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OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS
I’ve never been so fulfilled being part of a professional organization as I am in the St. Louis Woodworkers Guild. The Guilds’ goals and commitment to education and community service are exceeded by members every day.
Members are the heart of this organization – smart, talented, generous with time and knowledge and generally, genuinely good people. Every year we struggle to find members to be part of the leadership team of the Guild.
Today, we have two committee chairs who have asked for help because life happens, and they aren’t able to fulfill their duties as well as they’d like. Specifically, the Toy Committee and Membership Committee need immediate help.
This is an appeal to all members to consider getting involved, step forward and help guide and lead the tasks and programs that make us who we are.
If you’d like to help, please let our President, Brian Ellison or any of the Board Members know.
Kind Regards,
Vickie L. Berry, Past President
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Updated Faust Park Shop Rules
For safety reasons, only David Gronefeld or his designated representative is allowed to climb the ladder to access the shop attic. Since only long-term storage items are permitted in the attic, there should be minimal need for access.
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THIS MONTH’S PROGRAM
(In-Person Presentation and Livestream)
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Shop Jigs and Fixtures
Facilitated by
Bill Schuchat
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Demonstrations of time-saving and accuracy-improving jigs and fixtures that Members build and use in their shops.
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Christmas in June
Facilitated by
Bob Ryan
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See the many projects displayed at the meeting in Show and Tell below for ideas for your own projects.
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Bob Kastigar mans the Cap and Apron sale table. Aprons are priced at $40 and Caps at $20.While cash is the preferred method of payment, checks or credit cards might be accepted if the Treasurer is present.
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Crafted for durability, these items are ideal for daily use in the shop or when representing the Guild at events, such as the woodworking show.
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First Annual Faust Park Art Fair
ITEMS and HELP WANTED:
Member-made items are needed for the Guild’s booth at the First Annual Faust Park Art Fair being held August 24, 2024 from 10 am – 4 pm.
We are hoping to get at least 100 items to sell with funds received going to the Guild and benefitting our Community Service projects. Every month we see amazing talent from members, and we want to showcase them. No item is too small or too big.
Examples (partial list) of items that we believe will sell well include:
Cutting Boards Tables
Salt and Pepper Mills Trays
Charcuterie Boards Boxes
Ornaments Puzzles
Bowls Whimsical Woods Items
Pens Toys
So we can keep track of inventory, please plan on registering and identifying what and how many items you’d like to contribute at our next meeting or send a message to David Gronefeld or me. Members should plan on bringing their items to the June, July and August meetings.
We also need 8-10 volunteers to man the booth in 2-hour shifts, plus set up and tear down.
If you have any questions about the event or your ideas for items, let David or me know.
Vickie Berry
David Gronefeld
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Editors Note: The June meeting was a great S&T opportunity as shown below. The July meeting with Jigs & Fixtures will be another!!! Bring your work to share.
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Brian Ellison introduced his second low-cost CNC machine, which features a double-fold door for top access to the working mechanism and sound insulation in the enclosure. This design aims to enhance usability and reduce noise during operation.
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Brian was able to produce the smaller parts on these toys with his new machine.
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Dan Lender’s recommendations for finishing maple, cherry, and walnut cheese boards are spot on. Mineral oil is a popular choice because it’s food-safe and helps to protect the wood by soaking into the fibers and preventing moisture absorption. Walrus Oil is another excellent option, known for its blend of natural oils and waxes that provide a durable, food-safe finish. Both finishes will enhance the natural beauty of the wood while ensuring it remains safe for food contact.
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Dan’s Shaker Berry Boxes are a charming and practical woodworking project. These particular small boxes, traditionally made of pine (but not in this case) and used for gathering berries, feature 1/8″ finger joints, which are a type of box joint known for their strength and decorative appearance. Using cutoffs from larger projects is a great way to make these boxes, as it maximizes the use of materials and reduces waste. The 1/8″ finger joints add a delicate and precise touch to the construction, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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A solid cherry knife holder adds a touch of elegance and warmth to Bill Schuchat’s kitchen. It’s always special to have handmade items that hold sentimental value.
