Table Saw Safety

sawstopA recent article in USA Today reported on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) look into table saw safety. According to the CPSC there are 10 finger amputations a day from table saw use. The head of the CPSC says she will call on the power-tool industry and safety standards group to find out why there haven’t been any actions to address the issue of injuries.

This is where I find it getting interesting. Stephen Gass, who invented technology used in SawStop® table saws that stops the blade when it contacts skin, has been pushing the CPSC to establish new rules for table saws. Mr. Gass, who is a patent lawyer, and SawStop® own several patents on the technology. The Power Tool Institute and several amateur woodworkers told the CPSC that Gass’ technology is too expensive, and the numerous SawStop® patents makes it impossible for other sawmakers to develop their own technology. Licensing of the SawStop® technology could be very lucrative for Mr. Gass’ company.

But as Mr. Gass says, what price do you put on lost fingers and hand injuries. What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

p.s. The Power Tool Institute has a couple of resources on their website: Power tool safety videos and Safe operation of power tools (pdf) which includes many tools including wood lathes.

safety / tools

September Demonstrator – Tones Briggs

“Tones” (AKA-Dennis Briggs):

Woodturning for me began back in 1998 after meeting Ted Bartholomew at a turning exhibit at Seattle Center. I attended one of Ted’s Saturday classes and was immediately hooked. Subsequently I have had the opportunity to attend a number of symposiums, meet a number of great woodturners, as well as having participated in hands on classes from some of the best. I have also had the privilege and honor of being able to turn regularly with David Schweitzer, a great friend and mentor.

I continue to enjoy turning hollow forms, natural edge bowls, ornaments and finials and strive to hone my skill with each turn I am involved in.

Most recently I have begun to explore the Asian “rice bowl” as its form, function and simplicity continue to intrigue me. I will share some of these discoveries with you as your demonstrator for this month. My hope is that this will stir some of you to explore this area along with me.

Tones

demonstrator / members / Membership Meeting

AAW Message

The following messaged was sent by the AAW on behalf of the Northwest Washington Woodturners

northwest washington woodturners logoNorthwest Washington Woodturners is pleased to announce A DAY WITH DOUGLAS FISHER on October 22 in Anacortes, WA. We invite you to join us and share in this informative day. Douglas will be discussing and demonstrating the details of how he creates his unique turned sculptures. Registration is only $35 and includes snacks, beverages and lunch.

Please find attached a .pdf file which provides all the relevant information. If you have further questions please feel welcome to contact me.

The Anacortes area is a wonderful place to spend a weekend. If you will be staying in our area overnight, a list of accommodations including hotel/motel, B&B and RV is available upon request.

Rick Anderson
Vice President
Northwest Washington Woodturners

VicePresident@NWWWT.org
360-319-7600

AAW / Message / woodturning events

Craft Master 2011

Last April I posted about a new Irish reality show called Craft Master 2011. This show will pit three apprentices each week in an intensive two-week residential course in the discipline of their choice under the guidance of a relevant Master of Craft. There are five different disciplines, including woodturning. The winners of each of the 5 disciplines will then face off in the series finale.

The woodturning segment is Episode 4 which is scheduled to air on Tuesday, September 27th. The Mentor for the woodturners is Glenn Lucas who is one of the most established woodturners in Ireland. Glenn sells his own work, conducts woodturning classes in his shop, and demonstrates around the world, including the 2009 Utah Symposium, the 2010 AAW Symposium, June 2011 at Arrowmont, the 2011 Norwegian Woodturning Cruise and numerous woodturning clubs and guilds.

The schedule for the six week series can be found on the Crafts Council of Ireland website.

woodturning events

Dr. Don Avery, Avid Turner, Passes Away

[note]This message was received via Fred Holder[/note]

Just a word to let the club know that Dr. Don Avery has passed away and
they are having an auction of his things on September 11, he was an avid
woodworker and woodturner. Perhaps you can get the word out to your
club. Below is the message from his daughter.

Fred Holder, More Woodturning

Dear Fred,

I was going through my father’s emails yesterday and found your note. I
wanted to let you know that very sadly my father died on July 1, very
unexpectedly of a fast-moving cancer.. He was an avid wood turner and
enjoyed learning about it so much.

I’m back in Quilcene Washington at his house and we’re sorting through
all of the stuff in preparation for an auction next Sunday (Sept 11).
It’s one of those sad but necessary things. There will be a tremendous
amount of wood turning equipment, supplies and tools for sale–I’m not
sure if you are in the area, but if you are, or if you have society
members around that you could let know, please come. The website is
http://www.stokesauction.com/offsite5/offsite5.htm, but I think it
doesn’t do full justice to the quantity of tools and wood that my father
amassed, and I know that he would want it to go to fellow wood turners
who would be able to appreciate it. (And if you have suggestions for
people I should reach out to who would want to know, please let me know.)

Thanks,

Jessica

tools / woodturner profile