"Shop Talk" builds community and the skills in your toolkit

‍Whether you’re new to woodworking, a seasoned expert, or somewhere in between, the Joinery’s weekly member meeting presentations are a valuable outlet for sharing knowledge and making connections.

One of the best perks of being a member of the Saratoga Joinery community is being surrounded by folks who want to learn, teach, and talk shop. 

You can do all three at any time at the Joinery – whether you’re working on your own projects independently or attending classes. For those of you looking for something in between total independence and a group class setting, our Shop Talk member meetings provide an informal yet structured setting for learning new skills, sharing experiences, and asking questions. And they’re free for members!

An expert-led presentation kicks off each Shop Talk – held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – and open discussion and problem solving are welcomed and encouraged. Members are also invited to bring specific projects they’d like to share or get assistance with. 

“We very much make it casual,” says Eric Diem, who has co-led the effort with fellow Board member Chris Bennett. “There are people here who know a lot more than me, and there are people here who know less than me. But I like to stimulate conversation, share what I know, and learn from the members. The best part is getting people together.”

Diem has presented a number of Shop Talks, including a four-week series on designing and building a Japanese-inspired tool tote, accessible to members with all levels of woodworking experience. During his “Novice Night” introduction to the Joinery’s table saw sleds, experienced members often chimed in with their own knowledge and anecdotes, and the handiwork and ingenuity of Volunteer Safety Coordinator Craig Emblidge, who skillfully crafts and maintains the sleds, was admired throughout.

The Joinery is looking forward to offering more “Novice Night” Shop Talks that are especially catered to those newer to the hobby, Diem says, and topic suggestions are always welcomed.

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“For members, we cover a fair amount of tool and safety training in your orientation, but we’d love to get more feedback about what other skills people would like to have covered,” he says.

Other examples of past Shop Talks have included:

• A presentation and discussion of Volunteer Safety Coordinator Mariah Day’s 34-foot, hand-carved red maple wooden chain

• Door construction – from cabinet doors to front doors – with founding Board member and Vice President Chris Bennett

• A drum sander demonstration with Volunteer Safety Coordinator Russ Walthers

• Japanese joinery with Shop Manager Reg Lilly

• Bowl turning with Director of Shop Operations Ben Knapp, following his five-day intensive at the Woodworking School at Pine Croft.

During a recent saw blade sharpening presentation by hand tool instructor Logan Simms, Karen Charbonneau and the other members in attendance gathered around closely, intently observing Simms’ technique and commenting and raising questions along the way.

Charbonneau tries to attend at least one or two Shop Talk presentations each month.

“These alone make membership worthwhile,” she says. “It’s the camaraderie with other people. With woodworking, you learn from watching other people and asking questions. Here, you can ask the questions. It’s community building with people who have a similar interest.”

The Joinery's "Shop Talk" weekly member meetings are exclusive to members, but if you're interested in membership and would like to join an upcoming session, please reach out and let us know!