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Bob Kastigar brought a toy pull train that any toddler could enjoy. Bob is a great fan of templates and jigs where he is making multiple copies of the same project. Shortens the project time and makes the project more accurate to the prototype.
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Bob also brought a charcuterie board with a dip cup holder!! Made from maple and walnut. In addition, he showed wooden puzzles, coasters and cutting boards made from maple, walnut, and cherry.
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Mark Voegtle demonstrated a cheese cutter board project, highlighting that the cutters can be found locally at Rockler and Woodcraft stores, or purchased online.
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Mark noted that he used a dowel centering jig to accurately locate the hole for the cutter bar. He also recommended getting extra blades if possible — some kits come with them included.
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Tom Tierney displayed a clock with a beautifully finished walnut case, along with a few examples of coaster designs. These coasters featured walnut storage boxes and cork bottoms, showcasing both functionality and elegant craftsmanship.
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David Gronefeld showcased a candle box with a hidden sliding lid, crafted from an oak tree that grew on his family property. This box could also be referred to as a document box.
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Bill Meuth demonstrated a leaf wreath crafted from various species of wood to achieve color variation. Since the wreath is reused annually, he occasionally reattaches loose leaves with hot glue. He suggests using a Masonite template and ensuring all leaves are of the same thickness.
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Bob Ryan demonstrated a unique technique for creating a curved handle tray by cutting the curve instead of bending it.
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He used a Dremel tool to cut the design and incorporated a metal powder filler inlay to enhance the tray’s appearance. This method allows for intricate and precise designs, adding a distinctive touch to the finished piece.
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In addition to the tray, Bob brought in a mitered picture frame and tabletop easel constructed of curly maple and walnut.
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TOOL RECALLS
and Other Videos
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Here is a link to a site that lists safety recall notices for woodworking tools. LINK
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COMMUNITY
St. Louis Woodworkers Guild contributions to the local community
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Christmas Toy Update
Current production has reached 1,024 toys. A delivery of 219 toys was made to Peace Pantry for their summer activities. Thanks to the toy builders for their efforts on toys and to build tool tote kits for the St Louis County Park’s Summer Camp program. If you are building toys at your shop for the holidays be sure to turn them in no later than the November general meeting.
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Toy Committee Chair Steve Mettes organizing the toys collected during a recent meeting.
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Toy Committee Update
Toy production moves along, but we need more. We had a good selection of toys collected at the June meeting, but our hospital partners are starting to increase their requests and our inventory of toys in the shed is starting to go down.
Current needs: Arches with Cardinal or sports logo
All woodworkers should be aware that we are donating these toys for children and that all toy donations must be fully sanded with NO SPLINTERS OR SHARP EDGES — ready for a final finish by the children. Toys submitted not meeting this criterion will be returned to the maker for reworking.
Thank you to all who have built toys and contributed to this important program.
Steve Mettes
Toy Committee Chair
(901) 237 – 4483 or email to smett32@yahoo.com
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Collected
June — 223
YTD — 1371
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Delivered
June — 119
YTD — 823
Since 1994 — 88,087
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2024 Toy Program Major Contributors
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Over 100 Club
Paul Hellenbrand — 195
William Marsek — 240
Bill Meuth — 311
Bill Hobson — 150
Linda Turner — 151
Over 50 Club
Dan O’Heron — 90
Joe Turner — 64
Wayne Humphrey — 62
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2024 Target and Challenge
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Target for Delivered Items: 4,000
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10% Member Participation Target
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Organizations that we currently donate toys to include:
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BJC Children’s Hospital
Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
Hawthorn Children’s Psych. Hosp.
LifeWise STL
Mercy Hospital
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Peace Pantry Cedar Hill
RankenJordan Ped. Bridge Hospital
Rockwood School District
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Toys for Tots
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Steve Mettes, Chair
Paul Bailey
Hal Donovan
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Charles Schrock
Grady Vaughan
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Please contact us with comments, suggestions or if you need to arrange pickup or delivery of toys. Individual contact info can be found on the Members Only section of the SLWG website HERE.
