Journal

Worcester Show

As usual Worcestershire Woodturners had a presence at the annual Worcester Show where members of the club took turns on the lathe demonstrating our woodturning skills to the public while others spread the message to those interested. Well done everyone.

Internal Demo of Enhancing Techniques

In keeping with the new format of internal demos we had 4 demonstrators exploring different aspects of enhancing finished projects. Alan E showed how to use various texturing tools while Roy showed how to apply CA glue as a finish for pens.

At Russell’s station he showed an interested group of watchers how to apply oils and waxes to his finished items. And finally Steve demonstrated texturing using a micro motor as well as paint techniques with acrylics.

As usual the Hands On evening was a chance for less experienced members to have a go on one of the three lathes set out for the session on tonight’s theme of turning fruit (apples and pears in particular). In addition Alan Pattison brought in his sharpening system in order to aid some of our newer turners to achieve sharp tools.

Ornamental Turning

Tonight was a new experience for many of us. For the first part of the evening Colin treated us to a Powerpoint presentation in which he outlined the surprisingly long history of Ornamental Turning interspersed with descriptions of the various machines used to achieve his results.

In the second half he mounted a previously turned mopane box into his chuck and proceeded to show us how to fashion a basket weave pattern. As a bonus he used different rosettes to create different patterns on the inside and outside of the box lid.

Thanks to Colin for a very informative demo and for making the long trip from Lincolnshire.

Internal Demo by Alan Pattison

For his second demo to the club Alan choose jewellery making as his subject. He began with a chunky bangle made out of beech with purpleheart insets. After rounding the blank with his bowl gouge he made an indent in the centre of the blank leaving a tenon he could use when reversing the piece. Lastly he rounded off the outside edge of the bangle.

The next step was to reverse the work, finish the outside curve before carefully parting off the centre section. The resultant ridge was then sanded away before finishing with sanding sealer and finish of your choice.

In the second part of his demo Alan attempted two different types of earring. The first, using Zebrano, was a disc – type earring. After rounding the piece of Zebrano to the required size and drilling a 1mm hole for the fitting he fashioned the front and top beads with a bowl gouge before parting off with a thin parting tool.

The disc was then placed in the do – nut chuck to complete the other side.

With the remaining wood Alan intended to turn a drop earring but unfortunately the spigot broke away before he was able to complete it. We’ve all been there! Nevertheless a very enjoyable evening. Well done Alan!