WSWT Newsletter, April 2009

Meeting Report –Sunday April 4th

In the absence of the chairman, vice chairman Jim Young opened the meeting, with not a joke, but an amusing ‘party political’ in rhyme. He also thanked Ray Jackson for carrying out modifications to the lathe stand.

Peter Coxall then made a brief appeal to members on behalf of Parkinson’s disease research - which later benefited by ca. £40! Thanks to all contributors.

Our guest demonstrator, Les Thorne then took the stage, and with projectionist Bill Whittaker, held it for the rest of the day! Les started his robust demo by turning and decorating a small box. This was in kiln-dried ash – not ideal for boxes but, with a coarse grain, just the medium for his subsequent black and gold treatment. As this action proceeded there was plenty of explanation to justify his methods and plenty of questions, too. One point I found particularly useful was his diversion into when, why and how to push or pull cut with gouge to best advantage. With the decorative box duly completed (kindly presented to Ron Inglis who will keep it for the next Chestnut Tree House Trust Sale) he moved on to a platter (again ash). Having turned it rather well he then proceeded to mangle it with a (mini) Arbortech and set fire to it! However, it finally emerged as a most acceptable platter, with a heavily textured black rim. But against this background work Les was also covering many topics; advice and ideas on sanding (he prefers adding intermediate grits of 100 and 150 at the coarse end), power sanding, finishing materials, chucks and tools (lots of!) were freely given. Both items were reverse skilfully reverse turned to remove the spigot. He also made the case for using MDF that has some very desirable properties, and lots of uses, as well as a bad reputation! There is a clear need to protect oneself from the very fine dust but the fact that formaldehyde is used in its manufacture is a red herring. Formaldehyde is a very reactive and therefore dangerous chemical - but it has all reacted in the making of the MDF. Also, its reputation as a cancer causing agent is very iffy! Any way, a delicate ring of MDF was duly turned and nicely set off the bowl in the platter! Well done Les (and Bill W!) for an entertaining and informative day.

Next Meeting

Will be on Sunday 3rd May when founder member Peter Coxall will be demonstrating the turning of a condiment set. Bound to be interesting and informative.