Paul Proffitt
Q: When should we tell our wives about the impending purchase?
A: If you have ever asked your company to make an equipment purchase, you would be very familiar with the process. Do your homework and all of your window shopping ahead of time. Then be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Why, in general terms, should the purchase should be made?
- What will it accomplish that current equipment will not?
- What features and benefits does this item have that make it your choice?
- What alternative items would do the same thing, but cost less/more?
- What payback is there - saves time - makes the job easier/better/faster/more accurate, etc.?
- What accessories either come with it or will be purchased as part of the package?
- What do published or industry (internet) testimonials reveal about the superiority of this particular model/brand?
- Why should the purchase be made now?
Be prepared to argue your case just as you would before a committee at work. If you can't make a strong case for the purchase, perhaps you should reconsider.
Without being facetious in any way, if we approach our equipment purchases with this level of thoroughness, we will simply make better purchases. I recommend this approach for three reasons, 1) You will be less likely to make a mistake and get a tool you are unhappy with, 2) You will avoid purchasing a tool you won't use and you will make sure you get a quality tool that will do the job, 3) You are very likely to have this quality tool for 30+ years or more. This way you won't buy a crappy tool you hate that sits in the way for the next 30 years and makes you mad!
Ron Brown - GWA Founder
We are constantly working to improve the GWA website. In the fall of 2007 we added a member profile facility. It allows GWA members to create and manage their profile which includes information they want to share with other members. This information is only available to members.
Current GWA members are defined as having paid dues for the current period. Current GWA members can initiate their own account by clicking on the word 'Register' under the GWA Member Login section of the menu. This is an opt-in process. You will create your own username and password. Please use these suggestions for selecting a good password . Once you register you will receive an email at the email address you supplied. You will need to follow the instructions in that email to confirm your email address. If you would like acces to the members section, but you do not have an email address, please notify Paul Proffitt. Once your email is confirmed a website moderator will need to manually activate your account.
Once your account is active you may upload your picture (highly recommended). You may also maintain your own profile as needed. Other registered members will be able to see the information you've shared in your profile. The point of the profile is to promote communication between members.
Once you have registered and your account is activated there may be other information on the website that becomes visible. There will be information that is only visible to registered members such as the soon-to-come archive of classes. Please be sure to provide your website suggestions to Paul Proffitt or any board member. They are always welcome.
- At Saturday meetings - NO. Guests are encouraged to learn about GWA.
- For GWA prizes and giveaways - YES
- For shop tours and other special meetings - YES
- For SIG meetings - YES
- For GWA parties and events - YES
- For shows and display where the GWA is officially involved - YES
GWA membership is required to attend Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings. Attendence of non-members or non-member guests must be approved by the hosting member and is only allowed by GWA on a limited basis for out-of-town guests and to introduce the GWA to potential new members.
- Ask first and don't be offended if you are turned down.
- Plan to carry out whatever you brought in. Don't assume you can dispose of your coffee cups or other trash at someone else's home.
- Assume the member's bathroom facilities are off limits. Not everyone wants to share their bathroom with lots of people they don't know that well.
- Be courteous of the member's neighbors. Don't block driveways. Keep the talking and noise down so as not to disturb the neighbors.
- Assume the rest of the home or business is off limits. Keep to only the rooms, hallways, and access designated by the host member for the event.
The Scroll Saw SIG
The Woodturners SIG (also an AAW chapter)
The Radial Arm Saw SIG
The Computer Users SIG
See the FAQ for each SIG for more information.
Family membership (a household) annual fees are $55.00.
Annual membership fees must be paid to begin your membership.
Renewal annual membership fees are due September 1st. Member who have not paid their renewal annual membership fees by January 1st will lose their privileges of membership.
Members joining the Association after September 1st will be considered paid up through the following year.
If you have any questions, please use the Contact Us menu link or this direct link for phone numbers and an email link.
If you are interested in joining the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association there are downloadable membership forms on our Join the Club page or you can use the Join The Club menu link.
From time-to-time our Saturday meetings may be held at a member's shop or other location of interest. In this case special location instructions will be posted and will also be found on the Schedule page.
BRING YOUR OWN FOLDING CHAIR as bleacher and other seating is limited and often fills up quickly. The doors to Stone Mountain Power Tools open around 7:30 AM. Please park in the rear or to the side of the store in order to reserve front parking spaces for customers.