Journal

A really well attended meeting with lots of new faces. Welcome to you all! And, as usual, there was a wide variety of projects on show, introduced immaculately by Russell.

The evening kicked off with contributions from two new faces, Sue and Richard, and the interesting stories attached to their projects. Eugene was then called forward to explain his involvement with ‘Men in Sheds’ and how that led to the production of his items.

Geoff next with an eclectic mix of top quality work ranging from a walking stick to a very complicated segmented piece. And, to take us to the break, Brian shared his latest projects with the group.

After refreshments the whirlwind continued with Steve’s fungi, Dexter’s tricky little pot, Angela’s apples and pears and a variety of items by Alan Edwards.

A masterclass in segmented work by Keith Drew followed when he took us step by step through a number of hugely detailed projects.

Two newer members, Ian and Alan Hicks followed by a more familiar one in Chairman Alan Pattison were then introduced to explain their work. A massively successful evening was rounded off by Russell himself and a description of pen – making by Rob Posselt. A huge thank you to all that took part.

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!

Every year the chairman sets the members a challenge to make something that can be tested or played with on the night.

This year he challenged the club members using the four lathes to make some “TIPPI TOPS” A top that starts spinning on the bulbous end but then turns onto the small diameter end.

A drawing was given with each top tested and timed for spin duration at the end of the meeting.

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It proved to be quite a difficult challenge many members having not seen this top before. However it was still a very enjoyable convivial night for all those able to attend.

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!