Lyle Jamieson Demonstration & Classes

Being an accomplished, or even a famous, woodturner is not the same as being an excellent teacher of woodturning. Lyle Jamieson, from Traverse City, MI, demonstrated for our club last month, (January 2003) and also conducted two two-day sessions of hands-on instruction for eight of our members. His specialty is deep hollowing, using a “laser guided captured boring bar”. This sounds complicated, but Lyle broke it down into easily understood components, and clearly explained the reasoning behind his techniques. It is the explanation of a technique that makes an artist a teacher.

Jamieson states that when he started out in woodturning, he sought out not only the best woodturners, but the best woodturning teachers available, and gives deserved credit to David Ellsworth, John Jordan and others for helping him learn his craft. Jamieson does not use a chuck, preferring the faceplate with a glue block. This contradicts most demonstrating turner's opinions, as most use a commercial chuck of some type, but Lyle feels that the most direct connection between the lathe and the work minimizes vibration, and vibration prevents smooth cutting. If nothing else, he demonstrated that one does not require a $250.00 chuck to produce great work, efficiently and without compromising safety and quality. Lyle is also a proponent of the “Ellsworth Grind” for bowl gouges, and clearly explained how to duplicate the grind (using a jig) and why it works for him.

The eight students of the hands-on sessions were asked to provide their opinions of the classes, and almost without exception, all felt that the time and money was well invested. Comments like: “he demonstrated to me that it doesn't take brute strength but, just a little "finesse" to get the tool to do all the work.”, and: “He took the time to not only explain techniques, but demonstrated them as well and emphasized the "theory" behind what he did and why.”, were typical of the responses. “The best turning lesson I’ve ever had. I learned so much about tool technique, sharpening and reading grain besides boring and laser use.”That’s a pretty strong recommendation, but again, typical of the responses from attendees, although a couple of people felt that the first day of the two day session was too basic, but the second day satisfied their learning interests.

Most attendees of the demo and classes would agree that Jamieson is an excellent teacher, able to explain his processes, techniques and yes, even his opinions, in a clear and understandable fashion. For more information on Lyle Jamieson and his work, visit: http://www.lylejamieson.com/