MWTCA question

Re: MWTCA question

Moses Yoder in White Pigeon, MI


>If you are not a member, I would suggest signing up for a membership. You will probably still get copies of all of this years Gristmills (the quarterly magazine) plus the reprinted catalog done by the M-WTCA each year. If you are intersted in old tools, these publications are worth a lot more than the cost of memebership. They probably already have an itinerary printed, which you would normally receive with your entry form if I remember right. If you are into relatively inexpensive tools, the Thursday morning tailgate sale in the parking lot would be the place to be. I have never been to one of these due to my work schedule, but have heard the stories. If you are into high end collectable shiny new old tools, the Saturday tool showroom would be the place to be.

Re: MWTCA question

Dave Thompson


>I would second Moses's comment regarding membership and the publications paying for themselves. The anual old tool catalog reprints sell on e-bay for the same price as membership, and the gristmill newsletter generally contains unique well researched information.

But that's not your question... If you contact the organizer, they can send you a schedule. Usually in the evenings Thursday, Friday there are talks given by special guests for an hour or so. Examples in the past have been

• Violin making from the guy who runs the chicago violin school.
• Saw patents. A review of interesting and silly patents associated with saws, and the processes employed in making them.
• There was talk I attended on chisel making and iron working going back to 17th century in Sweden and England.
  
  

Main floor is open on Friday and Saturday. There is usually so much stuff that you can spend hours just looking over everything, relooking, and relooking again. Often there are displays of special collections that people bring in. Those are certainly worth a check out. Some people bring their very rare planes and have them just sitting out for other people to check out. Very common to spot a #212, #1, #87, #9 with hotdog, etc.

While I've never been there on a Thursday, most of my user buys have come on a Friday morning. I think it's common to have an auction on the morning of the last day. People get rid of stuff they don't want to take home. Timewise, it's never worked out for me, so I can't comment much on the last day.

If I had a very limited time, my focus would be on Friday, the first day the floor is open. Though, check the schedule since I recall Slav saying there was talk of changing the way they do things.

enjoy,

Dave

Thanks, more questions

bill tindall


>I should have provided insight to objectives.

I am not a collector. I would be looking for user tools to buy at two figure prices (presuming 4 figure prices can be found at such a show) and have some interest in seeing displays of old tools. I have had no success buying old tools sight unseen, so this could be an opportunity to get some things I need like molding planes?.

Larry in SC

Larry G


>Where's and when's the event?

I've been to the Madison GA event twice and Charlotte once.

I've found very good deals on quality planes.

Go as a guest and you'll pay less for admission.

My biggest disappointment with membership is that lack of interest in WW.

Re: Thanks, more questions

Dave Thompson


>I have the same objectives when I go. I usually come home with a pretty good haul, but no piece over 2 figures. The majority of the tools are user tools. There just happens to be an uncommon number of uncommon/rare tools also, which is just eye candy for me.

FWIW, it's a pretty friendly crowd, though I agree with Larry... it's much easier to find people interested in talking about collecting rather than woodworking. There are some very knowledgeable people regarding old tools...kinda like a room full of Todds ;-)

enjoy,

Dave

interesting people at MWTCA -- For Sure

Bruce, a MN Galoot


>I echo everything Dave said. Got some good tools, decent price, especially on things I couldn't find elsewhere.

Even got to meet Wayne Anderson and fondle his latest piece of eye candy! How much more interesting do you want?

Bruce

Re: interesting people at MWTCA -- For Sure

dave caudill


>Other things that happen at MWTCA events. In the evenings especially before the open sales folks sell tools in their rooms at night. Usually in the looby there is a posting of all of the rooms that are open for sales. Then there is the tailgating event that happens on the first day before the open sales day. It is usually a very good time to find user tools at very fair prices. While the big open sales day is good my money usually is spent at the tailgating or in the rooms at night. GO early so you can get in on the room sales and tailgating.

Dave