This week has been a bit quieter compared to usual with Martin, Les and Natalja being able to get on with more mundane aspects of running a business.
Saturday 19th March
AWGB ‘Fibonacci Bowl’ Course with Martin
Four members of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain came along to a bowl turning course with Martin today.
Having some turning experience already, the members learned a specific set of thought processes that Martin goes through when turning bowls (and other items, but they were not covered during the day) using simple maths.
Following the theory part of the day (over coffee), the four delegates got to work turning their bowls under Martin’s guidance.
By the end of the day, the chaps had successfully turned their pieces to specific ‘rules’ and finished them beautifully.
They were able to attend the course for free as part of their AWGB membership. There are a number of courses available to members to book onto with professional turners up and down the country. See their website for details.
Monday 21st March
There is a lot of wood floating around The Woodturning Shop and Hampshire Sheen buildings that finding the time to process it can be tricky for Les and Martin.
To help with this, Natalja has been learning how to use the bandsaw and now cuts a lot of the blanks we have for sale and for use by our students.
Tuesday 22nd March
We heard today that Robert Sorby are sadly no longer able to attend our open days on 8th & 9th April. They apologise as the reasons are out of their control.
Wednesday 23rd March
Les and Martin (plus Ben from the Garden Centre) heaved this monster oak trunk onto the lathe today for Les to turn into a leg.
Getting things this size onto the lathe takes some thought before tackling it. Plus, it needs to be done as safely as possible, not least to prevent injury should it fall off, but also to minimise the chance of hurting your back!
Dispose of oily rags properly by leaving them somewhere flat to dry off before disposing of them.
Les’ Tip of the Week
Friday 25th March
Our most popular course is the One Day Course that from June is having its name changed to a ‘Woodturning Experience Day‘.
Les’ first group this week had a super day turning their bud vases and bowls.
The next available dates on our one day experience days is 24th June.
Next Week…..
Looking onward to what’s happening next week, there are students every day except Tuesday. The sorting out for the open days will begin too.
Martin’s Product of the Week – Tool Rest Shaft Collars
Inexpensive and very useful, our tool rest shaft collars (available in 1″ and 30mm diameters) are perfect for ensuring your tool rest is always at the correct height for the job you are doing. Easily lockable with a small allen key, these are a bargain at £4.00 each.