WSWT Newsletter, March 2007

Meeting Report, Sunday 4th March

Chairman Ted Hickford brought a full house to temporary disorder with, it must be said, a rather good, and for Ted, a remarkably refined joke. After the dust had settled he announced that to assist communications it was expected that, starting in April, attendees would wear their membership cards. To help this along (FREE) clips that can hold the cards would be provided. He also reminded us that named sweat (£15) and polo (£13.50) shirts can be purchased through Ken Payne.

Peter Watts, one of our experienced retirees, told us how wood turning can make money; in response to an invitation in the magazine U3A to provide photographs of retirement activities, his wife's picture of him (well, his hands) at the lathe won second prize! This entitles him to a three day course at a craft centre AND £100 to spend (on his friends?). He has also had an apology for printing the photo upside down!

Jim Young has identified a relatively cheap debit/credit sales system. Using mobile phone technology, it would involve about £140 in set up charges and 35p per debit card transaction. He also reported that on the May bank holiday there is a (covered) craft sale at Cuckfield Rugby Club. Peter Brown will be attending - Jim has details.

While Denys Dollin and Peter Coxall were rising to the challenge of judging no fewer than 26 entries (16 in the beginners class!), we had a series of floor shows, a break for coffee and the raffle of the century! Ray Jackson was first up, sharpening a gouge, skew and parting tool. He demonstrated the value of a steadying grip in combination with an adjustable 'handle stop' for the gouge. The 'stop' certainly frees hands to concentrate on control. Designed by Ray and Dave Dean (over a pint?). All seemed to make it look very easy; just wished I had asked Ray and Dave provide the write up! While a good pairing on invention and manufacturing they do not agree on everything – Dave is convinced that grinding of scrapers should be done upside down (like photographs in U3A magazine), while Ray is a slip stone and diamond merchant. Another gem - wash specs free of grit after a session at the wheel!

Dave Dean, obviously inspired by Jimmy Clewes' hat demo, described the fun he had, especially in adding style to the rims. He had ebonised a very large lime hat as it had discoloured but it, and a hobbit-sized topper in cherry, were both very impressive. Dave then went on to share his experience using the latest 'open' abrasives (available in the club shop). He also showed us how to set up discs with the 'new' material, by taking off the abrasive surface of spent discs, adding a self-adhesive disc (from W.L.West's), and fixing the material on top. David Unsted confirmed that the grids were not only very efficient but also virtually indestructible!

The raffle, first prize the Jimmy Clewes hat, was a great success for the club - £123 was raised. It was even more successful for Sid Pierce who had the top ticket! Well done Sid!

Box Competition

Competition Results
First Second Third
Beginners Stan Coombes and Dave Newson   Caroline Dorlingk
Intermediates Bob Fielding Mike Spence Maurice Lancashire
Advanced Don Pollard Charlie Martyn Dave Dean

Many thanks to Denys and Peter for their hard work and constructive criticism. They observed relatively poor finishing on many of the entries; Peter stressed that stopping the lathe for sanding and especially applying the chosen finish will make for an even cover and avoid streaking. Denys suggested we could all benefit from a session on finishing! Don?

For Sale

Member John Dowsett is to quit turning for health reasons and has a wide-ranging collection of equipment for sale, preferably in one lot:
Coronet No.1 lathe, with new motor   Record Collet and Multistar chuck sets   central drill chuck   3 tool rests and 2 faceplates   Dewalt Dico band saw   B.&D. drill stand   30 chisels in good nick   quantity of blanks, wood abrasives and polish. Would be perfect for a new enthusiast! Further details and to view — 01903 813974

Ken Payne (01903 234846) not only sorts out the embroidered Sweat and Polo shirts for the club, but also wants to part with a microwave 'suitable for drying timber'. Itâ??s available for £20 (embroidering extra!)

Future Events

A 'Green Fayre' is to be held at Tilgate Park, Crawley on Sun July 8th. Tony Twine cannot make it and a substitute to display and sell would be appreciated. Contact Ruth Browney on 01293 438926

Next meeting, April 1st, has Dave Dean demonstrating platter turning!

Thanks are due to Colin Willetts who has agreed to deputise for camera man Bill Whittacker as and when.