James Santhon makes crowd-pleasing
shavings at the OC FairSEPTEMBER
2024
Volume 41 | Issue 9

6

WOODWORKERSSAWDUST
Our woodworkers’
OC Fair entries andaward winners

8

WOODTURNERSSHAVINGS
Our woodturners’
OC Fair entries andaward winners

16

FEATURE
Go behind thescenes at the OC
Fair with our club’s
fair veterans

ORANGE COUNTY WOODWORKERS ASSOCIATION

Sawdust & Shavings

were well received, and our toys andpuzzles were a big hit with “kids” of
all ages. There were many members
by Ralph Crowther who showed up for multiple shifts,
stayed for an extra shift if the booth
I just got
staff was light and who brought inhome frompicking up my projects or puzzles to demonstrate.
I would list them all here but would
entries fromrun out of room and probably forget
the OC Fair.
As I went later in someone. We’ll recognize everyone
the day, most entries at the next meeting. And, of course,
a big thank you to those who turned
had already been picked up. Whaton the lathes. I was also pleased toa difference to see just a few items
and no people compared to this past see many new faces at the fair thisweekend where the crowds were very year. Sometimes I couldn’t tell who
was having more fun, the fairgoers
large. Hard to believe that anotheror our members showing off the toys
OC Fair is over.
and puzzles. Spread the word andI want to sincerely thank all theplan on showing up next year for
members that came out to support
the club by working in the booth. We even more fun. Big thanks to Len
and Jeff for setting up the booth andtaking it down.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Now that the fair is over it is timeto go back to our regular meetingsand start thinking about the next two
fundraisers. The first will be the auction on October 3rd. We have alreadyamassed a larger number of donateditems from members, the communityand from Woodcraft. But don’t letthat stop you from donating items
you no longer need or some homemade items. Also, there are many basic woodworking tools available thatmost of us already have. So, reach out
to those that you know who are starting out and encourage them to join
us at the October Auction. We are in
the big room and will have plenty ofspace. Flyers and a list of items forsale will be sent out in September.
Next up is the Christmas boutique.
We have collected some wonderful
items for this sale and I’m anticipating a successful event for our first try.
continued on page 4

Our goal is to share a mutual enjoyment of woodworking—educate, inspire, and have fun in the process.

For more information visit our website: OCWoodworkers.org | A 501(c)(3) Organization

1

CONTENTS

Calendar of Events
Woodworkers Sawdust
Woodturners Shavings
Program Updates
Hall of Fame
Club Sponsors

4
6
8
12
17
18

11
Consider the recommended
pen finishing techniquesof Jerry Knight

Sawdust & Shavings is the newsletter of The Orange County
Woodworkers Association.
It is published monthly on theThursday before the Woodworkers’ meeting.

3

Meet a few of our clubmembers and learn about
their connection here

Check out new items andfresh discoveries frommembers and sponsors

14
15

Look inside the workspacesof fellow woodworkers
to get ideas for your own

MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 1038
Fullerton CA 92836-8038
Send articles, article ideas, tips,
project photos, tool reviews, andother suggestions to:
newsletter@OCwoodworkers.org
Deadline for submissions is the
Monday after the Woodturners’
meeting.
2

