Harrogate Show

[Blackswanwood]

I was supposed to be going tomorrow but plans changed and I made the trip today.

There is no shortage of people interested in woodworking judging by the car park queue. It felt busier than last year but easier to get round. There seemed to be more stalls selling wood (blanks and boards) and more demonstrations than I recall from previous years.

Axminster were making a big thing of their new relationship with Laguna. Interesting to see that the space taken by Laguna on the Charnwood stand previously was occupied by Harvey Machines.

I bought a couple of Rounders from the Old Tool store which are Ashley Isles seconds All that is wrong with them is a ding in the handle which I’ve just fixed with a bit of glue and sawdust so I got a bargain.

Apart from that I managed to avoid temptation but it was an enjoyable couple of hours. If anyone is undecided about whether to go I’d say it’s worthwhile.

 

[sploo]

Not going to make it this year (despite being fairly local), but I do like the idea of more demonstrators and fewer stands selling. Mostly I've just found it to be a sales event over the years.

 

[Spectric]

Still contemplating going on Sunday, @Blackswanwood was the stall there selling Bessy clamps as I want a feel. Also want to take a look at the worlds most expensive biscuit joiner and get some idea on the Tenso connectors, some say they are great but others like @petermillard don't seem as keen so again want some hands on.

 

[Blackswanwood]

Still contemplating going on Sunday, @Blackswanwood was the stall there selling Bessy clamps as I want a feel. Also want to take a look at the worlds most expensive biscuit joiner and get some idea on the Tenso connectors, some say they are great but others like @petermillard don't seem as keen so again want some hands on.

Yes - the Bessey stand is there and has a good selection. There is another stand doing Pony Jorgensen clamps which look to be decent quality.

The Lamello stand was busy.

Forgot to mention earlier SawStop have a stand outside. They announce when they are going to demonstrate it in action.

 

[fezman]

I went today. Agree it was very busy, busier than previous years. Usual stop off at fodder for ultimate breakfast sandwich.
Bought a few bits from axminster - they were very helpful, and 10% off
The new Verum and Melbourne tools from @Peter Sefton looked very high quality, the chisels looked very good value.
Bought a small marquetry sample, so planning a go at that.
Got some wood from the excellent Albion timber too.

 

[Lons]

Yeah I was there as usual today and agree with the comments. There were some of the usual dealers missing and the Axi stand seemed a lot smaller but a few new ones so thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The Sawstop demonstration was quite something to see.

 

[jb94]

I went today. Agree it was very busy, busier than previous years. Usual stop off at fodder for ultimate breakfast sandwich.
Bought a few bits from axminster - they were very helpful, and 10% off
The new Verum and Melbourne tools from @Peter Sefton looked very high quality, the chisels looked very good value.
Bought a small marquetry sample, so planning a go at that.
Got some wood from the excellent Albion timber too.

Good tip on the food, I’ll definitely have to pay them a visit tomorrow!

How long would you say you could spend at the show? I’ve yet to book my return train tickets

 

[Jfw2708]

I went yesterday afternoon around 2.30pm and it was much quieter then it apparently had been earlier. Still quite busy but was easy to walk around and easy access to any of the stands. As a soon to be 12 month newbie to this hobby I’ve never been to a show before, wasn’t sure what to expect but as i actually live in Harrogate was a bit of a no brainer tbh.

`What first struck me was that i was easily amongst the youngest 5% of people there - and I’m mid-50s! This is not a young persons game!

I wandered around for about an hour in the end, there around over 100 stands, apart from chatting with my friend Nick at the Wharfedale Workshop stand who is well worth a visit, i bought something from Woodworkers workshop (from the excellent and helpful Alan) and a bandsaw blade. Otherwise i just wandered around & browsed - I’d imagine if you could get at least a couple of hours or more if you want to engage a lot more in all the stands and the demonstrations There’s a lot of wood turning stands & demonstrations and that leaves me cold at the moment so in the words of the song I just walked on by those.

So for me was ok, I benefitted from later in the day as it had quietened down a lot. I could only see Mafel as a major power tool manufacturer there, was surprised no Festool tbh. For £13 its worth the trip for sure, and Fodder is an excellent place to get a sandwich and some excellent local produce (albeit you pay Harrogate prices but its not as comedically expensive as Betty’s!)

 

[fezman]

Good tip on the food, I’ll definitely have to pay them a visit tomorrow!

How long would you say you could spend at the show? I’ve yet to book my return train tickets

I usually arrive 30-40 minutes before it opens, buy my ticket, then walk down to fodder, get back for opening time. Typically a couple of hours in the show, then home.

 

[jb94]

Thanks for replies. Jfw2708 if you’re considered young in your 50s then I’m not sure what they’d make of me being in my 30s if anyone sees a young guy with a beard wondering around lost today say hello!