We had a fantastic time, yet again, at this year’s Lie-Nielsen Open House. The toolmakers are always so inspiring – we loved walking around in the tent and the workrooms inside to meet and chat with some of our artisan toolmakers such as Peter Galbert, Matt Bickford, Scott Meek, Chris Keuhn of Sterling Toolworks, and many more!
Michael Updegraff and Joshua Klein from Mortise & Tenon Magazine
Chris Keuhn showing off the Sterling Tool Works Roubo Curves
Jeff Hamilton showing off his Hamilton Marking Gauges
On both Friday and Saturday the offerings included 3 daily Tool Talks where you could delve a bit deeper into the workings of some of the tools. Tours of the factory left the check-in area every half hour and were led by the always excellent Lie-Nielsen show staff. We got a great tour led by the originator of our Women in Woodworking column, Anne Briggs.
Lie-Nielsen Show Staffer, Anne Briggs, discusses the Lie-Nielsen Hand Saws on the factory tour
As the open house portion of the weekend drew to a close on Saturday afternoon, the steamers and bonfires started up for the great Lobster Bake, and it did not disappoint. The lines were long but the lobster was worth the wait. After we ate our fill, we sat back and learned the history of woodworking tool commerce and how Tom Lie-Nielsen got his start from keynote speaker Garry Chinn, who was Tom’s first and last boss at Garrett Wade, and who also had a connection to Highland Woodworking in the early days. The evening concluded with attendees gathered around the bonfire to warm up on an uncharacteristically chilly Maine July evening, before saying goodbye. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Open House!