So, it is Thursday, March 9th. The "BIGGEST" show for our industry is over and the only thing I've heard in the way of reports is:

The Beach Party was great.
Atomic Art was there and crow eating was done!
The Beach Party was the bomb.
Ice Cream was delivered to a few.
The Beach Party had a great discussion after most had already left the room.

So, my question is.....other than a chance to party at the Beach....exactly why would one attend this event.....to see Atomic Art????

Come on, spill the beans, there must have been something else there to see and talk about.....or is there a conspiracy to withhold the information from those of us that stayed home to tend to business in an attempt to push the attendance to next years party over the 100 mark???

I can tell you right now....the thought of seeing Chuck in a grass skirt is not going to tempt me to travel to Vegas. There are some things that happen in Vegas, that SHOULD stay in Vegas!

Doug

There was a Chinese operated company with a few new acrylic items that I liked. They are just starting production on these additions and will not have pricing till June. Guess they needed to see the demand first, then will decide if they want to produce them.

Nothing startling that comes to mind, but a number of additions and advances. One was the 3D laser that uses green light, but that showed up in other threads.

Does that tell you how good the Beach Party was? The knowledge shared there was a highlight, as well as the people.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Tips Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Doug,

Well as far as trophies go, the most impressive thing I saw was JDS (and their supplier) showed some trophies that are already put together, all you do is "snap" on a figure and a plate! The plastic figures do not have a threaded rod but 2 tabs that snap into the top of the trophy.

Wholesale Trophies (The Source) showed trophies on steroids! They have a line of trophies from Brazil that are 51" tall, some that are 29" tall and when you add a 10" figure they get really tall. You can view them at www.thesource-wti.com then click on "new items" - the photos don't really do them justice as they really are BIIIIG.

I bought a "Hot Foil Pen" attachment for my engraver from Q1 Engravers. It plugs into 110v and you replace your spindle with it and are able to foil onto onesey twosey items. They demonstrated it on paper certificates but it will work on other materials as well.

Of course most of the show was the same O, same O.

now it's your turn......... any requests for details on specific items?

John...thank you for the input. While I'm not in the trophey business (or any engraving at all for that matter), it is still interesting to hear what folks are seeing at these shows.

With the costs being in the 10k or more for the vendors to set up a 10X10 space (booth fee, staffing, travel, etc), I know that they would like to know that their products are being noticed and talked about.

Now if you can fill me in on the new wiz bang table saw that self feeds the material, cuts and self stacks the parts........

Doug

Doug,

Oh, that one........it was at the convention center the week before.
Sorry I missed it. (devil) 

David...thanks for those links to new products. As a woodworker, I do enjoy seeing what others are doing....some interesting product out there. I scratch my head at times trying to figure out not only how they do it, but how they do it so cheaply.

Thanks for sharing some of what you found at the show.

Doug

Doug,

As you well know, most companies do it so cheaply by importing the product from Mexico or the Orient.

David,

The Stained glass Series was absolutely beautiful from afar but as a former stained glass professional I was very displeased with the soldering. Most people might not mind since we see a lot of this type soldering in various gift stores but if anyone is contiplating ordering a bunch selling them out of the catalog, I would get a sample first.

Just 2 peoples opinion

Dave,

My wife and I had the exact same impression about the stained glass awards. I think it's a terrific idea, but the assembly didn't seem up to par.

Cody

Mr C,

We will all have to wait for that review as it has not shipped yet. As soon as I receive it I will let you know if it is worth the paper it is written on.... :S 

They did say during the demo that the multi-line fonts may not work out as well as the single line and outline fonts, but can't say for sure right now. Same goes for trying to fill in a larger solid design. The tip appeared to be close to the size of a ball point pin tip, so I can see where a solid design might not fill in completely.

David,

Even tho they were just demo-ing on paper certificates, it will also work on vinyl, plastic, ribbon, wood, etc. depending on the foil type used. He only had foil that worked on paper so that is why he didn't use other substrates. I have several types of foil here so I am anxious to "play".

:D 

John,

Don't worry. David T. pays no attention at all to these messages.

Your trade secret's are safe with just the few hundred of us. :P