Journal

Homemade Jigs and Fixtures

A few members shared with us a number of jigs that they have made to solve a variety of woodturning problems. Alan Edwards starting the evening off with a number of devices.

Roy took the theme on by showing everyone his method and jig for open segmented work.

Contributions next from Alan P, Mark and finally Geoff who showed us jigs that he uses to produce his signature ducks.

Alan E returned to the floor to show us jigs for bandsaw work, a spindle steady and a jig for turning pendants with off centre holes.

Internal Demo by Roy Hadland

Using a number of home – made jigs Roy set about showing us ways in which the router can be used to embellish your projects. The first jig, utilising the lathe’s indexing, was used to cut circular decorations into an ash platter.

The next jig was used to make lines of various shapes on the work. Roy explained in detail how and what materials he’d used to make the jig and what adjustments he’d built in.

Roy positioned his final jig along the length of a spindle, in this case, to channel grooves along it to make a lamp body. He cleverly used segmented softwood in order to facilitate a central internal groove for the flex.

Despite encountering a few problems due to his jigs being used on a different lathe to his own Roy’s demo was quite inspiring. We just need to get in the shed and try it out! Thanks Roy.

The Show and Tell is one of the most interesting and informative dates in the calendar where members of all levels of experience share their turning tales with the rest of the group. As usual Russell navigated a path through the evening with his customary blend of humour and gentle probing to prise out the successes and mishaps of a wide range of members projects.

In turn Roy, Brian, Keith and Mark stood up and described their projects before Russell himself took the floor.

After the break Alan Jones” eclectic mix of projects from his archive informed us all before Dexter, Ian and Geoff made their contributions to the evening.

Alan Edwards finished up a great evening by telling us how he went about making (and correcting) a commission for his daughter.

As always ‘Hands On’ evening was a hubbub of noise and activity. Our 4 club lathes, manned by our experienced lathe leaders, were in constant action setting about the evening’s task of making a bud vase.

It gave a big opportunity to our newer members to have a go and come away from the evening with something tangible to take home with them.

Doughnut Chuck to make a Scoop

Although it was chairman Alan Pattison’s debut as a demonstrator he showed no sign of nerves as he embarqued on his project of turning a scoop. He began, as usual, by turning a sycamore spindle to round with his spindle roughing gouge before shaping the sphere to fit his doughnut chuck. He also shared the formula he used to calculate the diameter of this sphere which may have lost a few of the audience (including me) along the way!

He proceeded to shape the handle of the scoop before returning to fine tune the sphere with his bedan (or was it his bidet!)

Alan then described the correct method of mounting the work into the doughnut chuck before hollowing out the bowl using his adapted scraper. The result was a very attractive and functional piece for use in any home. A very entertaining and informative demo. Well done Alan!