FEEDBACK: New woodworking group starting in West Ashley

To the editor:

My interest in woodworking was purely defensive. I knew my wife would be retiring within the year and I needed a hobby.  When I was turning 65, I asked for a chop saw for my birthday. What I really wanted was a miter saw but didn’t know enough about tools to ask for the right tool.

Now it’s been a year and a half or so and I have reached my limit of incompetence. I don’t like reading text or watching YouTube to learn new techniques. I need to be shown how to do things.

I thought it would be a good idea to start a resource group of sorts. I am not a fan of a meetings so there will not be a lot scheduled. My vision for the group is basically people helping each other with various projects and learning from each other.

My situation brought about the idea for the group.  I need help.  How do I get it?  I recently bought some used equipment and I need help setting it up and some direction in proper use.  I also want to learn better techniques using my current equipment. I want to learn joinery better. I want help building various jigs to taper table legs. I would also like to fashion my own metal table legs.  There are people out there that would be glad to help someone who has an interest in these areas.  I just needed a way to get these people communicating with each other.

I am inviting anyone 18 or over to join.  We need members of all skill levels.  Initially I will act as a gatekeeper and collect a baseline of information from each member. The information will not be shared without their consent.  The info I gather from people is:

• In which area of Charleston are you living,
• What power tools you own,
• What specialty tools do you own,
• What skills would you like to learn (not limited to woodworking) and
• What skills could you show to someone else

— Michael Kaynard, West Ashley

HOW TO JOIN:   Meetings are scheduled for Jan. 25 and 27, but you must first contact Kaynard by email at: mkaynard@gmail.com.   A Facebook group is located here.

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