There are only a few things you can hope for when performing a demonstration for a Club. One is that people show. Two is that they seem interested and stay awake.  And, three is that as the demonstrator you come away feeling like you have accomplished what you set out to do.
So, I’m pretty sure I accomplished one and two. I didn’t finish everything I set out to do, but, hopefully everyone took home with them some information that will help them be better Turners.  It’s important to me that as a “wood artist” you’re able to look at a piece of wood and envision an end result. You can predict what the grain pattern and color will be as determined by how you cut the initial blank to mount on your lathe. You know how the wood will react as it’s turned and how it will move in the drying process.  And, of course, now you know the subtle difference between the movements of a spindle gouge versus a skew that can help you avoid those skew skates. Remember that you don’t always have to mount a piece of wood on the lathe and produce some spectacular something. It’s actually a good day when you mount several pieces and turn them until there’s nothing left, but chips on the floor. That’s the way to really practice.

I’d like to thank Lyle Glascock for volunteering to take the pictures for the Gallery. Check out the gallery on our website and you’ll see he did a great job. Of course, so did all of you. You produced another beautiful group of turnings, which says that there is a lot of talent in the Club. Just don’t let it go to waste. If you need help or you just want to network with a fellow turner, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve never met a Turner who didn’t love sharing his time and talent. And, don’t forget that I need volunteers to take a turn as a demonstrator and topics that you would like to see addressed.

Next week is Southern States Symposium at Gainseville, GA. Hope to see some of you there. Also, I expect to see Dr. Wipf, our demonstrator for May at the symposium. Do introduce yourself if you see him there. He will demonstrate the Rose Engine Lathe for our Club so it should be a really interesting demonstration.
There will be a raffle at our May demonstration. Tickets will be $2 each, three for $5. Expect there to be six items including a 4” table top jointer.

Lastly, I received word from the AAW that we did not receive a grant this year. Disappointing, but we are in good shape budget wise so we should be able to invite a few professional wood turners for demonstrations. We will also schedule at least one hands-on later this summer. It will be held on a Friday in order to give participants a full day of instruction.
Look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Keep turning and Be Safe,
Lee
President
706-627-8373
 
 

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