SDFWA

San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association

Eye Opener: Puzzle Boxes, Rio Chilson

Eye Opener: June 28

The presenter at June’s Eye Opener event has a puzzling demeanor. That is to say he likes puzzles, specifically, puzzle boxes.

Rio Chilson is a 32 year old mechanical engineer working for the DoD. As he was seeking a way to stay entertained during the 2020 lockdown, he wandered into a rabbit hole leading to puzzle boxes. He purchased a few and became hooked. With his strong background in 3D modeling and CAD, he decided to take on the challenge of creating his own puzzle box. With little to no woodworking experience, he built his first design and has since improved his designs and workmanship with the help of other makers and designers.

During his presentation he will share how he got started, and provide an overview of what is a puzzle box. You’ll see his current puzzle box design, along with the CNC process, assembly tips, and some lessons learned.

Mark your calendars now, you won’t want to miss this fascinating topic.


Get a Professional Photo of YOUR Project at the Next Eye Opener

Robert Makar will be taking photographs of projects (things that will easily fit within a 3’ x 3’ x 3’ square). Doors open at 8 AM, so come early so he has time to take all the photographs, and everyone can attend the Eye Opener. Big Thanks to Robert for volunteering his time to immortalize our projects.


Wood for Your Next Project

We will have wood from Lumbercycle available for purchase when the doors open at 8 AM. Get there early for the best selection.


Upgraded Experience in the Upstairs Classroom

For those that prefer to attend the meeting in the upstairs classroom, we have upgraded the Audio/Visual set up so there is a much better quality experience.


Members welcome!

June 28, 2025

8:00am. Social time, ProClass Help
9:00am. Presentations
10:30am. Digital SIG in classroom

At The Shop
5360 Eastgate Mall, Suite E, San Diego

Craftsman Referral Terms

BACKGROUND
The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the education, promotion, and execution of the principles of fine woodworking.
The SDFWA frequently receives requests from people seeking the service of a woodworker. Therefore, although custom woodworking for hire is not the purpose of our organization, we offer this referral service to the public so that they might connect with a woodworker.

SCOPE
SDFWA does not screen or warrant the skills or work of any craftsman. The public should use their own discretion and due diligence before hiring any craftsman, from any source, including this one.
The sole role of SDFWA in this referral service is limited to providing our member woodworkers with your completed form. It is up to each craftsman to initiate a contact with the requester.

PROCEDURE
After a requester submits a project, the form will be emailed to our list of participating craftsmen. If a craftsman is interested in the project, they will contact the client directly, and a two-way conversation can begin.

As the craftsmen themselves choose which projects to respond to, this means that it is probable that some project requests will receive no response. If you do not receive a response in a reasonable time, please submit your request again, using the provided referral form.
Note that contacting SDFWA directly will not achieve the desired results.

DISCLAIMER
By agreeing to these Terms, and by continuing to submit this Referral Form, and by utilizing one or more of the services of any of these craftsmen, you are agreeing to contract exclusively with that individual craftsman and to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the SDFWA Organization, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from any and all claims, injuries, damages, losses or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connection with the performance of this agreement, and any and all failures, damages, or otherwise negative outcomes caused directly or indirectly by the craftsmen you employ to do any project initiated by this Form. This does not preclude you from pursuing legal remedies from the individual craftsman that you employ. But any remedy you pursue is restricted to that individual craftsman, and does not include the SDFWA organization or any of its volunteer members.

Agree
Disagree