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Sharpening Masterclass

The first meeting of the year began with our traditional curtain – raiser – a demonstration of various types of sharpening systems – essential for every woodturner. Members were treated to not on, not two, not even three but four different systems to compare and contrast. No excuse now for blunt tools!

Inside Demo by Robin Kalinowski

Segmented Bird Box

After some initial problems mounting his pre – prepared bird box body onto the lathe Robin set about turning the segmented tube to round – initially with a skew and later using the spindle roughing gouge.

Once round Robin set about turning the base for the box.

And finally the top which, when finished, would be screwed into the body so it could be removed for cleaning. Unfortunately, due to a number of technical difficulties (which every turner has from time to time) throughout the demo, Robin didn’t manage to finish the project. A valliant attempt nevertheless!

Bring and Buy

Tonight’s well attended evening was a Bring and Buy where several people brought in woodturning items that were surplus to requirements – a great opportunity for our newer members to add to their range of tools and wood. Also Alan Edwards kindly brought in his tool sharpening rig and was consequently very busy all evening!

As usual this evening’s Show and Tell illustrated the variety of work our members undertake in their sheds from intricately crafted items like those shown by Dexter and Roger to the more experimental work of Russell, Mark and Steve.

Others were happy to share their experiences (with some prompting from Russell) on a wide range of projects and the problems they’d had to overcome in realising them.

Geoff, as usual, provided the highlight of the evening with a very entertaining trip through his recent projects – each with a tale attached. Well done Geoff and thanks to everyone who contributed to a great evening!

All Day Demo by Colwin Way

Renowned teacher and turner Colwin Way began his demo by introducing us to the skew chisel – the way he began as a 17 year old apprentice. It turned out to be a masterclass in the use of this tool. After the technique the practice. Colwin made us a lace bobbin which he used to make by the thousands and, given the impending season, a Xmas tree, both with the skew chisel.

His woodturning evolution to in demand international demonstrator was reflected by the choice of his main project a German Smoker (incense burner). He explained the history of these items as well as taking us step by step through the process of making one.

Because there was time Colwin showed his versatility by turning some bowls out of green oak and finally an offset pendant using a bespoke chuck.

Thanks to Colwin for a thoroughly professional and absorbing demonstration – possibly the best we have had at the club.