WSWT Newsletter – September, 2008

Meeting Report, Sunday 7th September

Not a great start; firstly the chairman failed to raise the &lsqquo;Laugh Now’ placard at the crucial point of his Treasure Island odyssey and secondly, and more frustratingly, a missing extension lead wiped out one of the two lathes intended for the demonstrations! However, turners are nothing if not resourceful and both Allan Fielding and Jim Young rose to the occasion and gracefully shared the one lathe available. Their very interesting demos were supplemented by a number of ‘ Gallery Quality’ hollow forms exhibited by their creator John Muddle and a sharpening and remodelling ‘teach-in’ by Ray Jackson. At this last stand the editor took some comfort in the fact that he is clearly not the only member who has difficulty in maintaining the designed shape of certain gouges… The experts make it look so easy; our thanks to them all for an enjoyable and informative morning.

Sunday 5th October – Double Whammy

This is the day of the AGM and the Composite Turning competition. In warning us of the impending AGM Ted Hickford pointed out that the committee is, as always, in need of new blood and indicated that although Don Pollard is prepared to stand for a further year in the key role of events organiser, it would be most helpful if someone could ‘shadow’ him in 2009 with a view to taking over in due course. If you can help in any way to manage our club, please offer!

Remember the July demo by Dave Dean? He took us through the tricks of composite turning (and quite a bit more) which is the subject of the October competition! Creations must consist of more than one medium, one of which must be wood. Bon Chance!

Turner of the Year Competition

This event will be held at our monthly home on Friday evening, 24th October, 7.00 for 7.30. Partners are very welcome for this social occasion. Format is to bring some food for the buffet table; wines and soft drinks will be will be available at minimal cost – from damaged memory the first several are free!

The competition consists of two classes:

Beginners, defined as those who have been members for less than three years.

BEGINNERS may enter one piece for the Bill Hughes Cup. This entry may be one from a previous competition. As we have had an influx of new members recently, it is to be hoped that we have a good number of entries.

Open

ALL MEMBERS can enter the Open and may submit up to 4 items. Three awards will be granted by the Judge, who will not have a turning background. The judge is asked to choose pieces (s)he finds most pleasing and would like to own. The winner receives the Richard Pay Cup – and the title of WSWT Turner of the Year.

For Sale

NU-Tool 37 inch Lathe. 12 inches over bed 5-speed (belt change) 575 to 3580 RPM. c/w 4 inch faceplate, 4 prong headstock drive, revolving tailstock centre, 6 & 12 inch tool rests. price £50.
Tony Read, 01903 746753 evenings preferred, reason for sale – upgrading.

Editor’s P.S. I’ve just got Ted’s joke - it wasn’t bad! Why didn’t we laugh?