What a day. Just a quick trip up 94 and I'm at the fairgrounds by about 11:00.
For the first time, I took in a few of the seminars. One on the basics of finishing was pretty interesting. Best tip: don't sand over 220/240 except end grain which should be 400. Also got an explanation about the difference between dye and stain that was illuminating.
I picked up (finally) a Jointech Smartmiter sled. Got the extension table and tennon jig (a few pieces of wood) thrown in for the same price as the "basic set" on the web. After the web discount, the price difference was only about $45, to the good but I would have bought it with or without a "deal".
Also picked up a nifty foot-pedal switch for $20 for the old MKII power sharpener and a few other nick-nacks.
The two most interesting items of the day were the Freud adjustible dado (SD608 - very slick system - I'll add one some day) - very cool! and a mat cutting kit from Altos (nifty but expensive). I would have bought both in a heartbeat, but I do not have unlimited funds.
The drool all over myself prize had to go to the new Powermatic 2000 cabinet saw. I'm debating whether or not to give the old Jet Contractor an early retirement rather than a Bies fence and have not decided if the replacement will be restored old iron or will be brand new old looking iron. That saw is built great. The blade guard and riving knife should be copied immediately by every manufacturer using the crappy old style guards.
As always, I could spend a whole day watching a pro sharpen on Norton stones or a Tormek and watching the guy at Lie Nielson shave paper thin pieces off a block of wood.
I wouldn't go for the bargains, but these shows are not to be missed.