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.
New Meeting Setup Time
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.
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
The 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.
November Demonstrator – Tones Briggs
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
