WSWT Newsletter – April 2008
Meeting Report Sunday April 6th
Tim Godsmark The chairman informed us of the sad news of Tim Godsmark's recent death. Tim was a member of the club in its infancy. He was a big man in more ways than one. He had a fast wit and a sparkle in his eyes and will be missed by many, especially his wife Kathy, to whom we send our sincere condolences.
Events organiser Don Pollard explained a series of program changes that had been forced upon him since the last meeting. The day’s scheduled presenter, Jenny Starbuck, was unable to attend because her husband, chauffeur and props manager, had suffered a nasty leg injury. The good news was that Simon Hope, booked for the August meeting, was able to step into the breach, travelling from the centre of the universe (Colchester) just ahead of the snow! Denys Dollin’s recent surgery precludes him doing the Vase demo next month – but another stalwart, Charlie Martyn, has agreed to stand in for him. To complete Don’s list of challenges light bulbs failed, the projecter was somehow playing back to front &ndas; and it snowed!
Simon Hope then took over and introduced himself and his main turning interest which is manufacturing pipes out of African Blackwood! However, he is clearly an all-rounder and he treated us to some deft turning of a ‘hollow form’ which he embellished with a pewter top – starting with a pewter ingot and a makeshift furnace! He turned the bespoke moulds (being very careful to use dry wood!) and took us through the do’s and don’ts of casting. What a pity our very own metallurgist Jim Reed was away on holiday! By the end of the coffee break, with light bulbs renewed and the screen sorted, projectionist Bill Whittaker could fill his usual role and we could see Simon’s metal turning in great detail. He then tackled a small lidded box, adding a latticed insert to the lid prepared using a novel (and cheap!) ‘off-centre’ turning jig. Simon completed his demonstration with a rimmed bowl using a skew for the final cuts. Many thanks to Simon for a most interesting day; lots of useful information, some new tricks and food for thought. Also, well done, Bill!
Miscellany
Don Pollard has agreed to coordinate a questions list (and find the experts to answer them). If sent by email, please clearly mark them WSWT! These will be addressed at meetings and/or publicised in the Newsletter.
Tony Short (of tool shop fame) has found on the internet a provider (Glasses Direct) of prescription safety glasses. You send in your prescription details ) and it all happens! (Webmaster’s note: they do not do varifocal lens for safety glasses) Prices start at £45 for standard prescriptions.
For Sale
Keith Greenfield has an ELU DB 180 lathe for sale. Brand new, still in original box,
about 15 years old; comes with 4 prong drive and revolving tailstock. Bench mounted, 3 speed
(800, 1500 & 2350). Max dia 350mm, 1000mm between centres. Bed length 1300mm. Can be
collected from club or Slinfold or delivered locally. Cost about £650-00. Sensible
offers.
Mob 07730 817 408 or email (Editor’s
note: as no free fully plumbed bathroom is included, he will not be bidding!)
Retired member Ken Payne is still looking for a home for a Panasonic microwave oven ideal for drying wood (in a hurry). Any (un?) reasonable offer accepted. 01903 234846.
Future Events
W. L. West’s wood show is held 2nd &3rd May at their Selham site, 10.00 to 16.30. We have a stand coordinated by Keith Greenfield who will be happy to involve volunteers!
May meeting – Charlie Martyn demonstrating vases; the vase competition will be a month later.
July meeting – Dave Dean will demonstrate composite turning; the piece must contain (at least) two elements. One must be of wood. Both elements can be of wood or it can be one of wood and one of metal (pewter?), plastic or any other substance. The item itself can be of any size, shape or design. Composite turning competition in September.
August 3rd is still an all day demo, by Gregory Moreton. Full details later.