2025 Johnson’s Wood Expo

Home 2025 Johnson’s Wood Expo

SEPTEMBER 5 & 6, 2025

FRIDAY 9:00 - 5:00

SATURDAY 9:00 - 4:00

LL Johnson Lumber Mfg Co &
Johnson’s Workbench
563 N Cochran Ave
Charlotte MI 48813

FREE PARKING

FREE ADMISSION

VIEW PROGRAM

celebrate woodworking...the past and the future

Johnson's Wood Expo is in its 32nd year of offering woodworkers a unique experience. Leading tool and equipment manufacturers will be joining us to talk to customers about the latest innovations in woodworking, while woodworking experts will give demonstrations and hands-on classes on new techniques, tips and tricks. According to Tim Johnson, President of LL Johnson Lumber, "Our show attendees gain new woodworking skills-- from the most advanced technology to the latest in materials and supplies."

MORE INFORMATION TO COME. CHECK BACK OFTEN!

MAIN TENT SEMINARS

Long format demonstrations taking place in our "Main Tent." This is located alongside our Vendor and Exhibitor tents in the south parking lot.

Mike Belzowski

Join us for two full days of woodworking demonstrations covering traditional and modern bending and veneering techniques, along with classic hand tool joinery.
Friday Morning – Bending Wood, Part 1
Kick off with an introduction to four essential bending methods: kerf bending, laminate bending, vacuum forming, and steam bending. Learn how each technique works, when to use it, and the tools required.
Friday Afternoon – Veneer Basics
Discover the foundations of working with veneer. Learn how to sharpen a veneer saw, seam veneer properly, and create decorative effects such as a four-way match and a short grain border with a filetti. Finish by gluing up a panel with a vacuum press while discussing glue types and clamping strategies.
Saturday Morning – Bending Wood, Part 2
Take wood bending further with demonstrations in laminate bending, freeform bending, hot pipe bending, and steam bending. Explore the outside bag technique using a vacuum press for advanced shaping.
Saturday Afternoon – Hand Tools & Joinery
The weekend wraps up with the Sam Beauford group demonstrating traditional hand tool techniques and joinery. See firsthand the precision, skill, and artistry that define fine woodworking.

MIKE'S SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 9:15 am - 11:15 am and 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm | SATURDAY 9:15 am - 11:15 am and with Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Jason Beam

A Craftsmanship Rooted in Art & Function. Jason earned his bachelor's degree in Art & Design from the University of Olivet, where his sculpture professor, Gary Wertheimer, observed, "he can control materials really well… his sense of craftsmanship is impeccable." Growing up with a clock-repairing father and drapery-skilled grandfather, Jason was immersed early in practical creation and ingenuity.
He began his formal woodworking journey apprenticing with his uncle's high-end custom furniture shop in St. Joseph, MI. After commuting over an hour from Olivet, Jason quickly proved his skill: "He was a natural… obviously he's got it," according to his uncle Joe Beam. Leveraging those foundations, Jason established Beam Artisan Workshop in Olivet. Within three years, he built a client base across Chicago and New York, serving "really picky, very wealthy people" who demand exceptional quality—and consistently delivers.
His workshop resides in a timber-framed studio near Olivet, filled with walnut and white oak. Jason's work emphasizes a seamless blend of beauty and functionality, described as that of a true artist—not simply a furniture builder. Jason's reputation is reflected in the admiration of both peers and clients. His professor, Thia Eller, noted that among alumni, "When you say Jason Beam, we all know who you're talking about." Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the Heartland's leading experts during Wood Expo.

