recent Dec ‘Box-Build and Whittling’ night: thanks to Gene and Mike B for organizing that!
2. Doug R: Dominoes holders made of cherry, walnut, butternut
3. Mike B: whittled snowmen from butternut and basswood
4. Dale C: Bagel cutter of cherry, and Cell phone holders (maple) featuring a dog and a cat

PRESENTATION: BACK DOOR MISSION,

with Jeff Bakker and Nathan Gardner (Ex. Director)

BackDoor Mission has a 25 plus year connection with the Simcoe Street United Church! Nathan stated that anyone interested in getting a tour of the facility/program need only ask, we’d be welcomed. He filled us in on the wide variety of support services that are involved at ‘BDM’…CMHA, Police, Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Housing workers, Crisis Workers, Addiction Care Workers, Volunteers…BDM is striving to be a COMMUNITY Hub for services for persons experiencing homelessness in our community. Building and supporting the community, belonging in the community are central to the work of BDM. There are often 200+ meals served per day; hope and respite and integration and skill development and community building are always in focus.  There are still gaps, needs, challenges, but the community hub is committed to being here in the long term. A branch of United Church Canada, Kindred Works, is now the landlord for both BDM and DWC in this building. We both hope to be able to continue to build community together at this location in the years ahead…Leases will be being renewed sometime in 2026.

BDM does appreciate our support through food and clothing collections… To determine what items are needed at any given time visit The Mission’s website or email the Back Door Mission … (getting hundreds of winter boots in April-May presents problems!!

There was some discussion about the parking issues that occur as our 5 spots along the east wall are not always available…Nathan is aware and working on that. If we inform the mission staff politely about this issue they will try to assist. ONE PRIORITY is to NEVER block the double doors access on the north side of the parking lot…these are essential for EMERGENCY ACCESS!!

THANK YOU to Jeff and Nathan for sharing with us at this meeting.

SEE YOU NEXT MONDAY JAN 12TH AT OUR FUN AND EXCITING (?) AGM NIGHT!!!

It was a great night with a large turnout. I counted 31 busy woodworkers.

Thanks to Aaron for suggesting  this themed shop night.

Thanks to Don for leading/mentoring on the scroll saw with many supplied patterns ready to go.

 Also thanks to Kade and Chris who  led/mentored on the lathe with demonstrations and amply wood for many different projects.

I expect to see many of the final products for show and tell at our next meeting on Jan.5. I’ll take some pictures of the ornaments made and include those pictures with the pictures taken on the shop build night for inclusion in our “ What we are all about” photo album.

This was our last formal get together of the year so best to all and your families over the Holidays and you will see shortly some reminders about what is to come in the new year as well as our optional memory box build next week.

Gene