Archive for September, 2009
Last night at the monthly CCW meeting, Hal Simmons came to demonstrate turning Christmas tree ornaments. He was the 1st or 2nd demonstrator that I saw when I first joined CCW, and his attention to detail is amazing.
He turned for us a 1-piece ornament, as well as a 3-piece globe-style ornament. He also brought 3 ornaments that he had previously turned. When asked how fast he turned, he replied…
Two things determine how fast:
1st, if the lathe walks, that’s too fast
2nd… your fear factor.
(He also pointed out that he does mostly splindle work.) MY fear factor is pretty low on out-of-round bowl blanks!
October 23-25th marks the bi-annual symposium hosted by turners in NC. Full information can be found on their website. I believe that I already have something booked for that weekend, myself, and will not be able to attend. However, there will be some top-notch demonstrators. I have seen Stuart Batty, Nick Cook, and Ray Key before and would like to watch each of them demo again.
Last night I finished turning a lamp. I had seen the kits at Craft Supplies, and wondered how they would work out. A month or so ago I ordered a couple of the kits and 2 nights ago was the first chance I had to try one. You’ll need a lamp auger to do one, as well as the matching hollow center. I also picked up some dye, so I gave that a shot as well. This is red maple, dyed blue.
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- Red maple lamp pic 1
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- Red maple lamp pic 2
Fold-up tables don’t work as lathe stands for anything larger than a pen. Out of round wood of a decent size would actually cause the table to walk across the floor, sway back and forth, or both. At one point I had to clamp a piece of wood across the table to keep the lathe itself from walking off and crashing onto the floor. None of these problems were evident with pens, bottle stoppers, and smaller pieces….
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I’ll replace the default WordPress theme as soon as I find a woodworking related one that I like. Until then, enjoy the blue. 
Turning Southern Style XV is next weekend, Sept 18-20, 2009. I haven’t registered yet, but may do so last minute if I get the chance. There will be some great demonstrators in attendance!
I hope when I die my wife doesn’t sell my tools for what I told her I paid for them!
– Don F.