Go behind the scenes tosee how the club preparesfor the OC Fair

16

GETTING TO KNOW YOUDIANE EWOLDTMy first introduction to the OCWA
was back in 2015 when I attended
a general meeting as a guest. I had
signed up for a class at the Fountain Valley Woodcraft and the club
was listed in the instructor’s list ofresources. I was still working fulltime and wasn’t ready to commit tojoining at that time. Later that year I
started taking the weekend community woodworking classes at Cerritos College and in 2018 started the
beginning lathe class there with Jerry
Knight and Harry Williams. I attended a few more meetings and joined
the club as a member in 2022 to learn
more about woodturning.
The benefit of participating in the
club is the wealth of knowledge ofthe members. The demonstrations
are always excellent, and the sharingof knowledge is paramount in mywoodworking journey.
My initial woodworking journeybegan with helping my dad in his
shop. He was a good teacher andexplained the process and provided
the opportunity to learn to use thetools of the trade. He was very safety
conscious, and I learned to read theusers manuals from him to gain the
optimal results from any tool. My
journey continued in my 20’s when I
became a homeowner.
My woodworking projects have
evolved over time. Initially I wasdoing mostly trim carpentry but
expanded to cabinet and door construction. Many of my projects were
purpose driven—I had a problem
that needed a solution that required
the build. Now, the projects that I
enjoy the most are smaller more detailed works that provide a challenge.
I am retired and I have more time toes who made me feel very welcome.
The following months/years of meetings lead to the appreciation of thequality of talent, craftsmanship, andwealth of knowledge within OCWA.
I learned so much from every speaker and Show-and-Tell presenter—be
it woodworker or turner.
Eventually, members who wereknowledgeable of my graphic design
background, asked me to take on the
responsibility of the monthly newsISHA GRINENKO
letter. Various members stepped in to
For years I was a fan of the Woodhelp with writing articles and providworkers’ booth at the OC Fair, always ing photos. It was a great opportunity
making sure to visit it every time.
to get to know members. I’d recomAfter taking several classes at Cal
mend getting involved in OCWA,
State Long Beach in woodworking
since it enriches you and, not to menI was hooked and wanted to learntion, it leads to new acquaintancesmore. My very first connection with and friendships.
OCWA was in 2013 when I attended
After several years of publishinga meeting, hesitantly, anticipating
the newsletter, I’ve stepped away
an intrusion into a man’s world, butfrom it to focus on helping withinsoon found familiar and friendly fac-tinker, make mistakes and start overwithout a timeline looming over me.
My advice to new woodworkers is totake classes, READ everything that you
can get your hands on, attend woodworking symposiums and join a club
to gain from the fellowship of otherwoodworkers. Take the time to makemockups and models before starting a
big project. Don’t let the fear of failure
stop you from trying something new.
Happy Woodworking!

the Toy Program. Since I really don’t
have a full shop of impressive tools(toys, as some would say), I am still
able to contribute by making small
toys in my small space and helping
with assembly. Participating in the
Toy Program gives me pleasure since
it grants me the chance to brainstorm and create with like-minded
woodworkers. There is never a lackof questions on my part and, as mentioned above, I am always eager tolearn more.

Would you like to share your story here? Send
an email to newsletter@ocwoodworkers.org
for information how to participate.

3

e
m
o
Welc

NEW MEMBERS• Luke Owens, Orange• Bryan-Paul Ignatowski, Brea

A

SEP

5

“

We have received dozens of items
to sell. Thank you for your response
Hand-made wood treasures are very so far! If you have not yet participated or can add additional items, wepopular items to give and receive as
would appreciate it. We have space togifts. During the upcoming end-ofyear holiday season, the OCWA club hold items at the club storage facility.
You may bring them to any meetingis hosting a public-facing Christmas
or gathering.
boutique sale on December 14.
Here’s a list of some popular bouThis event is an opportunity formembers to put their talents forward tique items:• Cutting & charcuterie boards
to support club programs. We’re• Bottle holders and stoppers
asking for donations of popular items• Writing pens
you’ve made that would sell for a• Artistic and functional bowls
reasonable amount.
• Lidded boxes
We are aware that other clubs have
• Organizer trays
done this type of event very success• Interactive toys
fully and we are following their plans.
• Manipulative puzzles

WOODWORKERS’ MEETING
Thursday, September 5 | 6:30p
Learn about the latest in fastening
solutions from Grex Power Tools.
The Grex rep will be sharing info
on headless pin, brad, and finish
nailers and Drew will demo, too.

B

TOY WORK PARTY
Saturday, September 7 | 9:00aMoving into Fall we begin our
heavy push to increase ourthroughput. Extra hands at the toy
work party will advance assemblyand finishing tasks.

SEP

7continued from page 1

Obstructions
lead tocreativity.

