WoodPeckers
The WoodPeckers activity group consists of five core members (including myself). None of us is an expert in any one thing, but together we make one good woodworker. It’s the old synergy thing: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to the members and their contributions to the “whole.”
Activity Description:
· Design and build wood items for personal use
· Repair items that members bring to the monthly sessions
· Provide a safe environment where members can learn the use of power tools, hand
tools, joinery, and finishing techniques
· Members share woodworking articles, websites, and related information
· Members may work individually or collectively on projects
· Items would NOT be sold or donated to organizations or other parties
We have totally remodeled the shop to accommodate a new CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) router machine which should be arriving fairly soon. In the meantime, the guys have been working on individual projects.
We meet the first Saturday of the month, from 10am-1pm at my home shop (small, but functional).
213 Heartwood Drive
Oakley, CA 94561
Much of the time the guys will stay later to finish a project or a project milestone. After the meetings, we usually have lunch. I sometimes BBQ something, or one of the other members will be responsible for the lunch menu.
I will send an email reminder to the members about a week before each meeting.
Email me or give me a call if you have any questions.
Thom Watkins
thomwat831@gmail.com
925.330.3780
Scroll down for event schedule, reports and photos:
October 2024
This month’s article has a sad note and a glad note to it.
On the sad note and with heavy hearts, we announce the loss of a Dear Friend and Woodpecker-family Member – Dennis Reschke.
Dennis was not only one of the founding members of Woodpeckers, but was one of the souls of the Activity. He embodied the spirit of Woodpeckers: gladly sharing his knowledge and skills, along with his eagerness to help other members with their own projects; sometimes at the expense of time working on his own project. He also donated materials to the workshop. Woodpeckers is not all about wood, but about family, life and sharing those things. Dennis was a great sharer, too.
Rest In Peace Dear Friend. We shall miss Thee, Thy dry wit and deep laughter. We shall make sawdust in Thy honor.
The photo is of Dennis on his prized motorcycle with some of the members. He rode it to the Woodpeckers meeting that day.
Ending with the glad note. We added two members this month: Greg Konsavage and Mike O’Dorney. They have vowed to embody the spirit of Woodpeckers as did Dennis.
September 2024
The Woodpeckers added two new members at our September meeting: Greg Konsavage and Mike O’Dorney.
These new additions just about bring us up to ‘full house” for the workshop.
They were readily welcomed by the “old guard” and fit right in. In fact, they suggested a new layout for the shop. We spent the meeting on indoctrination, rearranging the shop and getting acquainted.
Finishing up the new layout will be the focus of the October meeting.
Our after-meeting brunch was the most unique one yet. We did a German sausage tasting. The sausages were provided by German-blooded Roger Lamm. So, it was grilled sausages, beer, and pumpernickel bread. The brunches just get better and better.
August 2024
A few different things went on at the August meeting.
Roger Lamm and Jackie Kaneshiro repaired a broken table leg. First, they had to drill out the old broken dowels from each of the broken parts; fit in a new dowel; and finally matched up the two splintered pieces before completing the glue-up. (sounds simple as I have described it, but not so).
Then I fired up the new CNC router and demoed some of the machine’s characteristics. Then the guys worked on setting up and connecting the vacuum system to the CNC. (see photo)
And lastly, Bob Wheaton led a discussion of his new-project idea of each member constructing his own outdoor bench. (see photo for some sample ideas. They members agreed that before the next meeting (September) each one would think the idea over and maybe search for other examples; then make a decision at the September meeting.
As per custom, we adjourned for the after-meeting brunch. This month, we were treated to sandwiches by Togo’s and beer, courtesy of Bob Wheaton.
July 2024
The Woodpeckers did not meet in July for two solid reasons: 1) On the scheduled meeting day, the temperature was 105 degrees outside, and something above that in the shop. Hence, meeting cancelled. 2) The very next week, Shop-owner Thom headed for a three-week European vacation. The next meeting is scheduled for August 10th.
June 2024
Woodpeckers did not meet in June. HOWEVER, the CNC did arrive – in boxes…many boxes (see “before” photo). As I said previously, Woodpeckers did not meet in June, but I (Thom) could not wait for the July meeting to start turning those boxes into a fully assembled machine. It took a few days, mistakes, several re-dos, and an hourlong tutorial with SHAPEOKO (machine manufacturer) support to make it happen (see “after” photo). Now, the difficult part: how to make it do what we want it to. I’ve been studying the info for the company website as well as studiously watching the instructional videos provided by the company. I’m still somewhat overwhelmed, but doing my best to soak it all in. I intend to take advantage of the free training sessions as well. Stay tuned… As mentioned in last month’s article, Bob Wheaton will be leading us in “The Bench Project.” Worthy of note: the Woodpeckers Wives got together at the Spring Fling Ladies Day Luncheon and planned their future lunch meetings. They also decided that forthwith, they will be known as “The Henpeckers”. “Henpeckers”? Yes, “Henpeckers.” Go figure. Anyway, just like the guys, they enjoy each other’s company. Peace, Positivity, and All Things Good.
Updated 10/22/24 MLF
