WSWT Newsletter, May 2007
Meeting Report, Sunday 7th May
Chairman Ted Hickford opened the meeting and quickly (i.e. without a joke) got down to business! He announced that after 3 years as secretary Tony Matthews has indicated that he wishes to resign his post and a replacement is urgently required for October 2007. One member has indicated a possible interest to Tony and Ted would love to hear from him! Tony Mathews has been an outstanding secretary and Ted is confident that he will be happy to show a volunteer "the ropes". If you are willing to consider this post please contact Tony (01273 461766) or Ted (01903 745551).
A triumph for modern communications and generosity from Club Members resulted in us responding to an SOS from Tony Walton of the Association of Woodturners of G.B. to help setting up and running their stand at West's Show. David Blythe and Robin (the Pen) Read helped with the setting up (Thursday) and running Friday's stall, while the shop team of Keith Greenfield and David Unsted did the honours on the Saturday. As David B. commented ? there are merits to volunteering and he had an interesting time ? although was not too impressed with some of the pros safety standards. AWGB have an international symposium at Loughborough, 10-12th August. Lots of stars on show. Members welcome but need to pre-register (website). Ted has received an invitation to exhibit and sell turned wood at The Rotary celebrations in Storrington on Sat June 23rd. He does not think that there is a table charge but if you want further details contact Terry Grainge 01903 743144. Ted says that is always a well supported event.
Jim Young reported that 8 members would be exhibiting and selling at Wakehurst 12/13th May and that new regulations require that all mains powered kit taken to such events must be certificated annually!
Events organiser Don Pollard then introduced our demonstrator Tom Pockley 'to take the lathe'.
Tom had a range of items on show, including a large 'pot'? turned from field maple, hollow spheres and
some musical instruments. He firstly showed us how he produced his hollow spheres, turning one from apple.
While hollowing through the tiniest of apertures (a very slow process!) he talked us through a range of
experiences in wood turning and teaching chemistry (his former life). An introduction to the construction
of the oboe followed. It is an intricate procedure to say the least with plenty of pitfalls. Drilling the
'finger holes' in exactly the right place and at the correct angles is a major challenge. Finally,
precise adjustments of these are needed to get the finished instrument in tune!
The afternoon session started with a log of holly, deliberately set off centre, and finished with a
delicate, finely cut 'see through' / winged / natural-edged vase / goblet cross. Its turning was a real
roller coaster show as Tom built up the prospects of a disaster waiting to happen... but everything worked
out well in the end! With hindsight (the Daily Mail does not have exclusive ownership of this 'science')
we should perhaps have had this demo in front of the full morning house – it was great!
Overall we have more than Tom to thank for the presentation. Our projectionists Bill Whittaker and
Keith West stoically handled whatever was blown and thrown at them, and suffered from vibration
exposure at intervals. Keith was even attacked by the angle poise lamp which seemed to come to life like a
prop from Dr.Who in the pm session. Well done all!
For Sale
A Brian Castle (2, Charmandean Rd., Worthing, BN11 9LB) has a 3- speed Graduate Lathe (good nick, some
accessories) available for £450.
Also some hard wood blanks. Tel. 01903 239702
Don Pollard has a Record CL1 lathe on Record Stand with bowl turning attachment for sale.
Details 01903 529619.
And 'nearly for sale' is a lathe belonging to Jim Young. Details next month.
Next Meeting
Sunday 3rd June and is the platter competition. During the judging Mike Spence will describe his making
of a segmented bowl.
Peter Coxall will then hold a question/answer session on finishing.
The editor's email address is now defunct – he will send out a new one when it is up and running.
Phone is 01903 872840. Mark H