”—Stephen Gleasner

4

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE

We will have a flyer for this probably
in October so that you can spreadthe word and even come buy someof these items for Christmas gifts(in case you run out of time to makethem yourself). We will continue totake items donated each month sobring them to any meeting.
And finally, we need to continue towork on our toys and pens to support both those fantastic programs.
There isn’t much time left before we’ll

be boxing up and distributing the toys
this year. I know I have 100 partial toysand 20 pens that need my attention in
the shop. Hopefully many of you arealso working on toys and pens!
So, get out to the shop and makesome sawdust.

LOCATION KEY
ATustin Area Senior Center
200 S. C Street • Tustin, CA 92780

B Toy maker’s gathering location
7321 E. Stone Creek Ln • Anaheim, CA 92808

ANNUAL TOOL AUCTION

receives 100% of sale). Enabled thisyear by the club’s expanded storage
space, there are several larger items
The annual tool auction (Oct 7) is athat are already queued up for thegreat opportunity to trade in someevent.
less used woodworking items for
In addition tosomething more helpful or in-line
these pre-donatedwith your new interests.
items, members will
Each year the club hosts an annusoon be able to list
al fundraising auction of member
provided equipment, tools, and items their own items forsale. Larger items
made. This event is an especiallythrifty time for people new to wood- will be auctioned
and there will beworking to pick up capable items totables of fixed priced
outfit a new or growing woodshop.
smaller things, too.
Members can co-sell an item via
The tool auction issilent auction (club receives 25% ofsale) or outright donate an item (club open to non-members and guests. In

the next few weeks, assess your shop,
consider selling something to clear
space and make room for something
more useful. Spread the word to yourfriends and acquaintances!

WOODTURNERS’ MEETING
Thursday, September 19 | 6:30p
Our featured presenter will be
Chuck Phillips demonstrating his
methods for Turning Cats. Thisis a whimsical project filled withpractical techniques and tips.

ANNUAL AUCTION
Thursday, October 3 | 6:00p
The annual tool sale and auction
will be held in the grand roomof the Tustin Area Senior Center.
Useful woodworking items will beavailable at remarkable values.

A

SEP

19

A

OCT

3

LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD
Oct 5
Oct 17Nov 7
Nov 9
Nov 21
Nov 29Dec 7
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 19Jan 2

Toy Work Party
Woodturners’ Meeting
Woodworkers’ Meeting (Elections)
Toy Work Party
Woodturners’ Meeting
Annual Turning Contest
Toy Distribution Day
Toy Work Party
Christmas Party
OCWA Boutique Sale
Woodturners’ Meeting
Jigs, Fixtures, and Techniques
Woodworkers’ Meeting5

Woodworkers Sawdust
Our club’s entrants for the
many woodworking andwoodturning categories at
the OC Fair have much to
be proud of this year. To
everyone who participated,
and to all who won awards,
thank you for giving the
public a showing of yourbest talents. The award
winning pieces are shownon the next few pages.

1

5
2

3

6

WOODWORKERS | OC FAIR AWARDS
1

Ralph Crowther | DIVISION WINNER | Accessories: Spice box with 3 hidden compartments
1st Place CLASS Accessories–Boxes, and Industry Award (Ganahl Lumber [$200]), and People’s Choice
Award (Austin Hardwoods)

2

Ralph Crowther | CLASS WINNER Traditional Furniture: Sofa table
3rd Place and Judges Award

3

Ed Rizzardi | CLASS WINNER Contemporary Furniture: Walnut Settee
1st Place4

Ed Rizzardi | CLASS WINNER Furniture–Chairs: Curly Maple Rocking Chair
1st Place, Judges Award, and Industry Awards (Ganahl [$200] & Reel Lumber [$250])

5

Leonard Musgrave | CLASS WINNER Art Furniture: One legged stool
Honorable Mention

6

Ken Cowell | CLASS WINNER Accessories–Boxes: Evangeline’s Box
2nd Place7

Terry Tuzzolino | CLASS WINNER Wall Art–Segmented/Polychromatic: The Doorway to Heaven
Honorable Mention

6
7
4

7

Woodturners Shavings
1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

12

8

3

13

WOODTURNERS | OC FAIR AWARDS
1

Ross Gilroy | DIVISION WINNER | Woodturning: Star Pine 16” x 10” closed hollow form
1st Place CLASS Closed Hollow Form Woodturning

