This year was my first time attending the BBQ and I met a load of great folks. As it so happens, the host (Terry Hatfield - click here to check out his shop) lives right there in Springdale, Arkansas, just minutes from my parents in Fayetteville. So, I was able to kill two birds with one stone on this trip. Make my parents happy, see my folks and talk shop with some great people.

In this first series of pictures, you'll see me working with a lathe for the very first time. I really wanted an introduction to using a lathe and the guys were more than happy to oblige. I took the opportunity to turn a vise handle since I've just finished my first bench and my newly mounted vises don't have handles. This was perfect timing! In the last image, you can see the finished handle. I couldn't have done it without the help of Dennis Peacock and a couple of other fine gentlemen turners who jumped in to offer advice as I went along. Its far from perfect, but by golly that handle fits my vise perfectly! (I just applied some finish to it last night and will install it and glue the end cap on tonight.)

Lesson learned: This turning business isn't as easy as it looks!

Hand cut dovetail demonstration by Jeff Hamilton.

Box making and fine woodworking presentation by Tauton Press author, Doug Stowe.

Time to eat!