Woodworking Show Indianapolis- an impression

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Just went to the show in Indianapolis. Thought I would pass along some interesting changes that I saw.
- The organization at the door was most improved. Approx 30 minutes prior to opening, tickets were taken and hands were stamped to speed up getting in at the opening bell.
- Spending $100.00 in one day got you a free tee shirt.
- Craft Supplies had 3 mini lathes set up and were assisting those who wanted to turn a pen. Instruction was given in a helpful and positive manner.
- Another free issue of Wood magazine was available.
- Carvewright was there( interested me the most). That machine as some potential.
- Peachtree was in full force.
- I saw many more major brands being represented this year. Bosch, Delta/Porter Cable, Jet, Makita, Shop Fox... all had a decent amount of tools you could touch and ask questions about. Deals were decent also.
- The CutNCrown method was being demonstrated. Nice idea.... too expensive in my opinion.
- There was a drawing for a new Truck!!! Hope I win!
- Kreg jigs looked like they doubled their space for demonstrating!
- There were less veneer guys there... approx 3 lumber suppliers were represented.

This post is getting long so I'll stop it here.
It looks like the new owners of the show have made a decent attempt to revive this show.
 
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Get over it Gary, you probably could have gone if you wanted to but that single digit weather is scaring you off.[8D] Come to think of it I would rather go to Florida permanently than go to the show and win the truck!:(

Doug thanks for the breakdown. What about parking? Last year we had to part on the south side of 38th street in the lot across from the front entrance. It was cold then too and the walk to the building sucked. Was there any good deals on machines such as Powermatic this year? I guess I will find answers in another 11 hours.[:p]

Mike
 
MLK not sure about the powermatic deals. I will be there again on Sunday ( I'm a glutan for punishment) I think I may get that Carvewright machine... besides... I am ready for another fight with the wife ha ha ha. er, a chance to justify a new project I mean. I showed up 1 hr early and parked within 75 yards of the venue. I was lucky enough to get in to the fairgrounds free and the show free-- Fireman here.

Ken, we may have spoken. I was in a rush at that point. I will make a point to stop in on Sunday.
 
Mike (and others), I wasn't at the Indy show, but went to the one in Columbus last Saturday. The show is the same with the same vendors and sponsors, but there are minor differences in a few local exhibitors. That said, the WMH tool group (Jet and Powermatic) weren't there. I was a bit disappointed that Steel City wasn't there this year either. I guess their sales are now good enough to forego the expense of such venues... that, or they did quite poorly at the shows last year. Delta/Dewalt (or vice versa if you prefer) was there again in force and Delta was pushing a 10" circular saw blade that very nearly rivals the Forrest WoodWorker II for just over 1/3 the money (I bought the WWII at the show last year). :( Kreg had a little larger booth than years past to demo/push their jigs (and some of their new ones look quite nice). Kreg always has good deals at this show and I bought a Kreg miter gauge last year... and I'm not one bit sorry. ;) Oh, and I got to meet Eric w/CSUSA. Real nice guy... really. Willing and eager to answer any and all questions, and help out any way he could. BION, I didn't spend a dime and the show this year and even went expecting to. They just didn't have anything I couldn't live w/o. Oh well, there's always next year.:D
 
Well we got in from the show a little while ago. First and foremost, what a disappointment! The show is owned by Peachtree now and they took up 35% of the show if not more. Jet was not there which was a bummer, thought I would pick up a couple of their jigs for the sharpener along with a couple of their Bessy style clamps. Oh well their loss. We did get a couple of the Frued Diablo saw blades with the .06 kerf for $11.99. These will be really great for segmenting. Got a shop Fox vacume stand for behind the lathe, which now I will have to run a drop hose to. Laguna was there, but they did not have any of the 14" bandsaws and the price they had on the 16" was about the same as direct. Picked up some 3" wide x 120' long strips for the drum sander and a couple of router bits. Kind of a bummer.

CSUSA was up and running in full swing. Not much supervision while we were there and people turning pens. Like last year that had a good size crowd around them and needed more room. Was hoping to pick up some bushings for the Imperial but they don't bring those to the show. Treeline their sister company was not even there this year. :(

Went from the show to Rockler. Bought a Tormek knife jig for the Jet Sharpener for $13.99 reg. $27.99 Linda picked up a Sorby spindle scraper and got 25% off. I think we will run back over tomorrow as she wants the 3/4" roughing gouge.

Had a great late lunch at Red Lobster which was about the highlight of the day. Unless there are some major changes in the show between now and next year, I am not sure we will bother to return.

Gary you were a smart man staying at home. Good call!

Mike & Linda
 
Mike you did not say anything about buying lunch:D:D
I worked in the shop all day---had some casting to get done and a bench to get sanded. The good part was I did not spend any money.
 
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