Kris O’DonnellHome shop enthusiasts get a chance...

Kris O’Donnell

Home shop enthusiasts get a chance to get some inside tips from

woodworkers Ed Straub and Lou Fabreque at this year’s Orange County

Fair.

Straub and Fabreque ane members of the Orange County Woodworkers

Assn., located in Tustin.

“There are well over 200 members who actively participate in the

association’s meetings,” Straub said. “We produce thousands of

handmade toys that we distribute to needy kids in Orange County.

We’ll probably turnout 3,600 pieces for the Christmas Toy Program.”

The Association was formed in 1981 with the intent of promoting

the skill of woodworking and to encourage all woodworkers in the

pursuit of excellence, technical facility, and safety.

“Properly sharpened tools are a prerequisite,” Straub said, for

the hand-cut dovetailed joints he demonstrated.

All the furniture on display -- nearly all the pieces are for sale

-- are made by members of the association.

“Almost all the pieces are handmade and nearly any have as much as

a screw in them. The pieces as so well-fitted together as to not

require any,” Straub continued.

Straub, who has been a professional woodworker all his said he

can’t get enough time to do all the projects that come his way.

“I just don’t have the room. All woodworkers dream of the perfect

workshop. You know, the one with enough room to store all those tools

you purchased over the years, or that can hold all the wood you have

accumulated.”

“The truth is there is never enough room and you will never be

quite satisfied with your workshop so get used to it.”

Straub seem like one of those guys who has sawdust in his blood.

The Orange County Woodworkers meet the first Thursday of each

month at the Tustin Area Senior Center at 200 South C Street in

Tustin. Meetings are at 7 p.m. and Woodturners meet on the third

Thursday at the same location and time.

Newcomers are always welcome, Straub said. For more information,

call Art Fitzpatrick at (562) 421-6992.