2

Ross Gilroy | CLASS WINNER Open Form Woodturning: Star Pine 10” x 9”
1st Place3

Terry Tuzzolino | CLASS WINNER Open Form Woodturning: Kaleidoscope Bowl
3rd Place4

Ross Gilroy | CLASS WINNER Open Form Woodturning: Eucalyptus Yarn Bowl
Honorable Mention

5

Bill Haskell | CLASS WINNER Closed Hollow Form Woodturning: Leaf Symphony
2nd Place

6
7

Bill Haskell | CLASS WINNER Closed Hollow Form Woodturning: Contours and Crevices
Honorable Mention		Holger Paetau | CLASS WINNER Segmented/Polychromatic Wood Turning: Over the Top–Vortex bowl
1st Place8

Jim Mains | CLASS WINNER Segmented/Polychromatic Wood Turning: Swirl Bowl
Honorable Mention

9

Holger Paetau | CLASS WINNER Segmented/Polychromatic Wood Turning: Heart of the Forest
Honorable Mention

10

John Sobota | CLASS WINNER Wood Turning Accessories: Triton Rollerball Pen–Brown Mellee
1st Place11

Ralph Crowther | CLASS WINNER Wood Turning Accessories: Pen–Lost wood technique
2nd Place

12

Richard Haagsma | CLASS WINNER Creative Wood Turning: Prayers for a successful Hunt–Basket illusion
1st Place13

Ken Cowell | CLASS WINNER Creative Wood Turning: Basket Illusion #16
2nd Place

14

Craig Elliott | CLASS WINNER Creative Wood Turning: Electric, basket illusion
3rd Place

15

Bill Haskell | CLASS WINNER Creative Wood Turning: Small bang
Honorable Mention
9

PEOPLE’S CHOICE | OC FAIR AWARDSThe People’s Choice is a new award of distinction at
the OC Fair and is sponsored by the OCWA.
When the fair was open, public attendees wereinvited to look across all the woodworking entries
and vote on the piece that they liked the most.
This is one of the ways that our club gives back to
the Visual Arts section of the OC Fair experienceand supports all creators who show their work at
the fair (whether or not they are OCWA members).

1st | ($100) Stephen Grzesik, Samurai Woodworker
Depiction of Japanese tansu being cut in half by a wakazashi sword
2nd | ($75) Kyle Puzier, Maine Lobster Boat
Scratch built model

3rd | ($50) Scott Brandts, Chessboard
Chessboard jewelry box

10CHECK THIS OUT...
Here’s your place to share clever accessories, fresh new
products, helpful library items, and useful handmade
jigs for achieving better projects, safer operations, ormore enjoyable woodworking.

HexScale Rule

Router Bit Maintenance Kit

Considering how much wood your router bits go
through, it’s not surprising that they get caked with residue after a while. Keep them running like new with thiseffective router bit cleaning kit.
The kit consists of a cleaning reservoir with on-board
storage for an included folding brass brush, a ‘’bit grip’’with collets for safely holding your bits while cleaning,
and a dual-grit diamond hone stone (300 and 600 grit)for putting a fresh edge on the cutters. The lid features
circular holders that are stepped to accept 1/4’’, 8mm and1/2’’ shanks. Just plug your bits into the holders and once
the lid is installed, it suspends your bits upside downin the cleaning solution without allowing the cutters toclank against each other. Reservoir can accommodate
bits sized up to 3-1/4’’ in diameter. Includes three hex
wrenches—5/64’’, 3/32’’ and 1/8’’—for removing mostbearings; all wrenches store in dedicated slots on the bit
grip. ($35)

