IWF or Woodworking Show?

BKind2Anmls · 07-08-2008, 10:39 AM

The IWF is coming up in August and the nearest Woodworking Shows start up again next spring. I would be thankful to hear from any of you who have attended both regarding which you would recommend most. For the hobbyist woodworker looking for a good deal, a little education, and a fun time around others who share the passion, which do you think is best? I'm primarily talking about the Atlanta Woodworking Show since it is much bigger than the Charlotte one and more of a fair comparison to the IWF.

Thanks

WoodWrangler · 07-08-2008, 12:30 PM

I've attended both, and for the non-industrial woodworker I would think the Woodworking Shows is a much better match.

Badabing · 07-08-2008, 01:28 PM

I've been to the Atlanta WW Show and it is awesome! Much, much better than the one in Charlotte. As for IWF I've never attended one but from what I can tell it is geared towards professionals and businesses. It is huge and takes several days to cover on foot. If you go to their website they recommend mapping out a path and strategy so you can visit only the booths that interest you. Talk about work

I agree with Jeremy, you'll be much happier at a WW show instead of IWF, especially from what you described your level as.

ashley_phil · 07-08-2008, 02:51 PM

Skip the charlotte WW show for sure. I'd suggest you check out Klingsplor's event in October.

I've worked IWF for years, from a hobby standpoint everything is there, but it is primarily geared to commercial shops and industry. The woodworking shows are geared to hobbyist. There will be hobby stuff at IWF for sure, but it'll be spread over 800,000 sq ft.

If you do go to IWF I suggest you stay north of the city and take the train into town. You'll save money on hotels & parking.

BKind2Anmls · 07-08-2008, 02:53 PM

Thanks all. That was what I had heard about the IWF. I have been going to the Atlanta Woodworking Show for several years and was disappointed with the 2007 show. I thought maybe the IWF would offer more since I can only attend one per year.

The Atlanta Show didn't offer the same types of classes in 2007 as they had in previous years and also didn't have the vendor participation they have had in the past. From what I understand, this is a problem with all woodworking shows. This is the first year for the new managers of The Woodworking Shows, so maybe better things are in their future.

WoodWrangler · 07-08-2008, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by ashley_phil

Skip the charlotte WW show for sure.

Don't skip it, go to it! Right now it's not that great, but it's far from bad. They just need more support for the Charlotte show to keep it here ... which is nice for us (less drive, more money for tools!)

Tarhead · 07-08-2008, 03:20 PM

The Klingspor Extravaganza is worth the trip to Hickory. We usually have an area reserved for North Carolina Woodworker activitees. Price is right too. Free.
http://www.woodworkingshop.com/cgi-b...e=08_extra.htm

JackLeg · 07-08-2008, 06:59 PM

Klingspor IS nice, BUT, not all that many manufacturers there if last October was representative. Not that I was dissapointed, but, I'd like to have seen more tool companies represented. Especially some of the "jig and table" folks.

Charlotte did have some of those, and hopefully it will be better next year. I'll be there, Lord willing.

junquecol · 07-08-2008, 10:00 PM

IWF is an "industrial show." The Woodworking Shows are now owned by Woodline and another vendor. It was owned by a group of investors who robbed it blind in the name of return on investment. They are working hard to return the show to it's previous glory. However with all of us ordering from Amazon to save a couple pennies, this will be difficult. Only with support will it grow.

Residency requirements