I've been watching "Cool Tools" on the D.I.Y. Network quite a bit lately. I'm not sure what that says about my changing tastes in TV, that I'd sooner watch a show about hardware than MTV's spring break, but that's a discussion for another blog.

I've always loved gadgets, and as I gradually learn the fine art of home improvement, "Cool Tools" is becoming increasingly addictive. So when my dad, who's way past addicted when it comes to building stuff from dead trees, suggested we check out this weekend's woodworking show at State Fair, I was more than willing to join him.

As we continue to build a rec room in my basement, my woodworking skills have matured to the point where I know how to use a pneumatic framing nailer. But at this show, I realized there's much more I don't know than what I do.

My dad, however, was like a kid in a candy store. The scene looked a lot like State Fair's exposition hall, except instead of crappy "as seen on TV" junk, venders instead hawked router bits, dovetail devices, clamping tools and various other power tools I barely understand.

I just spent the afternoon browsing and learning while my dad explained why a certain hand tool was "the Cadillac of planers." He only dropped $100 on that custom dovetailer and a few clamps, well under his budget for the afternoon. I got my money's worth in father-son bonding.

Maybe someday I'll possess a quarter of my dad's woodworking wherewithal. Or maybe not. But as $6 shows at State Fair show go, this is one I'll gladly return to next year.