It’s very helpful to have one rule you can grab knowing
you can reference from either end, measure in inches or
millimeters, and locate the center of anything instantly.
The Woodpecker HexScale is six different graduations
in one handy rule. Those of us old enough to remember when plans
were drawn on a
drafting table will
also remember asimilar triangular
rule.
Woodpecker
has borrowedthat shape to
Router Bit Maintenance Kit by Rockler
provide themost useful
graduations forwoodworking:left-to-right,
right-to left, andcentering—three
options in bothinch and metric.
The scales arelaser engraved
right down toyour material virtually eliminating
parallax viewing error. The
scales also startwith zero at the edge of the rule so you can measure. forexample, right-to-left when you need to measure on thetablesaw from the rip fence to the right edge of the blade.
The rule comes in 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-inch lengths and is alsoavailable as a set ($20, $30, $40, $60, and $160, respectively). A screw stop that fits the profile is also included
for repetitive marking.
HexScale Rule by Woodpecker

What is on your wishlist or something soessential you think everyone should know
about? Send an email to newsletter@ocwoodworkers.org to share your suggestions.

11

TOY PROGRAM

Additionally, the Orange County
Scroll Saw Association has also hada Toy Program similar to ours. Dueto declining participation in thisby Ken Crandall
endeavor, they have opted to
discontinue toy making. Gary
Christmas has
Tennison, a joint member ofcome early thisboth groups, has asked thatyear for thethey bequeath to us all of their
Toy Program.
stock of materials. They have
Last year, Cole
donated to us thousands ofRoberts searchedwheels and axle pegs and fivethe Internet for box
gallons of Deft lacquer which
companies and he reached out to The
are worth hundreds of dollars.
Boxery in Bristol, PA to see if they
Also included are hundreds
might help defray some of our costof small cars in various stages
for the one-way boxes we use on Disof completion. They mostly
tribution Day. Lo and behold, theyneed sanding, drilling, andshipped at no cost all of the large
finish work. If some of ourboxes we needed. This year, Cole
We could use a hand from you to finish thesewell equipped members willagain made this request and again
each take a dozen or two
those boxes have been shipped andhome to work on, this will boost our Our toy count to date is 2700. Our
received. This a savings of over $400
toy count considerably. “Many hands next work party is Saturday, Septemfor our program. Strong work, Cole!
make light work.”ber 7 at 9:00am. See you then.
They will be available
for you at the next
meeting and work
party. Thank you
scroll saw people. We
will put your donation to good use.
Len Musgrave is the master of finish spraying

12

PEN PROGRAM

pose. I hope to meet them again at
our donations of pens to the organione of our upcoming monthly meet- zations we support.
As always, I would like to thank all
ings. We gave between 60-70 pens tomembers of our armed forces andthose who contribute to our program
by John Sabota
veterans during the fair.
either by making pens or by donatAs we didn’t have any meetings ining tools, materials or money for our
For those readAugust, we had very few pens turned “Support Our Troops” pen program.
ers who may
in for inspection & distribution.
Your generosity is greatly appreciatnot be aware,
Typically, in September, we make up ed by the OCWA and the members
the OCWA
for the fewer pens in August with aas well as the veterans of our armed
operates a “Supforces who receive the pens we dislarger volume of pens turned in forport Our Troops”
distribution. With Veterans Day and tribute to the organizations we suppen program. This
port. Please do not hesitate to contact
the holidays not far off, we can use
program involves the club providing
additional pens in the next couple of me if you need more pen kits to keep
members with pen kits and woodmonths. We are having a very goodup our pen production until our next
pen blanks, which the members thenmeeting.
year but are also always looking forturn on their lathes, finish, and asmore member participation to boost
semble into high-quality pens. Oncecompleted, the pens are returned to
the OCWA, where they undergo aquality inspection toensure they meet the
OCWA standards.
These pens are thendistributed to variousorganizations that
support our military
personnel, including both active-duty
service members andveterans, as a small token of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice. Over the past twenty plus years,
the program has been a resounding
success, with an average distributionof over two thousand pens annuallyto these deserving organizations.
With the recent conclusion of thefair, I am certain many of the members that worked our booth enjoyedthemselves as much as I did. It isalways enjoyable to mingle with thevisitors at the fair, whether it is whileturning tops, pens, small bowls, goblets, or just enjoying them trying tofigure out the puzzles or testing thetoys on display. I had pleasant conversations with several of the visitors
An inspiring sample of Slimline pens recently made for distribution
regarding the OCWA and our pur13

