As The Wood Turns Internet Version

February 2004

Location: Woodcraft Supply Store, 1280 E. Dundee Rd, Palatine IL
847-774-1186

In this Issue
> Curls from the President
> Demonstrators Schedule
   for meeting nights & weekend Master Demos
> February Meeting Note’s
> February Gallery — See Gallery section of web site

What’s the best part of membership in the CWT? The educational opportunities. Yes, the education. Not the excellent cookies at the Holiday meeting. Not the chance to gaze in wonder at Rader’s antique engines at the picnic. Not even the tasty (and extremely healthy) Quizno’s subs on meeting nights. It’s the learning opportunities.

When I first joined the club, I didn’t know how important proportions were to the success of a project. I didn’t know that the grain of the wood could be centered to enhance the figure; I didn't know that sanding off the lathe was required. I didn’t realize how important the finishing process is. Now, some would argue that I haven’t learned much, but that's another column. What I’ve learned isn’t important. What is important is what you can learn, and how your work can improve. That’s the real value of CWT membership.

At each of our meetings, a member takes the time and energy to organize and present a demonstration. Five or six times a year, we host the finest woodturning teachers on the planet to spend a day (or two) with us and pass on their skills, tricks and insights. Our mentoring sessions allow us the opportunity to look over the shoulder of a turner who has been there, and then take gouge in hand, and try it ourselves, in a no-pressure atmosphere. But the best part? The most learning you can receive in a half hour? The gallery review.

Here is a chance to see a myriad of turning styles, skill levels, and techniques, all held up to the bright lights and scrutiny of your peers. You will learn more about art, proportion, grain balancing and circular sanding scratches at our gallery review than you will in a lifetime of studying books, videos, and the New Yankee Carpenter. Bear in mind, the reviewer only wants to raise the standard for our work. Bill Floate may not personally care for a high-gloss finish, but when it’s done well, he’ll say so. When there are scratches in it, well, we’ll know that he saw them. I suspect that Dan Anderson has never purposely turned a multi-center spindle in his life, but he knows a good one when it’s on the review table. Binh Pho doesn’t make segmented turnings, but if the foot is out of proportion to the neck, he will point it out, and (this is the important part to remember) suggest how a change can improve the piece. I’ve learned more from the gallery than I have from any other source available to me, and my wife (who is your first line of defense against ugly work leaving my shop) will attest, I spend an excessive amount of time reading books and magazines and watching videos.

Next month, bring in your latest work, and set it on the table. Take a close look at the other work there. Then, listen closely to the reviewer, as they have no ax to grind and no agenda, except to help us all become better turners. There’s nothing like looking through an unbiased, critical eye to open your own.

Until March, turn lots, bring in your work for review, and please, turn safely.

Paul Shotola
Email address:

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Meeting Demonstrators 2004

March — Brad Smith
Turned Bird Houses

April — Lloyd Beckman
Turned Hats

See Fran Islin to sign up to be a demonstrator.

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