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HSH Table Build Community Outreach
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We are starting our third year of building and donating tables to HmeSweetHome (HSH). Wood to build the tables was provided by the Guild. This Guild sponsored program offers its members an opportunity to learn new skills and provide support to a local charity. Wood (Red or White Oak) is provided to members who wish to participate in the program and build a table(s) for donation. Pre-cut end table kits are also available for members to sand, assemble and finish coat.
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Information about our HSH table program and sample table measured drawings can be found on our website (slwg.org) under the Community Service tab, HomeSweetHome. Also, check us out in the Monthly Newsletter.
To date (July 11, 2024), two hundred and fifty (250) tables have been donated to HSH. Dining tables-26, End tables-205, Coffee tables-15, and Night Stands-4.
Below are the Members who have built five or more tables as of April 1, 2021 (the start of the program).
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Table of Recognition
(Two Year Total Number of Tables Built)
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5 +
Paul Bailey
Roger Besancenez
Karl D’Arcy
Phil Morton
Don Turner
Leo Weisman
10 +
Alan Brown
Paul Deutsch
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15 +
Grady Vaughan
30 +
Charles Schrock
45 +
Hal Donovan
50 +
Tom Tierney
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Again, thank you to all the HSH Outreach Program participants. The Guild cannot do it without your willingness to volunteer your time and talents.
Information about our HSH table program and sample table measured drawings can be found on our website (slwg.org) under the Community Service tab, HomeSweetHome. LINK HERE
Please contact me at the July meeting or call, text, or email me if you are interested in building a table(s).
Tom Tierney
(314) 412-1817
tmtierney@gmail.com
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Tom will have white oak wood plus recycled Table Leaves at the July Meeting to use for making HSH Tables
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UPCOMING MEETING PRESENTATIONS
July 18 ****** Jig Demonstrations
August 15 Joe Turner Wooden Puzzles
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Woodworking Classes
Held at Faust Park Workshop
Upcoming Classes
See the Schedule on the SLWG Website HERE.
Date Teacher Subject
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July 28, 2024 SchuchatDannerMorton Fundamentals 2024B-3
August 3, 2024 Stoll Introduction to Hand Planes
August 11, 2024 SchuchatDannerMorton Fundamentals 2024B-4
August 25, 2024 SchuchatDannerMorton Fundamentals 2024B-5
August 31, 2024 Ryan Mantle Clock with Bent Top
September 7 PICNIC
September 8 SchuchatDannerMorton Fundamentals 2024B-6
September 22 Ryan Mantle Clock with Bent Top (day 2)
September 29 SchuchatDannerMorton Fundamentals 2024B-7
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Shorty classes for new members (and old members who want to attend) are being offered ahead of Open Shop hours on specific Saturdays. One hour classes for Band Saw, Planer/Jointer, Hand Plane, Table Saw & Drill Press will be scheduled. See the website calendar for dates and times.
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Check out the Events Calendar on the SLWG website HERE.
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Faust Park Workshop Information
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Important Notice from the SLWG Board regarding the Faust Park Shop
The Faust Park Shop is open only to SLWG members who have completed their Safety Training. Minimum age for membership in the Guild is 16 years old. Children less than 16 cannot be Members and therefore are not allowed in the shop under any circumstances. Shop Monitors are authorized to enforce this major safety and liability issue.
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- To participate in the Workshop Safety Class or use the shop, you must have paid the current year Guild dues and have your current membership card with appropriate marking.
- To use the Guild Workshop during open hours, you must have passed a Workshop Safety Class.
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August “Open Shop” Hours
Aug 4 9 am – 5 pm
Aug 6 & 7 10 am – 2 pm
Aug 10 9 am – 5 pm
Aug 13 & 14 10 am – 2 pm
Aug 17 & 18 9 am – 5 pm
Aug 24 9 am – 5 pm
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Next Shop Safety Class
When:
Wednesday, August 1st, 6:30 pm
Where:
Faust Park Workshop
Duration:
Plan for 3 Hours
Cost:
$20 for Current Members
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Safety Class attendees must register online and bring their current Guild membership card.