My recommended method for

Pen Finishingby Jerry Knight

Every experienced penmaker has
developed a way to finish pens they
personally like and use most often.
If you are new to turning pens or areopen to trying a proven formula, I
offer here what I am doing now mostfrequently (and what I teach my students at Cerritos College in the Basic
Woodturning class).

cyanoacrylate (CA) glue (multiple
steps with drying time between steps;
a good choice for a special pen), andrub-on polyurethane (also multiple
steps and drying time between steps;
this is Ross Gilroy’s favorite). Friction
finishes are quick, attractive, and very
durable—but not quite as surface
hard as the plastic finishes.

Of course, a good finish builds
on a foundation of a well-made andproperly sanded pen body. To begin, shape the pen as you like withyour favorite tool. Popular pen tools
include spindle gouges (my favorite),
carbine cutters (especially good forfirst-time turners), scrapers (particularly negative rake scrapers), andskews. Turn the ends of the blanks sotheir diameters match the bushings.
Gently sand through the ranges to
400 grit or finer. Now it is time toapply several coats of a durable finish. Choices include: friction finish(quick with no delay between coats;
good for making many pens quickly),

MY FORMULA
1. One application of EEE-Ultra
Shine friction polish
2. Two or more coats of paste
Shellawax Cream as undercoatand sealer
3. Two coats of Aussie Oil for abright and durable finish

14

The EEE-Ultra Shine polish enhances sanding andseals the wood (it is theequivalent of 1000+ grit
sandpaper). With the lathe
still running, apply a coatof the polish to the woodwith a clean cotton cloth.

Move from the center toward thebushings to avoid dragging metal
dust from the bushing to the wood.
Polish the wood by applying moderate pressure with a small pad of paper
towel. Press firmly to create heat tomelt the paste. Discard the paper
towel after each use.
Apply a thin coat of Shellawax
Cream with a clean cloth rag. With
the lathe still running, apply moderate pressure with a small pad of paper
towel to heat the polish until theshellac melts into the wood. Repeat
for second coat. Add additional coatsfor open grain woods like oak andwenge. Now apply two coats of Aussie Oil (an emulsion of “secret particles” suspended in oil). This oil separates so it is important to shake thebottle vigorously before and between
applications. Apply a few drops of theoil to a pad of paper towel and withthe lathe running wipe a thin film
across the wood. Apply moderatepressure with the paper towel until
the turning becomes as hot as you
can tolerate. Repeat for a second coat.
Buff and reheat the dry finish with afresh pad of paper towel to remove
smudges and increase the gloss.
All these finishes are made by
U-Beaut Polishes(Australian made;and slang for “Youlittle beauty!”). They
are most readily
available thoughPenn State Industries, Rockler, andAmazon.

As I envisioned it in my plans...

JEFF ROGERS
My workshop is a fairly new space tome, although the woodworking tools
within it are largely from my dad’s
long-used collection which I inherited in 2022. Previously, I only owneda few hand tools myself since hisworkshop (my boyhood home) wasconvenient and nearby for working
together. When the tools became
mine, I decided to built a space (asnew construction) that uniquely fit
into the available side yard on my
cul-de-sac home. Because of thattwist, the shop was constrained toproperty line setbacks and is similarin shape to the state of Nevada. It
is 420 sq-ft—about the same size as
most garage shops. Perhaps the mostenvious aspect is that I don’t share itwith cars, bikes, or other gear.
With the outside walls, doors, andwindows defined, I drew inside plans
for the space (in 3D) using Sketchup. I was introduced to Sketchup by
Ralph at his demo during my second OCWA meeting. This tool wasinvaluable for helping me visualize
flow, try various tool layouts, establish power needs, check aisle way
Want to feature your shop or ideas here? Send
an email to newsletter@ocwoodworkers.org
for information how to participate.

