📣 News & Updates
The March 2026 meeting opened with a strong turnout of 61 members. We were pleased to welcome one new member, BJ Taylor, bringing our total membership to 166.
- Welcome: President Ted Stanfield opened the session by welcoming visitors, including first-time guest Marcus Miller.
- Taylor Toolworks: Don Wacker reported that Taylor Toolworks in Columbia, MO, has opened a physical showroom. Customers can now shop in person (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon–Fri) in addition to using TayTools.com.
- Paxton Lumber: Randy Stone noted that the Kansas City showroom is on track to reopen by late May. General Manager Brad Ham expressed his gratitude for the Guild’s input regarding the exotic hardwoods members want to see in stock.
- Tools for Sale:
- Craftsman Radial Arm Saw: Rex Brown is highly motivated to find a new home for his saw. Contact Rex for a great deal.
- Jet 2HP single-stage dust collector: Randy Stone is selling a Jet Dust Collector for $175. It is currently wired for 220V but can be converted to 110V. Contact Randy for further information.
🛡️ Safety First
Ted shared a safety video and presentation regarding table saw hazards. The statistics are a sobering reminder of why proper operation is vital:
- 40,000 to 60,000 injuries occur annually.
- Approximately 4,000 of these result in amputations.
- Annual medical costs exceed $2 billion.
The Bottom Line: Always read, understand, and follow your saw’s specific safety instructions.
🗓️ Looking Ahead
- May: Phil announced a guest presentation from Micro-jig on how to create custom jigs using their system.
- June: Annual Picnic in the Park.
💰 2026 Dues:
A friendly reminder that 2026 dues are now being collected. At only $20, membership remains an incredible value.
🛠️ Upcoming Events & Presentations
| Month | Theme / Event |
| April | Buddy Build: Partner with an experienced craftsman to build a project you’ve always wanted to try. Learn a new skill from a peer! |
| May | Jigs & Fixtures: Bring in your shop-made creations that make woodworking easier and show them off to the group. |
| June | Annual Picnic in the Park |
🔍 Phil’s Finds:
This month’s featured tool is the WOLFBOX MF50 Blower.
Price: Available on Amazon for approximately $39.99. You can see it here.
Performance: A powerful electric air duster reaching speeds of 110,000 RPM.
Features: Lightweight with a 3.5-hour fast charge via USB-C.
🧠 Program: “All the Gold in the LSWG” by Dave Bain
Dave Bain provided a fascinating deep dive into the art of wood gilding. He showcased several species of wood treated with various metal leafing materials.
Key Takeaways:
Finishing: Never use wipe-on finishes, as they can damage or remove the gilding. Spray-on clear coats are best. Dave recommends avoiding water-based poly-products, as they can cause the gilding to delaminate from the surface.
Patience is Mandatory: Do not rush the process. The specialized gilding adhesive must dry for at least 30 minutes before you apply metal sheets or flakes.
Surface Prep: Because leafing is only 1 to 1.5 microns thick, it will highlight every imperfection or heavy grain on the wood. A perfectly smooth surface is required for a polished metal appearance.
✨ Show and Tell: The 2×4 Challenge
This month featured the highly anticipated 2×4 Challenge. During intermission, members used three tickets each to vote for their favorite projects. After the break, competitors shared the techniques and finishes used to transform a simple stud into a work of art.
The Results:
Congratulations to Harold Young, the winner of the 2026 2×4 Challenge, for his beautifully crafted wooden basket!
The rest of the projects presented for show and tell can be seen in the 2026 gallery that is linked to here.
