If you followed the most recent Wood Talk Online podcast, there was a bit of a shock as Shannon Rogers (The Renaissance Woodworker) blasphemed suggested that he needed to rid himself of a lot of exotic scraps that were cluttering his workshop. In the chat room after the recording, I offered to drive up I-95 to relieve him of such problems 
Actually, I’m sure that many of us woodworkers have some “interesting” scrap pieces that we are holding on to “for that perfect use” some time down the road. Whether it is due to procrastination, familiarity, or other unfinished projects – we never seem to get to using our scraps. Despite this, it doesn’t stop us from coveting the highly figured or colored scraps that others are hoarding saving.
To solve both sides of the issue, I propose that at next week’s Woodworking In America conference we hold the first Great American Scrap Swap. The idea is simple – a bunch of us will each bring a few of the scrap pieces we have lying around, set them up for all to see, then walk away with a few different pieces.
I’d like to keep this as simple as possible, so we’ll figure out most of the logistics there. Here are a few guidelines I was thinking of:
- How ever many scraps you bring, that’s how many you get to take
- No smaller than a pen turning blank
- No larger than a sheet of paper
- The quality of the swap is directly proportional to the quality of the scraps you bring (i.e. Don’t bring flatsawn red oak)
- Not too many scraps per person – I don’t how many is too many, but it’s probably near 10
So what are your thoughts? Good idea? Have any suggestions – let me know in the comments.
Not a bad idea. I won’t be able to reduce the amount of scrap, but at least I could diversify a bit more.
I guess it is a good thing I am driving cause I wouldn’t have any room in my luggage for clothing. Good call Steve, I’m in.
I like it. Should be able to fit a couple of somethings into my bag.
Great idea, Steve. Unfortunately, the small size of my shop and constant construction it’s under have my scrap pile reduced to . . . you guessed it, flatsawn red oak left over from the door treads I just made. So while I won’t be participating, it’s from lack of scrap to donate, not a lack of backing for the idea.
I hope the swap goes well and I’ll see you at WIA (I’ll be the idiot with the giant QR code on his back).
Count me in. Anybody want some Ipe scraps?
Man I would love some IPE scraps! I keep wanting to play with some IPE a bit but have a hard time finding a src.
Cool Nik, I’ll bring some Ipe. I have some flooring scraps leftover from a porch floor last year. Only problem will be the added weight in my suitcase – this stuff is heavy & dense!