The Bench Talk Blog

News & notes from your friends here at Mr. Sawdust

This is simply our place to share whatever’s worth telling about all things Mr. Sawdust. We call it that as a nod to the original Bench Talk — which was a truly one-of-a-kind newsletter circulated to students & friends of the first Mr. Sawdust School of Woodworking (starting back in the late 70’s).

Speaking of the original newsletter — would you believe we’ve scanned every-last-one (that we could find) and put them up online? You’re welcome to go enjoy each one. There’s a little something for everyone — you’ll see.

On that note, we’ve done one more thing. In between all the down-to-business details & class information, Wallace mixed in a small treasury of simple pieces of advice, thoughts on everyday life, curious quotes, and things we just plain love to read. We’ve pulled these choice lines out and gave them their own home – something we’ll call Coffee Talk here. We think you’ll appreciate it all just the same as we do.

Mary Walsh Mary Walsh

It’s Fall Again!

This is an excerpt from one of the Bench Talk newsletters, published by Mr.Sawdust while operating the "Mr.Sawdust Schools of Professional Woodworking" in Chester NJ during the 70's and 80's.

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Mary Walsh Mary Walsh

Another Side of Mr. Sawdust

Saying goodbye to summer is always bittersweet – Autumn is ahead of us – such a beautiful season! Today I share the story of "Another Side of Mr. Sawdust." 

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Mary Walsh Mary Walsh

A Christmas Surprise

The days before Christmas in Mr. Sawdust's home were filled with secrets—special projects being completed...lots of love and excitement! Here is a memory of a "Christmas Surprise" shared by Mr. Sawdust's daughter Mary.

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Mary Walsh Mary Walsh

The Kunkel Banjo

Here is "The Kunkel Banjo" introduced by its inventor/creator, Bruce J. Kunkel, #2 son of Mr. Sawdust and owner of Kunkel Guitars!

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