WSWT Newsletter, March 2008
Meeting Report – Sunday March 2nd 2008
With 80 plus members in attendance our chairman Ted Hickford used his technique of trying to call us to order with a joke. It worked and also generated laughter! He welcomed the response to the competition as there were ca. 25 entries – more than usual and, as the judges later confirmed, of very good quality. He then passed on a plea from member John Cook who had left laminated copies of the 2008 program and a members’ list in magazines on the stage edge at the last meeting. He wants them back!
Jim Young reported that the powers that be at Wakehurst Place have found space for us to exhibit/sell and he is awaiting confirmation that 24th - 26th May, 23rd-25th August and 18/19th October have been granted.
Tom Bradbury (see his later article) is seeking volunteers to fill gaps in the Amberley roster on Fri 21st and Sun 30th March.
While Denys Dollin and Peter Coxall were judging cups and saucers, we
were treated to talks on a miscellany of topics.
Firstly Albert Milligan brought in a remarkable piece he had obtained in Canada
(Alberta?). It was a ‘collapsing apple’ of great complexity; far too
complex for this writer to explain, but Albert has plans which show how it is constructed!
Next was Caroline Dorling who described ‘thread chasing’ and how she
purchased tools to enable to pursue her new skill. Her presentation briefly descended into
a happy chaos when the relative sizes of male and female threads were compared but when calm
returned, Caroline kindly donated the tools to the club. (Note: Dave Unsted,Dave Dean
and Denys Dollin are thread chasers).
Gary Parkinson, who is new to wood turning,but not to wood, talked us through his
involuted piece that received maximum marks in his first competition entry. Undoubtedly
his carpentry skills played a major part, but so did careful planning and a perfect finish!
Jim Young then took us through the challenges and dangers of turning exotic woods
and stalwart Charlie Martyn showed us how make bowl blanks go further. Considered
opinion is that the newer ‘One Way’ bowl savers are more user friendly than
earlier models.
Big thanks are due to all the contributors to this session. Really good.
| First | Second | Third | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners | J. Harris | D. Newson | M. Hughes & T.Hooper | |
| Intermediates | P. Stokes | R. Fielding | J. Woolgar | |
| Advanced | C. Martyn | C. Willets & C. Longhurst |
Post judging, Peter Stokes explained he how had composed his elegant four-sided
cup that won him first place in the intermediate group. Very clever! The judges
commented on the high standard of the entries and how very few marks separated tops
from bottoms. Peter Coxall summed it up with ‘whole lot bloody marvellous!’
Many thanks to both Denys and Peter for their time and constructive comment.
In view of the extra entries the cup and saucer topic drew, events organiser Don Pollard
is seeking views on other challenges that might engender special interest. Answers on a
candlestick – or any other artefact, will be welcome. The positive feedback from
last month’s ‘multi demo’ also prompted his request for ideas to fit
into that format.
Amberley Woodturners
“Amberley Woodturners - please meet during the coffee break” is a familiar
announcement at WSWT monthly club meetings. But who are the Amberley Woodturners and
what do they do? In a nutshell the Amberley Woodturners are all members of WSWT who
volunteer their services to man* the Woodturners Hut at Amberley Working Museum. Basically
our role is to demonstrate woodturning and answer general questions about woodturning
and the history of turning raised by visitors to the museum. An added bonus is the opportunity
to sell our work to members of the public. If you would like any more information please
approach Tom Bradbury either at Club meetings or by telephone (01273 812026) or
by email.
* Section 6(a) of the Interpretation Act 1978 applies
Next Meeting
ison Sunday 6th April – an All Day session with Jenny Starbuck of Surrey Association of Woodturners. Her speciality is thin, pierced turnings.
For Sale
Peter Pine-Coffin has decided to stop lathe working and has a lot of things for sale! It includes a computer controlled Myford lathe, 19 gouges, an Axminster 330 lathe, drill augers, 2 routers, bench grinder and well seasoned timber. Mark can email the detailed list if requested. Peter is happy to haggle, he lives in Graffham ( Petworth), phone 01798 867284.
Miscellaneous
Your Committee for the current year has not been published in the newsletter! It can be found at this link
Stop Press
Don Pollard, prompted by David Peffers, is exploring the possibility of providing an ongoing Q & A facility for members.
Best wishes to Denys Dollin who is having surgery on March 20th. Will he ask to judge the edge on the scalpel if he gets a chance?