PDA

View Full Version : Visit to America



Steve Patrick
02-06-2008, 3:48 AM
Hi,

My wife and I are visiting your good country in May. Staying in New York, Washington, Boston and then touring around Stourbridge.
Can anyone recommend any good woodwork shops/places to visit?
I'm in England and I would really like to see one of your large 'Borgs'.

I'll be bringing an extra suitcase for all the essential buys I'll have to make.

Thanks for your help,

Stephen

Don Abele
02-06-2008, 7:37 AM
Stephen, when in Boston, I'd recommend a trip over to see where I work - the USS CONSTITUTION. I can give you a personal tour of the ship and even let you peak into the massive wood shop that we use to maintain her. If interested, please let me know.

Be well,

Doc

Matt Meiser
02-06-2008, 8:48 AM
I'm in England and I would really like to see one of your large 'Borgs'.

Ha! When I was in England back in 1999, one rainy Saturday I decided I wanted to see what a mall looked like over there so I took the train out to one on the east side of London. There was a B&Q (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B&Q) across the parking lot (sorry, car park :D) so I went in to check it out. Virtually identical to Home Depot! So much so that I actually wondered if it was owned by Home Depot. That's even noted in the article I linked to. Oh, and malls are pretty much the same too.

In NY, you could visite Tools For Working Wood (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/). I'm sure at some point you'll be near a Rockler (http://www.rockler.com) and/or a Woodcraft (http://www.woodcraft.com). But there's so much worth seeing in the places you plan to visit I think you'll stay plenty busy.

David G Baker
02-06-2008, 9:30 AM
Steve,
You may want to leave that second suitcase home and have your woodworking purchases shipped back home. With all of the strict Homeland Security issues and controls, you may not be able to get certain types of woodworking tools on the plane. I do not know for sure, just a thought.

Augusto Orosco
02-06-2008, 9:49 AM
When you are in Boston, there is a Rockwell in Cambridge that you could visit that is easily reachable by public transportation (near the Davis Sq. stop on the "T"). There's also a Woodcraft in Woburn, but for that you will probably need to have a car (it's about a 30 min. drive from Boston).



Stephen, when in Boston, I'd recommend a trip over to see where I work - the USS CONSTITUTION. I can give you a personal tour of the ship and even let you peak into the massive wood shop that we use to maintain her. If interested, please let me know.

Be well,

Doc

Hey, Doc... that sounds amazing! Any chance I can join the tour if Steve goes for it (sorry, I don't want to impose, but just couldn't resist to ask :D!)? I just moved to Boston last year and am starting to get acquainted with the surroundings.

Jim Becker
02-06-2008, 9:51 AM
David, tools would have to go in checked luggage, but I agree that shipping might be the better move. UK security is also a bit tight when re-entering the country.

------
Patrick, if on your travels between Washington and New York you can stop off in Philadelphia, The Woodturning Center (http://woodturningcenter.org/) is a good visit, not to mention the many historic sites. I agree that you should try to get to Tools for Working Wood (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com) in Brooklyn when in NYC. There is also a Thos Moser store on 6th Ave, I believe.

Michael Gibbons
02-06-2008, 10:20 AM
UK security is also a bit tight when re-entering the country.


Yeah, they'll probably want to tax you more then what you spent on the tools and airfare in the first place. If you can travel a bit after traveling a bit , you could take in Hancock Shaker Village which I believe is in Pittsfield, Mass and Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge Mass. An inspiration to those who build Shaker furniture and work with hand tools.

Steve Patrick
02-06-2008, 11:18 AM
Thanks for the replies and the info. and thanks especially to Don for the kind invitation yo USS Constitution - gotta run it past my wife first and then I'll get back to you if that's ok.

I've always wondered if your Borgs are the same as our B&Q type supermarkets - bet your prices are a lot better though!

Regards,
Stephen

Don Abele
02-06-2008, 11:26 AM
When you are in Boston, there is a Rockwell in Cambridge that you could visit that is easily reachable by public transportation (near the Davis Sq. stop on the "T"). There's also a Woodcraft in Woburn, but for that you will probably need to have a car (it's about a 30 min. drive from Boston).

Hey, Doc... that sounds amazing! Any chance I can join the tour if Steve goes for it (sorry, I don't want to impose, but just couldn't resist to ask :D!)? I just moved to Boston last year and am starting to get acquainted with the surroundings.

Cesar, even if Stephen can't make, just let me know and I'll arrange it for you. The invitation is open to all SMC'ers.

Be well,

Doc

jeremy levine
02-06-2008, 1:19 PM
Ha! When I was in England back in 1999, one rainy Saturday I decided I wanted to see what a mall looked like over there so I took the train out to one on the east side of London. There was a B&Q (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B&Q) across the parking lot (sorry, car park :D) so I went in to check it out. Virtually identical to Home Depot! So much so that I actually wondered if it was owned by Home Depot. That's even noted in the article I linked to. Oh, and malls are pretty much the same too.

In NY, you could visite Tools For Working Wood (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/). I'm sure at some point you'll be near a Rockler (http://www.rockler.com) and/or a Woodcraft (http://www.woodcraft.com). But there's so much worth seeing in the places you plan to visit I think you'll stay plenty busy.

Not to put to fine a point on it but I assume New York City is in the destination. If thats true Tools For Working Wood yes, Woodcraft and Rockler ( NY stores) about 350-400 miles away.

Matt Meiser
02-06-2008, 3:25 PM
Sorry, I meant somewhere during the trip, not necessarily in NY. :D

Carl Eyman
02-06-2008, 5:36 PM
Visit the Hays cabinetmaker's shop and strike up a conversation with any of the staff. They'll talk all day if you wish and they are the most knowledgeable woodworkers I know. If you need any more info, ask.

Also be sure to take Doc up on his offer. Hate to rub it in, but neither Jack Aubrey, Horatio Hornblower, or Thomas Kidd was able to take her in 1812. (just kidding, of course) By "her" I mean the USS Constitution which we've entrusted to Doc's tender mercies.

Bon voage!

Matt Meiser
02-06-2008, 5:51 PM
Do they let the British in at Williamsburg? :D

Carl Eyman
02-07-2008, 2:01 PM
When Cornwallis surrendered just down the road in Yorktown one of the conditions was that Brits who came in peace could visit without fear of retribution.

Steve Patrick
02-08-2008, 7:53 AM
Thanks to everyone again for the replies and suggestions.
My wife and I would love to take up the offer from you Don, to visit the USS Constitution - shall I contact you again nearer the time - we'll be in Boston on 23 May for 3 days.

Thanks to all and have a great weekend,
Stephen

Don Abele
02-08-2008, 8:20 AM
Stephen, PM sent.

Be well,

Doc