For over 100 years Welbeck Sawmill has been a hub in the Durham community. For the past 10 years they have been hosting their very own, in house "Wood Expo". The Welbeck Wood Expo is known as an exclusive event that the sawmill puts on for it's customers and the greater wood working community. Our local customers have told us how enjoyable it is, and they have no issues at all with driving 4 hours to attend. After hearing the stories, we were honoured to have been invited for the first time this year. Suffice it to say, Welbeck exceeded it's expectations. We were welcomed with open arms and were able to catch up with customers we haven't seen in years, since the last Durham Wood Show in 2001.
One of the biggest surprises for us was how many new faces we met, and how many of them had never seen our Flatmaster or Little Ripper before. The store itself is very nice & very well stocked with a wide selection of woodworking tools - Canadian lumber being their specialty. Great staff too! The store is literally in the middle of nowhere, so if you decide to visit be prepared for some good old fashioned country road driving.
In true Paul form, when I asked him what the highlight of the show was, he told me "The sausages were amazing and the tarts were to die for!" I think he also very much appreciated catching up with fellow vendors from shows gone by. Was great to catch up with our long lost friends like Kreg's "Bald Eagle" Mark Eaton, Ralph Swan the Minwax Man, and many others.
Interestingly enough, Durham is the home of the very first Canadian Wood Show which had it's debut 30 years ago. It was great to be back in this area which has such deep roots in the Woodworking Industry. We are looking forward to attending again in 2014 - bring on the sausages & tarts!
Next stop - Waco, TX for SWAT. August 23, 24, 25 2013.