JASON'S SHOW SCHEDULE: SATURDAY 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Chris Schoenberg

Chris Schoenberg is the creative force behind Third Coast Craftsman, a unique woodworking brand based in Michigan. With a passion for traditional joinery and hand-tool techniques, Chris transitioned from a career in finance and service in the U.S. Air Force to full-time woodworking and content creation in 2017.
As a company that specializes in traditional woodworking methods and quality craftsmanship, Third Coast Craftsman stands out from the crowd. Inspired by his grandfather—a respected builder and woodworker—Chris began honing his craft in middle school, crafting a fishing pole rack that still holds sentimental value. After serving as a Nuclear Weapons Technician in the Air Force and earning a degree in finance, Chris discovered his passion for woodworking. He quit a full-time job to launch Third Coast Craftsman, documenting his learning journey via YouTube starting in February 2017. He produces high-quality, diverse video projects focusing on hand tools, traditional joinery, and woodworking techniques.
In the fall of 2024, Chris co-founded Temple Tool Co. offering premium Japanese pull saws and hand tools crafted to combine Japanese precision with Western usability. Chris simplifies difficult processes translating them into engaging, informative content for beginners and experts alike. He shares not just techniques but a love of craftsmanship and the outdoors, making his audience feel confident in their learning journey. Experience the expertise of one of woodworking's top talents. Make sure you join us!

CHRIS's SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

AUXILLARY SEMINARS

Specialty demonstrations from partner woodworkers and organizations. These take place in various tents throughout the property.

ZACH Dillinger

Zach Dillinger makes authentic 17th and 18th-century hand-tool furniture using antique-style techniques derived from the 17th and 18th centuries. Among his published works are "With Saw, Plane, and Chisel: Building Historic American Furniture with Hand Tools" and "On Woodworking: Notes from a Lifetime at the Bench." He frequently leads live demonstrations, ranging from small workshops to events with hundreds of attendees, on traditional furniture making.

Through Zach, attendees will learn joinery, shaping, finishing, and period-accurate tool use -- techniques that preserve authenticity and elevate heirloom-quality work. Zach Dillinger brings expert craftsmanship, deep historical knowledge, and genuine passion to his work—making him an outstanding presenter for anyone seeking to elevate their traditional woodworking skills. Discover what sets the Great Lakes region's finest apart — this is a chance you won't want to overlook.

ZACH'S SHOW SCHEDULE: SATURDAY 9:15 am - 11:15 am & 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Tom Brimhall

Every Hardwood Block Has a Story — Discover How to Shape It.
Bowl Turning Artisan Tom Brimhall is a passionate woodturner and long-time member of the West Michigan Woodworker’s Guild. With over two decades of experience shaping raw wood into graceful, functional art, Tom specializes in bowl turning — a craft he’s refined through countless hours at the lathe and shared generously through workshops and guild events. Tom says, "There’s nothing quite like watching a simple block of wood come alive on the lathe. Each bowl has its own story hidden inside — I just help it find its shape." Tom’s approach blends traditional techniques with a keen eye for the natural beauty hidden in each blank. His demonstrations are both instructive and inspiring, offering practical insights for woodworkers of all levels.

At this year’s Wood Expo, Tom will guide you through the essentials of bowl turning, from tool selection and safe turning practices to shaping, hollowing, and achieving that perfect finish. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your turning skills, you’ll leave Tom’s demo with tips, techniques, and plenty of inspiration to tackle your next project.

TURNING SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 9:15 am - 11:15 am & 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm & SATURDAY 9:15 am - 11:15 am & 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Tom Dowling and Nicki Berridge

Band Saw Set-up and Boxes - Join us for an engaging and informative session on band saw techniques, featuring instruction from experienced educators. Topics will include proper band saw setup, blade selection, re-sawing, and scroll sawing. Special guest Nicki Berridge will demonstrate how to create a basic band saw box, offering a beginner-friendly perspective. This class will provide practical tips, hands-on demonstrations, and encouragement for woodworkers of all skill levels.

Finish Strong! Whether you're team glossy, matte, or somewhere in between, come gather 'round as Tom Dowling, one of Mid-Michigan’s most seasoned sawdust sages, takes us on a guided tour through the wonderful world of wood finishes. From General Finishes to Watco to Zar, Tom will break down the beauty and the beast in each can—what sings, what stinks, and what will make your project shine like a brand-new nickel on a barnwood table.

