Author: srdm1207gmailcom

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.

On this Sunday our club took a stand at the annual Worcester Show at the racecourse. Organised by Russell, several volunteers took turns to explain the purpose of the club to the public with a view to recruiting new members. Alan E and Phil held demonstrations of woodturning throughout the day which attracted respectable crowds at times.

In addition Alan E and Russell won prizes in the open competition as did Dexter in the under 18 section. Well done to all!

A big thanks to Russell for organising the event and Steve for the design and print of the flyer and poster. Special thanks to Alan E and Phil for the demonstrations and to Robin, Alan P and Steve for talking to the public.

Toadstool Tealight Holder by Roy Hadland

Roy began his project by drilling 4 holes in the side of a beech spindle (part of a Dunelm rolling pin!). He then made a channel to accept a rubber O ring with his narrow parting tool. This would seat the toolstool top securely in the completed item. This section of the demo was completed by shaping the spindle and drilling a central hole with a Forstner bit mounted in his Jacob’s chuck to expose the 4 holes and seat the LED tealight.

After the break Roy set about turning the toadstool top which would fit on top of the beech spindle already turned.

Once made and fitted the top was then sprayed with a base layer of black eboniser before applying the irridescent paints with a brush. A very interesting project and a proven seller at craft fairs. Well done Roy.

This evening’s Show and Tell was a very interesting and illuminating meeting where novice and more experienced members shared their recent projects with the rest of us. Russell kicked off the session by introducing Alan Pattison who had made two birds – following the theme for the night which was to make a figure or an animal.

Contributions from Robin, Alan Jones and Mark took us to the break.

After tea we heard Brian’s anxiety about the bowl he’d made from a piece of wood “that he had paid good money for”. Roger explained his methods in making a variety of items followed by Russell’s own projects

The contribution of the evening came from Dexter – a young man who had largely taught himself to turn from YouTube videos. His progress has been remarkable as everyone can see. Let’s hope we see more of him in the future.

Hollowform by Alan Edwards

Tonights demo was due to be held by Geoff Davies but unfortunately he was too unwell to hold it. Everyone at the club wishes you a speedy recovery Geoff.

So Alan stepped up with only a few hours notice to undertake this interesting hollowing demo. Using a 3″ Zebrano disk he began by rounding it and putting a spigot on either end – one of which would later serve as the foot.

Having roughly shaped the outside Alan then offered us an alternative that he had previously made – the same vessel with circular insets using his home made jig to house the Forstner bit and utilising the lathe’s indexing.

Time now to part the vessel in half and hollow leaving a lip in order to rejoin the two halves later. Once glued with Superglue he set about the final shaping including finishing the foot and applying a thinned down coat of melamine (3-2)

The foot now served as the spigot to reverse the vessel, complete the opening with his spindle gouge, and finish.

A really good and interesting project, especially considering the short notice he had. All our thanks go to Alan.