SHOP
NOTES

clearances, and design other build-out
ideas. The Sketchup model warehouse
had all the large tools predrawn. All I
needed to do was scale them to match
my own. Since moving in about 12
months ago, I have built and completed the slat wall with useful tool holders, a drill press cabinet with drawers,
wall wood rack, and the CNC tablewith drawers. My current (shop related) project is building a solid top table
saw outfeed. This will be the center ofmy flow triangle and a flat (active, clutter-free) surface on which I can collectparts and assemble projects.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to
many of the OCWA woodworkers whohelped me sort and keep the most important tools from my dad’s collection.
They also let me visit their workshops
and advised me on the favorite aspectsof their own spaces. In particular, Len
Musgrave and I have a running story
that this is HIS shop, too, as he would
often say, “you should keep this for
OUR shop.” Since I nodded and agreed
with him on the tools, I indirectly gave
welcome validity to his humor andannex plan.

...and how my workshop has developed in the past year15

by Len Musgrave

The OC Fair is our club’s premier community event in which we participate each year.
Our engagement with the fair organizers begins months before the fair opens.
Although the OC
Fair runs four weeks(five weekends) in
the summer, the prep
work for it begins
much earlier—for
them, and for us.
We’ve been continuously showing andparticipating at thefair for 32 years (minus one year during
COVID when thefair was not held).
As a long-time
partner to the Visual Arts section, weare consulted about the upcoming
woodworking competition categories, sponsorships, and other related
developments.
The location of our booth haschanged many times over the years
as building assignments have shifted,indoor spaces get remodeled, and as
general fair interests evolve. This year
we were successful in introducing
two new woodworking competition
categories.
OCWA club members and the OC
Fair building team have constructed16

most of our booth’s walls, counters,
and bench table components. The
OC Fair team stores these
items offsite between events.
In advance of each fair,
we coordinate booth space,participant lists, namebadges, fair tickets, parking
badges, and award guidelines.
Our very first fair was in1992 just to promote the
OCWA. The OCWA President at the time came up

with the idea to make something andgive it to the kids if they watched
us make it. He found a lathe and 32
years later we continue
to make tops, goblets,pens, and toys at thefair. Visits to our boothare a highlight for
generational fair goers
now sharing woodworking excitementwith their children andgrandchildren.
During the year, ourclub members makenew toys, blanks forturning tops, nextlevel puzzles, and othergiveaway items to be ready for next
year’s crowd.

James Santhon made a gobblet at the fair for Valeria, our section coordinator

HALL OF FAMECLUB ROOTS (>25years)
Bruins, William
Couch, Sam
Crowther, Ralph
Daniels, James
Davis, Carson
Gamoa, Gilbert
Goldman, Andy
Kaufholtz, Lee
Musgrave, Len
Neesley, Michael
Overholt, El Jay
Plummer, George
Santhon, James
Smet, Edward
Wade, DavidWOODWORKER OF THE YEAR
2023 Robert Morris2022 John Sabota
2021 Richard Kalman2020 Ken Crandall
2019 Ken Cowell2018 Bill Rogers
2017 John Marshall2016 Len Musgrave2015 Ken Cowell2014 Larry Marley2013 Ralph Crowther2012 Ed Smet2011 Len Musgrave2010 Al Whitcomb2009 Ed Straub

LIFETIME MEMBERS
James Santhon
Jeff Bennett
Carson Davis
Andy Goldman
Len Musgrave
Michael Neesley
Ingko Oetomo
George Plummer
Al Whitcomb
Larry Marley
Ralph Crowther

WOODWORKER PRESIDENTS
2021–present Ralph Crowther
2013–2020
James Santhon
2012
Vic Cohn
2010–2011
Craig Chambers
2006–2009
James Santhon
2005
Doug Nowlin
2001–2004
James Santhon
1999–2000
Carson Davis
1997–1998
Sam Migliazzo
1995–1996
Mike Neesly
1993–1994
Larry Baum
1991–1992
Len Musgrave
1988–1990
Al Griffin
1987
Andy Goldman
Greg Martin
1986
Doug Christie
1985
Bob Pederson
1984