Tom’s spent more hours with a brush in his hand than most of us have spent in our shops—he’s the kind of guy who can smell a finish and tell you the species, the solvent, and whether you’ll regret using it in six months. This ain’t your average product pitch—expect tips, tricks, demos, and maybe a little sass. Whether you're finishing a fine cabinet or just refinishing your patience, you'll walk away smarter and ready to seal the deal.

BAND SAW SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 12:45 pm - 12:30 pm & SATURDAY 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

FINISHING SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 9:15 am - 10:15 am & 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Larry McCarffery

The Art of Joinery -- Secrets to Snug, Beautiful Joints
Larry has spent over 50 years working with wood, evolving from a casual hobbyist to a dedicated artisan. Since retiring, he has taken his passion to the next level, focusing on technique, precision, and thoughtful design. Today, Larry dedicates most of his time to the shop, where he creates cutting boards, boxes, furniture, and custom pieces for family and friends.

Expect a range of classic joinery techniques on display, from sturdy mortise-and-tenon joints to graceful dovetails and more. Pick up practical ways to select the right joint for any project, lay everything out with confidence, and use hand tools or power tools to achieve snug, dependable fits. The process becomes surprisingly approachable with clear, down-to-earth guidance that's just as helpful for beginners as it is for seasoned woodworkers looking to refine their skills. Along the way, come handy tips for steering clear of common slip-ups, keeping tools tuned up, and crafting tight, clean joints that stand the test of time.

LARRY'S SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Brian Kaser

Brian Kaser is an enthusiastic amateur woodworker whose work mostly consists of clocks and boxes. The session will focus on cutting repeatable, accurate box miters using the table saw. Attendees will see how a single, easy-to-make sled can help make quality results. Choice of table saw blades will be covered, and some time will be devoted to creating individualized variations on the basic box, using rabbets, dados and corner splines.

BRIAN'S SHOW SCHEDULE: FRIDAY & SATURDAY 9:15 am - 10:15 am

HANDS-ON CLASSES

Find our carving tent, for hands-on demonstrations with Fred Erbisch and the Red Cedar River Carvers Guild.

ADULT WOOD CARVING - FRED ERBISCH [SIGN UP]

Discover the pure fun of carving at Johnson’s Wood Expo! Feel the satisfaction of shaping wood with your own hands, learning simple cuts and techniques that bring your project to life. We’re offering two free 'Intro to Carving' classes for adults on Friday, plus a free 'Intro to Carving' class for adults Saturday morning and one just for kids on Saturday afternoon—all led by National Woodcarver Association member Fred Erbisch. All tools and materials are provided free for use during the classes, including safety gloves. Bring your curiosity and creativity.

FRIDAY: 9:15 am - 11:15 am & 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm
SATURDAY: 9:15 am - 11:15 am (See Kid Activities for afternoon carving session)

WOOD CARVING - RED CEDAR RIVER CARVERS GUILD [DROP IN]

At Johnsons Wood Expo drop in anytime during the show—no reservations required: You'll find friendly instruction in basic carving techniques, safe tool handling, shaping, and detailing. Carving is approachable, relaxing, and creative—you’ll be surprised what you can make in just a short session! All carving tools, wood, and safety gloves are included for use during the day at no cost. Just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll supply everything else. Come carve with us! Whether you're curious or committed, these drop-in classes are a fun, creative way to experience carving and connect with other enthusiasts and experts alike. See Kid's Day below for information regarding soap carving with popsicle sticks and block carving for kids.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: On-going throughout both days. NO reservations needed.

LEARN TO TURN A PEN or Rolling pin

Ray Hoke started turning wood before he could see over the workbench. Now he’s teaching adults 16+ and kids 10+ how to make their own wooden pen or rolling pin—

$15 for materials, 30 minutes at the lathe, and you'll have a handmade pen to take home. See wood turning for kids schedule below in the KIDS SECTION.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: On-going throughout both days. NO reservations needed.