Hello All,

Well, we have made it almost through the first month of the new year – all fingers intact. All kidding aside, safety should be our major concern when working in our wood shops. There are over 10,000 wood shop accidents every year that require trips to the emergency room. It can happen to any one of us in a moment of carelessness (due to distraction, being tired, rushing to finish a project, etc.). So be safe, practice safety just like you do when you are keeping your other skills sharp.

On another note, the Florida State Fair starts Thursday, Feb. 9th, and runs through the 20th. Those of you that are submitting furniture projects, they must be in before 2:00 pm on February 4th. Entered items will be accepted at the Florida Center, from 10:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., on February 3, 2012 and from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on February 4, 2012. All entered items on exhibit must be removed on February 21, 2012 between 11:00a.m.and 6:00p.m. Use the Orient Road entrance to the Fairgrounds. Brandon Woodworkers will be your hosts on Sunday and Monday, February 12th and 13th and may be there at other times as well.

Be sure to stop by the Fine Handmade Furniture exhibit in the Florida Center while you’re at the Fair for a visit.

The Woodworking Show is coming to Tampa for three days, Mar 16th – 18th. We are planning to have a booth again this year at the show.

The BWC February meeting is scheduled for Feb 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Brandon Junior Women’s Club on Moon St. Our guest that evening will be Frank McMullin and the presentation will be on knife making. Frank’s knives were hot items at the Christmas party as some members can attest as they were not able to hang onto them long enough to take them home. Reminder – the theme for the March meeting is our kind-of-annual bird house contest. (functional or quirky)

Look forward to seeing you soon – Happy Sawdust Trails……………

Bruce