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Directions: Plug the following address into your GPS or phone:
1135 Henry Jackson Rd. Chesterfield, MO
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Join or Renew your Guild
Membership Today!
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Annual Dues Renewals
Remember that letting your membership lapse will result in having to retake the Safety Class ($20) prior to using the Open Shop at Faust Park.
Annual membership renewal is available online (click on button below) with PayPal or any major credit card, or mail a check for the appropriate amount with member’s name in the memo line to
St. Louis Woodworkers Guild
P.O. Box 411766
St. Louis, MO 63141-9998
Current membership status is required for use of the Faust Park Shop.
Annual Membership Dues:
Basic Membership $40
Full Shop Membership $75
A Basic Membership entitles the member to four (4) uses of the Guild Shop during the membership year.
A Shop Membership entitles the member to unlimited use of the shop during open shop hours.
Member benefits also include:
> Discounts at Guild sponsors
> Access to Project Workshops
> Access to a local community of woodworkers
> Access to the secure portion of the website
See the SLWG Website for signing up!
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Stephen Brunkhorst
Christopher Gibbons
Tracey Godbold
Sean Kennedy
Hyun Mo Kim
Rob Kutten
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Ellen Lang
Kurt Miller
Phillip Rahn
Gary Railing
Gary Russell
Trevor Yaroch
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If you are a current or retired Boeing employee you can now contribute to the St. Louis Woodworker’s guild through the Boeing Gift Match program. The guild is now an approved charitable organization with the Boeing program. As an employee participant, your donation of $25.00 USD or more or the equivalent volunteer hours of 25 hours or more will be matched 1:1 by Boeing. The maximum individual contribution is $6,000.00 or 6,000 volunteer hours. Your contribution is tax deductible as long as you follow three simple steps:
Step 1: Eligible Boeing employees or retirees first make a contribution directly to the guild
Step 2: After making your donation go to Total Access and click on My Community Giving – GIVE – Gift Match on the Boeing Gift Match page.
Step 3: Register your donation whether it’s monetary or volunteer hours and select The St. Louis Woodworker’s Guild and enter the total amount and the date of the contribution.
It’s that easy, you get a great tax break and it benefits the guild directly. If you have any questions, please email Jay Noffsinger at president@slwg.org and if I don’t know the answer, I will try to find it for you.
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SLWG Officers, Board Members and Committee Leaders
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President:
Brian Ellison
president@slwg.org
Vice President:
Corey Doner
vicepresident@slwg.org
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Secretary:
Adam Conners
secretary@slwg.org
Treasurer:
Joe Turner
treasurer@slwg.org
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Directors:
Dan Lender (exp. 2025)
Hal Donovan (exp. 2026)
Jason Sankovitch (exp. 2027)
Bob Kastigar (exp. 2028)
Immediate Past President:
Jay Noffsinger
Membership Coordinator:
Matt Stacker – membership@slwg.org
Donations and Commissioned Projects Coordinator:
Todd Martin – donations@slwg.org
Woodworking Show Coordinator:
Andrea Lyons – lyonsandreae@gmail.com
IT Administrator:
Doug Johnson – it@slwg.org
Webmasters
Aaron Johnson / Jim Becher – webmaster@slwg.org
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Newsletter Editor:
Grady Vaughan
newsletter@slwg.org
Librarians:
Al Carlson
Sarah Porter
Toy Committee Chair:
Steve Mettes
Shop Manager:
David Gronefeld
Classes and Workshops Coordinator:
Corey Doner
Program Coordinator:
Bob Ryan
Legal Counsel:
Bill Hobson
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Our Sponsors
The St. Louis Woodworkers Guild relies heavily on sponsorship to execute on our mission statement of education, community service, and local development.
Please Patronize our sponsors who support the guild and our mission to encourage and educate members and non-members to enjoy and enrich their woodworking skills and experiences.
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Walnut Level sponsor. Guild members will receive a 10% discount on many items at Rockler.
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Cherry Level Sponsor. Guild members will receive a 10% discount on saw sharpening at Quinn Saw.
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