Al Breed visited the Peach State Chapter in Atlanta for a week beginning on February 17

Al Breed visited the Peach State Chapter in Atlanta for a week beginning on February 17. On Friday night, 50 or so interested wood workers watched as Al gave a PowerPoint presentation of his work dating back to 1976.

The next 2 days were filled with more lectures accompanied by PowerPoint photos and demonstrations as Al focused on the process and sequence of construction of his Newport secretary. His philosophy of construction focused on the use of power and hand tools, when to consider the use of sandpaper, making and using scratch stock, unconventional sharpening of carving tools for specialty use, story sticks, wood movement, and carving in the round.

Al demonstrating carving a ball and claw. Al can carve a ball and claw foot in less than an hour while lecturing on the process.

Demonstrating use of custom scraper for scratch stock application

Demonstrating the “Breed upside down dovetail saw” technique to cut dovetails

Veneering table top with hide glue and veneer hammer

Carving bed post

Members show and tell included tea tables, spice boxes, Eli Terry clock, Newport secretary, tilt top table, Marquetry checker board, and the fruits of our student mentoring project. Five students worked on a Federal style table and were nearly complete for the meeting. A final photo is to follow soon. Sunday afternoon included an extensive discussion of student pieces as Al contrasted their work with traditional methods of construction and design.

Sunday evening was a time for socializing and getting to know Al and each other. Jim Milam graciously agreed to host the event. His wife wisely chose to find an activity out of the house that night. All had a grand time discussing furniture, wood and period techniques.

A two-day hands-on workshop began on Monday (February 20) during which 10 woodworkers watched as Al hammer veneered a small panel; carved a radius molding followed by making and using scratch stock; sharpened a card scraper; made a small drawer with bottom nailed in place, and carved a Townsend ball-and-claw foot. Attendees showed off their work as Al critiqued details.

The work-shop was limited to 10 participants, but demand was sufficient to fill out a repeat performance on February 22^nd and 23^rd. Al’s comments alone, based on his years of up-close-and-personal contact with 250-year-old antiques, were worth the cost of admission to the 6 day event.

Our event was possible only because of the tremendous support we get from Steve Quehl through the use of his training class at Woodcraft in Roswell. As a show of appreciation, Steve was presented with a plaque from the local Chapter expressing our appreciation of his support and generosity.

We want to acknowledge and thank all our sponsors and donors for our door prizes. Please keep them in mind when making purchases and visiting their stores or web sites.

Wood Finish Supply

Ron Ashby

(707) 226-3623

Ron@Shellac.net

General Finishes

George Adams

Sheryl Monahan *

1-800-783-6050 | (262) 642-4545

Sheryl@GeneralFinishes.com

Clapham’s Beeswax Products, Ltd.

324 Le Feuvre Road, Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada V4X 1A2
Phone: 1.800.667.2939 (P.S.T.)

AnneClapham@shaw.ca