1 Week Warning!

A week from today (in fact many will even start a day before that), the majority of the work goes into setting up the stands for this year’s Melbourne Working with Wood Show.

It is that time again already!

As in 2011, I won’t be doing anything formal at this show (although due to much less controversial circumstances), but still have no intention to miss it!

As many will be aware, the location has changed for this year, with a return to Jeff’s Shed, although at a smaller scale to the last time the show was there.  And no, I don’t intend to call it “The MCEC” – if you say it quickly, sounds like something my cat does after eating grass!

You can find the official list of exhibitors here, and map here.

Alternately, here is a version I have created for you, combining the two!  Text might be too small for some, but hopefully this is more useable! Click on the image to open the actual PDF (larger and more readable!!)

Had to look up some of the exhibitors – no idea who they were.  Still don’t?!

There are plenty of stands I am looking forward to getting into.

Looking forward to playing with a SawStop (I may even get to set one off, which would be exciting!)
Henry Eckert and HNT Gordon are always particularly dangerous stands, as is Chris Vesper’s next door – fine handtools are always a real temptation.
Carroll’s Street (as I call it, perhaps Carroll’s Lane) is well done.
Vermec (and their CNC) and 3D Printing will be getting a fair few questions!

This is just a sample of what I will be looking at, and there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well, but perhaps just head along and enjoy what is on offer!

This is a smaller show that what we are used to in previous years, and as much as I believe shows should be about getting a company’s name out there, promoting up-coming products, and generally selling the brand, I also understand it is an expensive business and most are hoping to make as many sales as possible.  This is the main parameter they use to justify coming back in future years, and it is concerning to see it continuing to shrink.

All I can say is – I hope the companies are doing what they can to provide the customers in the way of good prices and interesting stands.  In turn, we do need to buy things, not only because new tools are always welcome, but also because we want the wood shows to survive.

I always have a great time at the show, working or not.  Hope you do as well!