I know this comes up every season, but The Woodworking Shows may be about over. They have been losing participants each year, and it's getting really easy to get around the last couple of years so they may be getting fewer customers too.This info may or may not be worth anything, of course. But I did get it from someone who has a position in the industry that should make inside info available to him.Now like I say, this may just be the usual BS, but if anyone out there hasn't gotten around to attending but has been considering going, this might be one of the last years for it. Or it might go on forever.PDX David

"Jane & David" wroteFrom my perspective, at the root of this phenomenon is the natural waxing and waning of any leisure time pursuit. You can probably also see it reflected in the recent "decline of the woodworking magazine" discussions hereabouts.While there's always been the hardcore woodworker, you can make a good case that this latest upswing in woodworking's popularity, for the past ten years or so, is due mainly to TV exposure.Now, those who have gotten their wannabe cues from Norm, the DIY channel, Bruce Johnson, and David Marks are starting to fall by the wayside as their short attention spans kick in.It's also becoming harder and harder to hold onto your home, and therefore the "shop", in your advancing years (the usual time when many take up the pursuit) due to the insatiable appetite of the property taxing authorities.I'm seeing a lot more 'complete shops' being sold the past year on places like craigslist, and five years ago it was rare to see a used Unisaw for sale, now...

The Woodworking Shows going away?

Oct 09, 2007 24 Replies

Rate this thread:

Scott Zrubek 18 years ago

Well, at least it is *closer*. It's still a bit of a drive from Clear Lake.

This might be perfect timing. I'm going to be buying all new tools for my soon-to-be-finished shop and this will make it easy to compare prices.

Vote

henry 18 years ago

The woodworking show used to be in West Springfield MA and pulled out because of a conflict. When they left they were doing very well. Now the

formatting link

group is running a show and seems to be doing well. I personally like this new groups show better. That with the Providence Furniture Show mentioned and the every two years Hartford show ( more geared for Comercial shops) coming up this Spring makes me think shows are doing well.All three of these seem very well attended and growing. Maybe shows are off in some places but not New England.just like sports teams.

Vote

SonomaProducts.com 18 years ago

"Yeah these pizza-in-a-cup guys put those cup-o-pizza guys right out of business"

Anyone know that reference?

Vote

else24 18 years ago

Thank you, Henry. I hadn't checked that one. Signed up for Frank Klausz's seminar. Never met the guy. :-) Schaumberg is two or three hours away but it'll get me out of the house on a winter's day.

Now all I have to do is decide whether I want to leave about 4AM or spend Chicago prices on a room. That's money I could spend on power tools... or a new plane...

Vote

Not Gimpy Anymore 18 years ago

I agree - not enough interested traffic with money in their pokes - and if folks just use convenience to provide price comparison, eventually some will have to fold. Used to be a great shop called Woodwright in Spring (N of Houston, off I-45) but they're all shuttered now...... Staff & depth of pockets make a bit of difference, but eventually (buyer) traffic wins out, IMHO.

NGA

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required