Author: srdm1207gmailcom

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.

Problem Discussion

Tonight’s discussion brought up a number of subjects and issues of interest to all of the members present. These ranged from a brains trust of experienced members physically getting to grips with a query about tool rests to advice about different methods of turning spheres and many other queries in between.

It was great to see so many new faces at tonight’s Hands On session with a choice of five set ups on offer. The two Alans (Edwards and Pattison) mentored a number of new members to make light pulls. Phil’s student attempted a simplified version of Alan E’s Bell Salt Shaker while Roy tried out the full project – ambitious in the time he had. An added bonus for the evening was Keith’s demo on how to produce the segmented pens he featured on our last Show and Tell evening. A rare chance to watch the master at work!

Thread Chasing by Alan Edwards

To a packed audience of members thirsty for knowledge on, what turns out to be, quite a complicated subject. Alan began by explaining the tools and techniques he would use and passed around a drawing to illustrate the theory.

The first method – the hardest – was to cut first the internal ‘screw’ being careful to include an undercut at the bottom and a bevel at the top. Using the same technique he then carefully cut the external ‘screw’ to match. But, and this is a big but, this method is only effective on harder (and more expensive) woods.

A more stable alternative is to use a segmented collar combined with your chosen wood.

The third method, and the one preferred by Alan, is to use a machine of which several are on the market. The one that Alan chose was a jig he had made himself. This produced excellent results. Well done Alan!

Show and Tell

Tonight’s meeting was a very interesting one with a table groaning under the weight of a wide variety of member’s projects to talk about.

The theme of the evening was to turn something miniature and they don’t come much more miniature than Alan Jones’ microscopic goblets!

And, as Keith mentioned when he explained how he had made his segmented pens, it was gratifying for him, as one of the club’s most experienced members, to see so many new members willing to stand up and share their turning experiences.