CURRENTLY SERVINGDIRECTORSAt Large–Alfred Missbrenner
At Large–Ken Crandell
At Large–Diane Ewoldt
At Large–John Sobota
At Large–James Santhon
At Large–Richard Kalman
Public Affairs–Jeff Rogers
Turner’s President–Jerry Knight

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President–Ralph Crowther
Vice Pres.–Drew Shellenbarger
Secretary–Michael Aghajanian
Treasurer–John Butler

WOODTURNER OF THE YEAR
2023 Ross Gilroy
WOODTURNER PRESIDENTS
2022 - present Jerry Knight2019 - 2021
Jerry Nininger
2017 - 2018
Steve Jackson
2015 - 2016
Richard Hodgin
2012 - 2014
Robin Hoff2009 - 2011
Vic Cohn
2007 - 2008
Dick Foreman
2004 - 2006
Craig Chambers
2001 - 2003
Art Fitzpatrick
1999 - 2000
James Santhon
1997 - 1998
Carson Davis
1995 - 1996
Len Musgrave
1993 - 1994
Sam Migliazzo
1991 - 1992
Harold Wan

COMMITTEESMembership–John Butler
Library–Roy Reaser
Mentor–Fred Willmot
Pen Program–John Sobota
Toy Program–Ken Crandall
Photography–Len Musgrave
Proofreader–Jerry Knight17

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

MEMBERSHIPBENEFITS

Austin Hardwoods & Hardware – (714) 953-4000
610 N Santiago St. • Santa Ana, CA 92701
www.austinhardwoodsonline.com
Exotic Woods USA – (631) 651-8651
www.ExoticWoodsUSA.com
Industrial Blade & Products Co
2230 Ritchey St • Santa Ana, CA 92705
www.IndustrialBlade.net
Laguna Tools – (800) 234-1976
7291 Heil Avenue • Huntington Beach, California 92647
www.LagunaTools.com
OC Lumber – (714) 556-1774
2727 S Main St • Santa Ana, CA 92707
www.oclumber.com
Reel Lumber Service – (714) 632-1988
1321 N Kraemer Blvd • Anaheim, CA 92806(additional CA locations in Chino, Riverside, South Corona/Temescal)
www.ReelLumber.com
Rockler Woodworking & Hardware – (714) 282-1157
1955 N Tustin St • Orange, CA 92865(additional CA locations in Ontario and San Diego)
www.rockler.com/retail/stores/ca/orange-store
NEW | The Craftsman Gallery in partnership with iGaging Measurement Tools invites OCWA members to use code: OCWOOD10 to save
10% on all orders via their retail website for wood routing, woodworking, and shop accessories.
iGaging Measurement Tools
1206 Puerta Del Sol • San Clemente, CA 92673
www.chipsfly.com (or call ChipsFly at (562) 205-7926)• Discounts at local woodworking supply stores• Free mentoring from experienced woodworkers• Insider information on where
to go for hard to find items• A knowledge pool of resources
and ideas• Learn new techniques• Have access to deals on usedequipment• Meet and make friends withsome really nice people• Be challenged to try new
things• Get valuable critiques on yourwork
• Accelerate your learning curve• Family memberships to include family members for avery modest cost
• Auctions, parties, deals, prizes,
friends

JOIN OCWA TODAY!
Individual = $50/yr
Family = $60/yr
Student = $20/yr

FEATURED THIS MONTH

Established in 1981, Austin Hardwoods has been a constant presence in the woodworking community, serving
both professionals and hobbyists alike. Over the years,
they have developed a deep understanding of the industry, keeping up with the latest trends, techniques, andinnovations. Find quality lumber, finishes, hardware, anda wide variety of woodworking tools and products. They
also curate several display cases of interesting hand tools
and woodworking equipment spanning several decades.
18

Established in 1954 as the Minnesota Woodworkers Supply Company, Rocklers has become a nationwide go-to
resource for woodworking project completion. They carry many self-branded products and most of the popular
tool brands, too. The Orange store features woodworking
tools, hardware, products, finishes, glues, classes, demos,and a lumber section. You can see most large shop tools
on display (table saws, sanders, lathes, band saws, planers, CNC, jointers, and dust collection systems).