Somerset woodworking show

[RKA]

I had planned to come, but the dog conspired against me and got sick. Each year something keeps me away. Maybe next time. Thanks for the quick recap. I was also disappointed in all the turning seminars and demos when reviewing the agenda. Don't feel quite so bad now after reading your recap.

 

[jaguar36]

I went a couple years ago and don't ever plan to go back.  There just wasn't much there of value.  A couple gimmicky products, and a bunch of other stuff that I could get a better deal on online.  It was also very very loud and there were a ton of people there.

It seemed to me like most of the folks were peddling a dovetail jig or some turning accessory.

 

[JBag09]

I was also there, I went Friday around 12:30ish. And what you guys said so far about it your spot on. This is about the 6th time I've been there in about 8 years. To me this was the worst one. Yes I've noticed its ALOT of turning, seems there's someone in every aisle with something for turning bowls or pens. Well except the one entire aisle that peachtree had to themselves.
  I did chat with the guys from the only booth that had Festool products for a bit, more so just to hear what others had to say about the products. From what I gather, people have seemed to accept the cost because they said about the accuracy and quality of the products.
The Woodpecker booth didn't seem to have much demonstrating going on like a few years back when they basically talked me into a router lift, which I'm glad they did. But there was a lot of people there and kept them busy.
  Also chatted with the guys from Seneca a bit and told them to keep up with the good work.
  Otherwise, I was kinda disappointed in the show, now maybe I missed it, but I didn't even see anyone selling quality router bits. The only ones I noticed were what I call the flea market type, that are very low quality.
  So leaving there spending less than $75 kind of makes me want to rethink going back next year. I find most of my stuff online, and honestly like mentioned, you can get better deals there.

 

[Knight Woodworks]

This is my fourth year, I agree it's kind of lackluster. Do enjoy Lee Valley, Woodpeckers, Micro Fence and this year Seneca.

John

 

[Theshipstore]

Sadly after 9 years at this show I have to say yes it has changed. The Woodworkers Clubs ( Turners ) were setup all over the venue,

Peachtree owned the center of the floor, the drastically reduce tools had the rear tied up big time with a lot of whatever .

For me it was good to meet and greet some old friends and some new friends during the show.

I spent time at the Seneca Booth both Ryan and Kyle were great to talk to and bounce ideas off of one another, Cathy at Woodpeckers was as always great to see and talk to about One Time Tools. The Kreg booth was filled with all their goodies but show pricing on anything through out the show as really non existent.

On Sunday I was hoping on some deals during the closing hours and there were no to be had. 
So for me after attending three days there I spent next to nothing surprisingly which made my better half happy for sure.
In the future I will change thoughts on the show and probably attend one day only

I want to say It was great to meet both Richard (RMW), Rich A. (sorry for leaving Sunday without a goodbye forgot about the wine), Dan from Tool Town, and Dave Reinhold

 

[JBag09]

Was wondering if anyone was attending the show this year after a lot of bad reviews by a lot of us from last years show?
  I decided to go for it again this year, along with two friends from work, I must say I was much more impressed this year. There seemed to be a bit more as far as machinery goes, I didn't see any killer, could not resist deals, but now sure what I consider a great deal actually, lol. Yes once again Peachtree owned the center of the floor. The bins with all the glue bottles, foam brushes, casters, etc...are nothing to brag about, I get better pricing on Amazon. However they did have a lot of stuff worth checking out in their massive display.
  Chatted with a guy from Festool, forget which company now, sorry [eek] about best type of sandpaper I should be using for majority of my projects, kinda sad to hear that ALL my Rubin2 is not what I should be using, grrrrr. That was what was recommended at my local Woodcraft store, guess I should have just checked here [eyeroll]
  Spoke with Cathy from Woodpeckers about an issue I've been having with my SideWinder router lift, and not to go into any details, but let's just say, I won't be having that problem anymore. This company continues to amaze me, not only with their products, but their willingness to stand behind their products and service for their customers. So after that great exchange, it made my decision very easy and decided to go for their last box available of the Parallel Guides, which I should have gotten in the first place. So two thumbs up to all of them at WoodPeckers!!
  My only disappointment for the show would be not really any vendor/dealer selling good quality router bits. Unless I totally missed them, I did not see any. Would be great to have someone their selling Whiteside, Freud, etc...just someone who has quality, not the surplus guy selling Vermont American.
  Perhaps my expectations of quality has grown with my investment in Festool, but I look at it this way, if your going to spend your money, spend it right the first time and get the best that you can afford--Mike Holmes
  So I'll be going back next year, in hopes of this show being even better.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bob D.]

