Andy Firpo will be giving the second half of his Safety Presentation. Those of you who attended the first session at our August meeting will remember that it was probably the best interactive program we have had in a long time. Andy does a fantastic job and I promise that you will thoroughly enjoy the program. (No pressure on you, Andy.)
Build a Treadle Lathe
There have been many manual powered lathe designs in history, such as the well known pole lathe. There are also treadle lathes such as the one built by Chris. Check out this video:
Texturing 101
If you were at our October mini-symposium one of the demonstrations you would have seen was basic texturing given by our membership director Stan Gardner. Stan showed us several different tools and techniques used to add interest to turnings.
If you are an AAW member you received the December, 2013 issue of American Woodturner. In it is a nice article by Mike Peace titled Texturing and Spiraling. In this article Mike explains the difference between texturing and spiraling wheels and shows how to use each on spindles, bowls and platters.
This is a good instructional article, one of many you can find in American Woodturners, with many pictures so you get a good visual of the correct way to use these tools. Check it out!
If you are not a member of AAW, why not? The subscription to American Woodturner is worth more than cost of the membership. Otherwise, you can pick up a copy at your favorite woodworking store.
AAW Message
Note – The following is a message from AAW Executive Director Phil McDonald
As 2013 draws to a close, I have the pleasure of reflecting on nearly two years since I arrived at the AAW. I relish every opportunity I’ve been given to contribute to this extraordinary organization and to the mission of educating others. And along the way I’ve been captivated by the wealth of personal stories shared with me by members as a testament to how the AAW has benefited the lives of others.
Every member counts, and every gift directly helps to support the work we do. 2013 has proven to be an excellent year for AAW. Our membership exceeded 15,000, an all-time high. We launched a new scholarship program to two major craft schools in conjunction with our local chapters. Over $35,000 in Educational Opportunity Grants were distributed. Publication of our Woodturning FUNdamentals digital resource entered its second year and subscriptions are climbing. And I am indebted to my tremendously dedicated staff of three here in Saint Paul, Linda, Jane and Tib, and of course Betty Scarpino, editor of our journal, who have ensured we consistently deliver top service to the entire membership throughout the entire year.
Your donation to the AAW is vital to sustain our momentum and to meet the challenge of higher operating expenses as we grow and it will enable us to continually add to the value of membership. In February we will be launching a new website and online member relations system. We have intentions of expanding the page count in future issues of American Woodturner and publishing new digital and mobile editions. We’ve heard the call from members to present more online instructional videos. And in the Spring of 2014 we are planning to publish the next round of instruction books in our new woodturning workbook series.
We have made it extremely convenient to donate at any level your budget may allow, by either using our online fundraising site by clicking here, or by simply mailing a check or calling our Saint Paul office. In recognition of your tax-deductible contribution we are offering Thank You gifts at each of the following levels of giving:
For a $100 minimum gift: A complete set of the new three-book AAW “Elements of Woodturning” workbook series.
For a $50 minimum gift: Any one book from either the AAW “Getting Started in Woodturning” or the “Elements of Woodturning” workbook series.
Our success in 2013 is a direct result of your support together with the AAW Board’s commitment to the oversight and stewardship of all of AAW’s financial and organizational resources. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead. I extend my deepest appreciation for your longstanding loyalty to our mission. If you would like more information on how to donate, please contact me.
Yours respectfully,
Let’s Have a Party!
Do you believe it? Christmas is once more upon us and it is time for our annual Christmas Party and Potluck Dinner.
Let’s all get together on Thursday, December 19th (that would be this Thursday night). Everyone is invited. Bring your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or whatever.
The festivities begin at 6:00. As always, their will be presents and prizes and lots of good food. However, the food depends on you. This is a potluck, the quantity and variety depend on you. People whose last names begin with A thru Z, that would Abeles thru Zandell, should bring their favorite main dish, side dish, soup, salad, or most especially desert. If your name does not start with A thru Z, you should check your birth certificate and bring some food any way.
Almost forgot. If you have a special turning please bring it with you to share with the other people at your table.
Hope to see you all there on Thursday night!
Doctor’s Woodshop Finish
In the SPSW store we carry many of the commonly used items for woodturners. One of those products is Doctor’s Woodshop Walnut Oil and Wax woodturning finish. This is a patented product that is food-safe.
Mike Meridith, the Doctor of Doctor’s woodshop, has a video explaining the finish and how to apply it:
