WoodPeckers
The WoodPeckers activity group consists of five core members (including myself). None of us is an expert in any one thing, but together we make one good woodworker. It’s the old synergy thing: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to the members and their contributions to the “whole.”
Activity Description:
· Design and build wood items for personal use
· Repair items that members bring to the monthly sessions
· Provide a safe environment where members can learn the use of power tools, hand
tools, joinery, and finishing techniques
· Members share woodworking articles, websites, and related information
· Members may work individually or collectively on projects
· Items would NOT be sold or donated to organizations or other parties
We have totally remodeled the shop to accommodate a new CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) router machine which should be arriving fairly soon. In the meantime, the guys have been working on individual projects.
We meet the first Saturday of the month, from 10am-1pm at my home shop (small, but functional).
213 Heartwood Drive
Oakley, CA 94561
Much of the time the guys will stay later to finish a project or a project milestone. After the meetings, we usually have lunch. I sometimes BBQ something, or one of the other members will be responsible for the lunch menu.
I will send an email reminder to the members about a week before each meeting.
Email me or give me a call if you have any questions.
Thom Watkins
thomwat831@gmail.com
925.330.3780
Scroll down for event schedule, reports and photos:
August 2026
Woodpeckers did not meet in August.
Chairman: Thom Watkins
June 2026
The monthly meeting was held at Bob Wheaton’s home while Thom Watkins recovered from his knee surgery. We all wished Thom a speedy recovery. Our main goal was to convert paper patterns for an Adirondack chair to a more substantial product that could be used and reused. I had traced the individual paper patterns to a 1/8 inch wall board. Then we cut them out to be used and be reusable for additional chairs if needed. I pretty much over saw the process while Greg Konsavage and Jackie Kanesahire worked on the table saw to convert the 4×4 wall board into individual parts to be trimmed to match the actual patterns. Resulting in a more durable and reusable product. Afterwards, lunch was served and the work area was cleaned and 4 hours later we called it a day.
Asst. Chairman: Bob Wheaton
March 2026
While Thomas recovered from his shoulder surgery the Woodpecker’s March meeting was held at Bob Wheaton‘s home where we finished up on Greg’s cutting board. The results were very impressive. I’m not sure. Greg wants to take a knife to it. It is unlikely his wife, Connie will share his emotional connection. She has waited for its completion and has I’m sure she used it as intended by now. On to our next projects.
Asst. Chairman: Bob Wheaton
February 2026
The main goal for the February meeting was to
complete Greg Konsavage’s cutting board.
What was left to complete: router the juice groove, cut
the holes for the mason jar lid, finish sand the entire
board; and apply several coats of cutting board oil.
The difficulty with cutting the holes for the mason jar
lid is that (bear with me here) the holes are concentric: a large
hole that fits the mason jar lid; and a smaller one that matches the
hole in the jar’s lid. This required the use of a Forstner bit and a
hole saw. The next step is to insert the lid into the larger hole and
secure it with epoxy. The concept is to screw a small mason jar
into the epoxied lid so that juices caught in the juice groove of the
board will flow into the attached jar (whew). The guys stayed quite
late in an attempt to finish. But, alas, that was not to be as the
holes for the lid still needed to be “tinkered” with for fit. Then
sanding and oiling to finish.
Bob Wheaton provided the after-workshop lunch with pizza and
soft drinks.
The March meeting will be at Bob’s home workshop as I will be
recuperating from surgery.
Chairman: Thom Watkins
November 2025
In December, in lieu of their regular “in-the-shop” meeting, the Woodpeckers held their Annual Christmas Brunch. And as usual, it was held Thom and Paula’s Chateau.
The menu consisted of Appetizers of Spinach Dip nestled in a sourdough bread loaf, and a Scrumptious Crab Dip (contributed by Greg & Connie Konsavage). The entrée of Garlic Prime rib, baked potatoes, and mimosas (provided by Thom & Paula); Side dish of cornbread casserole (courtesy of Jakie & Jennifer Kaneshiro); Beautiful green garden salad (brought to us by Bob & Peggy Wheaton). There were two, yes two, Desserts: Boston Cream Pie (Mike O’Dorney’s contribution, and Roger & Evaline Lamm presented us with a delightful French Apple Tart.
As always, a great amount of socialization took place before, during, and after the meal was consumed.
After the meal, two major decisions were made. The guys decided to move the January meeting date to the second Saturday (Jan 10th) because the first Saturday will be too close to New Year’s Day weekend. The other decision was made by the Henpeckers to meet for lunch on the 10th as well.
The following photos are courtesy of Woodpeckers Emeritus Roger Lamm
Let’s all have a GREAT 2026!
Thom Watkins
Chairman, Woodpeckers Activity
October 2025
We have three projects going on now: Greg Konsavage is making a built-in cutting board; Mike O’Dorney has his end table project, and Bob Wheaton is starting on an outdoor “Love Seat” bench.
Greg was unable to attend this month’s meeting. His job as Public Relations/Marketing Director had him committed to setting up and staffing the Branch 8 booth at the Clayton Oktoberfest for the weekend.
Mike was busy cutting out some intricate pieces for his end table using the miter saw and band saw.
Bob, with the help of Jackie Kaneshiro, began cutting redwood for his bench.
Thom, with no current project, circulated amongst the guys assisting as necessary.
As per usual, during all the construction, the guys exchanged personal stories.
The after-meeting fare was provided by Mike in the form of pastrami sandwiches. A yummy time was had by all.
Thom Watkins, Chairman Woodpeckers
September 2025
The September meeting was a continuation of two projects: Greg Konsavage’s “built-in” cutting board; and Jackie Kaneshiro’s remote-control holder.
Greg had to glue-up sections of the cutting board and at the same time, ensure that the board remained flat. The final assembly was clamped, clamped, and clamped. The “clamped-up” rig was left at the shop to fully set up and dry (see photo). The border (in woodworking terms is known as breadboard) of cherry had to be cut to size. The photos show Greg and Bob Wheaton working on that project.
Jackie’s project continuation was all about putting a 1/4i inch round on all the pieces. The photos show Jackie and Mike O’Dorney using the router table to accomplish that task.
Thom Watkins’ task, as usual, was to have all of the machines set up for the day’s efforts.
The after-meeting repast was provided by Thom. It consisted of pulled pork sandwiches, and Carolina coleslaw. The guys look forward to this part of the meeting as this is where the personal-life discussions take place.
July 2025
At the July meeting, we had two projects going: 1) Jackie was making a full-wall hat rack with Thom assisting. They rounded the edges using the router table. 2) Bob and Mike helped Greg with his cutting board. They used the drum sander to patiently to smooth and level the board (see photo).
After the “project” part of the meeting the crew adjourned to backyard grill area. The menu for today’s lunch consists of grilled hot dogs, baked beans, and the usual beverages of choice. Mike started the grill fire, Jackie grilled the hot dogs, and Thom baked the beans. And as usual, a good time was had by all.
Updated 08/24/2026 MLF
