January Demonstrator – Jimmie Allen

Jimmie Allen is a long-time northwest resident and currently resides in Bremerton, WA. Jimmie discovered woodturning during his semi-retirement as a finish carpenter. He joined the OPCAAW club in 2003 and was instantly hooked – he went on to serve 7 years as the club’s Vice President of Training.

After experimenting with various wood turning aspects, Jimmie was drawn to the challenge that wood boxes presented. Since then, he has concentrated his efforts on improving technique, wood selection, design/shape and proportion. Through this journey, Jimmie also found another creative outlet – the design and crafting of box making tools that helped him to create his signature style of boxes.

Jimmie’s philosophy is that we all start at the same place and it’s important to keep it simple – “If you put in the time, you’ll get there”. He appreciates the opportunity to encourage and motivate people by sharing his experiences and techniques through demonstrations and sawdust sessions.

AAW / demonstrator / Membership Meeting / techniques / woodturner profile

December Membership Meeting – Holiday Potluck

December’s meeting is a potluck meal and a prize give-away for all members of the SPSW. This year we have over 100 wood turning blanks from UCR Woods that are ready for your lathe. D-Way Tools have donated some of the fin-est wood turning money can buy. Sumner Woodworking Store has provided tools and gift certificates as have Woodcraft and Rockler. Hopefully you have been getting your raffle tickets each month and will walk away with some great stuff.

Potluck suggestions are A thru I will do main dishes. J-S will bring the deserts with T –Z salads or chips and dip. We will provide plates and silver ware, coffee and water.

Additionally we always have a Show and Tell for the item that you turned this year that you are most proud of. This is also the last President’s Challenge of the year, a turned ornament of any kind.

chapter profile / Membership Meeting

Upcoming Woodturning Events

Tennessee Association of Woodturners

The Tennessee Woodturners are holding their 30th Woodturning Symposium in Franklin, TN on the 26th and 27th of January. Featured demonstrators are Stuart Batty, Jimmy Clewes, Mike Mahoney and Betty Scarpino. There will also be an instant gallery with awards in several categories, and a banquet and auction. The full symposium fee is $155 is paid by December 31st. Lots more information on the Florida Woodturning Symposium site.


Alaska Woodturners Association Symposium

alaska woodturning associationThe 2018 symposium is scheduled for January 27 & 28, 2018 at Hardware Specialties in Anchorage, AK. Featured turners are Glenn Lucas, Nick Agar plus local turners Bob Congdon and Jeff Trotter. There will also be the opportunity for hands-on classes with Glenn and nick prior to and after the symposium dates. Cost for the symposium is $50/day if paid in advance. More information can be found at the Alaska Woodturners Association symposium page.


Florida Woodturning Symposium

The Florida chapters of the AAW joined together in 2001 to hold the first Florida Woodturning Symposium. Held annually, the 2018 symposium is scheduled for February 9 – 11. Demonstrators include Miriam Carpenter, Mark Sfirri, Michael Hosaluk and Tim Yoder, as well as several regional demonstrators. In addition to the demo rotations there will also be workshops available with Dixie Biggs, Rudy Lopez, Don Geiger and others. Full registration fee for the rotations is $135 before January 1, 2018. Half-day workshops are $55. There are a lot of other activities and perks so make sure to check out the Florida Woodturning Symposium website.

AAW / demonstrator / symposiums / woodturning events

November Demonstrator – Tones Briggs

Tones Briggs Christmas Ornaments
Turning since 1991 and have explored hollow forms, bowls, boxes as well as my favorite which is Christmas Ornaments. I will place emphasis on “finials” which can also potentially enhance some of your work.

I use a system introduced to me by Dan Ackerman which allows for do multiples without compromising the use of your lathe for other turning.

Looking forward to sharing the evening with all of you.Tones

AAW / demonstrator / Membership Meeting / techniques / woodturning events

What’s Happening at Other Chapters

The Northwest Woodturners in Beaverton, Oregon are meeting next on November 2nd. Jerry Harris will be demonstrating how to turn a cowboy hat from green wood.

The Inland Northwest Woodturners are meeting November 2nd at the Woodcraft in Spokane Valley. The presentation will be on turning a candlestick.

The Fraser Valley Woodturners Guild in Abbotsford, B.C., are meeting on November 9th. This will be a Hands-On night turning scoops.

The Willamette Valley Woodturners in Salem, Oregon will be meeting on November 9th for their annual auction and potluck.

The Seattle Woodturners are meeting on November 9th. Tones Briggs will be demonstrating ornaments with finials.

The South Coast Woodturners in CoosBay, Oregon will be meeting on November 11th. The program for the morning has not been announced.

The Mid-Columbia Woodturners are meeting on November 11th. Wes Pilley will be demonstrating a Singapore Ball.

The Cascade Woodturners in Portland, OR, will be meeting on November 13th. Dan Tilden from Oregon will be demonstrating wearable turnings.

The Woodturners of Olympia are meeting next on November 14th. Carol Zandell will be demonstrating fun and easy holiday turnings.

The Northwest Washington Woodturners in Mt. Vernon will be holding their annual Holiday Potluck Party on November 16th.

The Beaver State Woodturners will be meeting on November 16th. Michael Meredith will be demonstrating Crush Grind Peppermills.

The Greater Vancouver Woodturners Guild in Vancouver, B.C. is meeting on November 23rd. Art Liestman will be discussing textures and colours, eh. And I have to mention that they have a great newsletter, I recommend that you take a look.

The Island Woodturners Guild on Vancouver Island will be meeting on November 25th. The program for the afternoon has not yet been announced.

The Strait Turners in Sequim, WA are meeting on November 28th. Jimmy Allen will demonstrate turning boxes.

The Olympic Peninsula Woodturners holding will be meeting on November 29th. Jack Wayne will demonstrate platters and fancy embellishment.

AAW / demonstrator / Membership Meeting / woodturning events