I am thinking of going tomorrow, but I'm in SNJ and a long ways away (NJTP Exit 2).
Did you happen to see any Nova tools there especially the new Nova DVR Drill Press.

I'm on the fence about the Nova DVR DP or the PM2800b and would like to get some
hands on with the Nova. I've looked the PM over good at Woodcraft a couple times,
but I've been holding out to see the Nova.

Anyway, if I go I should be there by Noon.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I am thinking of going tomorrow, but I'm in SNJ and a long ways away (NJTP Exit 2).
Did you happen to see any Nova tools there especially the new Nova DVR Drill Press.

I'm on the fence about the Nova DVR DP or the PM2800b and would like to get some
hands on with the Nova. I've looked the PM over good at Woodcraft a couple times,
but I've been holding out to see the Nova.

Anyway, if I go I should be there by Noon.

If anyone can confirm the presence of the new Nova drill press I'll go just to see it.

 

[RKA]

I just left the show. Didn't see a nova DP. I would think that would have caught my eye, but there is a remote chance I missed it.

 

[Knight Woodworks]

I went Friday, was even less impressed than last year.

Did not see a Nova drill press.

John

 

[Bob D.]

Bummer, guess there is not much of a reason for me to make the 105 mile drive then.

My only other interest as far as a potential purchase in the near future is a CNC router.
Online at their website I didn't too much about what might be there as far as CNC goes.

 

[JBag09]

Bummer, guess there is not much of a reason for me to make the 105 mile drive then.

My only other interest as far as a potential purchase in the near future is a CNC router.
Online at their website I didn't too much about what might be there as far as CNC goes.

I did see a CNC router there. Not sure of the brand, was about 3x3 in size. Didn't pay much attention to it since that's not my thing, but their was at least one there.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RKA]

There was a seminar set up for basic and advanced CNC.  The advanced is a paid seminar, but not offered in the Sunday schedule.

 

[Bob D.]

Thanks all for the replies. Knowing me I will probably end up making the drive.
I could use a break from the shop today anyway and the WX is great for this time
of year so should be a pleasant dive, no snow or ice to deal with anyway.

 

[JBag09]

So let’s revive this post again. Being the new year I was starting to decide on my vacation time and went looking for the date for this years show. It looks like the show has been moved from Somerset to Sacaucus at the Meadowlands Expo Center. Can anyone else confirm this?
  It also seems like there are a lot more vendors listed to be there so I’m kinda excited to go check it out. 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Wooden Skye]

Looks like you are correct.  They also moved to March and increased the admission fee a few bucks.  I haven't gone the last 2 years, maybe I will check it out.

 

[Theshipstore]

Looked online about the show.  seems the move is also saying that thrrr
Is no parking at the facility they are going to use.  Strange do t understand what s going on

 

[Bob D.]

I plan to go to the Baltimore show this coming weekend. Baltimore and Somerset are about the same distance for me so doesn't matter as far as distance but Baltimore is an easier drive and plenty of parking.

 

[JBag09]

Looked online about the show.  seems the move is also saying that thrrr
Is no parking at the facility they are going to use.  Strange do t understand what s going on

I’m thinking the show was moved because of the parking. According to the website for Meadowlands Expo Center and reviews I just looked up it says there’s plenty of parking. That has been a problem in Somerset, parking maybe 3/4 mile away and walking they a hotel to get the the show was a pain.
But I also looked at Google earth and don’t see any parking, I guess I’ll find out then.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Wooden Skye]

On Saturday and Sunday parking would be at the buildings surrounding the MEC.  I never had an issue with parking in somerset, but then again I always went early in the day.  The fact it was 20 minutes from home was a plus.