Spotlight on Woodworking Mastery: George Vondriska Crafts a Stunning Waterfall Table at Klingspor's 25th Annual Extravaganza

# Spotlight on Woodworking Mastery: George Vondriska Crafts a Stunning Waterfall End Table at Klingspor's 25th Annual Extravaganza

If you're a woodworking enthusiast, your calendar just got a major highlight. Mark October 17th and 18th, 2025, for the **25th Annual Woodworking Extravaganza** hosted by Klingspor's Woodworking Shop at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Hickory, North Carolina. This milestone event promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating a quarter-century of hands-on learning, innovative demos, and community spirit in the woodworking world. And this year, one demo that's got everyone buzzing? Renowned author and master woodworker **George Vondriska** will be on stage, building a breathtaking **waterfall end table** live for attendees.

Why This Event is a Woodworker's Dream
Klingspor's Extravaganza isn't just another trade show—it's the Southeast's premier woodworking gathering, drawing thousands of hobbyists, pros, and families each fall. Admission is free, parking is hassle-free, and the lineup features over 20 expert-led demos, interactive exhibits, and kid-friendly activities, including soap carving workshops. Expect show-exclusive deals on tools from top brands like Klingspor Abrasives, plus door prizes that could land you a $2500 gift card.

From woodturning clubs to CNC showcases, the Extravaganza covers every corner of the craft. But with this being the 25th anniversary, organizers are pulling out all the stops—think expanded vendor booths, free locally grown apples (a fan-favorite tradition), and inspiration that you'll carry back to your shop.

Meet George Vondriska: The Live Edge Legend
At the heart of this year's excitement is George Vondriska, a woodworking icon with over 35 years of experience turning raw timber into functional art. As the Managing Editor of the Woodworkers Guild of America and owner of Vondriska Woodworks—one of the Midwest's top woodworking schools—George has taught everywhere from the U.S. Peace Corps in Swaziland to the Pentagon and Northwest Airlines. His contributions to Fine Woodworking, WOOD, and Woodworker's Journal have made him a go-to voice for woodworkers at every level.

However, it's his bestseller, The Woodworker's Guide to Live Edge Slabs: Transforming Trees into Tables, Benches, Cutting Boards, and More, that solidifies his expertise in organic, nature-inspired designs. Published by Fox Chapel Publishing, the book serves as a comprehensive roadmap for anyone embarking on live-edge work. It covers essential techniques such as milling and drying slabs, stabilizing cracks with bowties, pouring epoxy rivers, and—crucially—crafting seamless waterfall edges that make the grain flow like a natural cascade. With eight detailed projects ranging from charcuterie boards to full dining tables, it's praised as "the guide I wish I'd had when starting with slabs" by fellow woodworkers. Whether you're a beginner intimidated by resin or a pro seeking fresh ideas, George's approachable style demystifies the process, saving you time, money, and headaches.

George's philosophy? Let the wood lead. "Slabs aren't just material—they're stories from the forest," he often says. His online classes through WWGOA, such as Working with Live Edge Slabs, echo this, blending video tutorials with downloadable guides to ensure hands-on success.

The Star of the Show: Building a Waterfall End Table
Picture this: A sleek end table where the live edge slab top transitions fluidly into the legs, mimicking a waterfall's graceful descent. That's exactly what George will demonstrate live at the Extravaganza—a project straight out of his playbook that showcases the beauty of live edge while highlighting practical joinery and finishing skills.

Waterfall edges are a hallmark of modern live-edge furniture, creating a continuous grain pattern that turns a simple table into a conversation piece. In his demo, George will walk through:
Sourcing a live-edge piece with vibrant figure and ensuring it's kiln-dried for stability.
Precision mitering for that uninterrupted flow, secured with biscuits or dowels.

This isn't just a build; it's a masterclass in blending artistry with functionality. Attendees will leave with sketches, tool recommendations, and the confidence to tackle their own waterfall projects at home. As George notes in his book, these techniques "transform trees into heirloom pieces your family will love."

Don't Miss Out—Your Action Plan
The 25th Annual Woodworking Extravaganza is more than an event; it's a celebration of craftsmanship that has evolved alongside the community since 2000. Whether you're there for George's demo, to snag deals on abrasives and bits, or to connect with fellow makers, it's the ultimate fall pilgrimage for wood lovers.

Friday–Saturday, October 17–18, 2025
Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC

https://www.woodworkingshop.com/woodworking-extravaganza

FREE Admission

FREE Parking

FREE Classes & Demos

FREE APPLES!