As The Wood Turns Internet Version

November 2005

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
> October 2005 Gallery
> Club Meeting Minutes

I just returned from the bi-annual symposium in Cincinnati, put on by the Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild. Every two years, they host a gathering of some great demonstrators, and they do a fine job. I suggest all of you make an effort to attend in 2007. This year, six pro turners and six local turners demonstrated. Ray Key, Chris Stott, Paul Fennel, John Jordan, Richard Raffan and (to me) a new kid named Jimmy Clewes were all there. Pretty big names, and pretty fine demonstrations.

After three days of watching and studying, I noticed a common theme that every demonstrator touched on. While tool handling, chucking, wood selection and a number of technical items were addressed, they all mentioned the “D” word: Design. Design is paramount. Unless the design of the form is good, all of the technical skills possible won’t make a great project. What limits our design options? In reality, not much, but we all limit ourselves by allowing outside forces to restrict our options, and therefore, creativity. One limit seems to be the chucking system, and every demonstrator was asked: “what chuck is that?”

Richard Raffan demonstrated using a chuck with jaws that are not in the catalog, but he needs to turn quickly at a demo. The chucking techniques used are available to all of us, just not that particular set of chuck jaws. Everything he made could have been held on the lathe with a jam chuck or turner built hardwood jaws. Raffan did not let the chuck determine the design. He developed a shape, and found a way to turn it. Almost all of the “Pro” turners I saw used a screw chuck at some point, Raffan included. Screw chucks are cheap to buy, and even cheaper to make. There was a large contingent of segmented turners, both demonstrating and studying, and their focus was not the chucking systems available. Face plates and waste blocks work for them. Their focus was on cutting and gluing the segments, and most importantly, the shape of the vessel: the design.

The design is indeed paramount. Flashy wood is nice, but the shape must be correct. The feel of the finished piece must be correct. Jimmy Clewes spent a great deal of time on finishing his demo pieces because the feel, the tactile sensation must be correct. If the curve feels right and the surface finish feels right, then the piece is right, according to Clewes. I think he’s right, as his work was of the highest quality, both in shape and feel. Critiquing the Instant Gallery, Ray Key and Paul Fennel concentrated on design and form, and were impressed by pieces that had some technical flaws, but the design was “that” good.

Do you want your projects to be “that” good? I do, and I think you do too, or you wouldn't be reading this, or attending club meetings and symposiums. Concentrate on the form, not the equipment. Don’t let your chuck or other equipment limit your design. There is always a way to make it work, and if the design is right, the end result will be right.

Until November, design great work, work through the limits of your equipment, and please turn safely.

Paul Shotola
Email address:

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Meeting Demonstrators 2005

November
Power Carving for the Woodturner
Pixie Eslinger

January 2006
Threaded Lid Boxes — Fran Islin

February 2006
Turning Platters for February —
Dick Sing

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Donald Derry Demonstration
October 2005

Minutes of the Chicago Woodturners Club Meeting on October 10, 2005
 By Paul Cavanagh

President Paul Shotola opened the meeting at 7 pm. The usual house and safety rules were described.

Paul Shotola announced that November is nominations month for the positions of President and Secretary. Both of the incumbents are willing to accept another term. Anyone interested in either position, get someone to nominate you.

Our Librarian, John Crissman, is moving out of state. Grant Barlow has volunteered to replace him. Thanks Grant! Grant would like a back-up to help him and fill in if he cannot make a meeting. See Grant if you're interested.

Andy Kuby reported that our membership is at 196. We had two visitors.

VP Phil Brooks is coordinating CWT's participation in the semi-annual Wood Working Show at the Odeum on Oct 14-16. Also, there will be a brief meeting for the SOFA volunteers after tonight’s meeting.

The next guest demonstrator is Don Derry on Oct 22. Come and see this dynamic turner and his colorful designs.

The demo at the November meeting will be by Pixie Eislinger on carving for woodturners.

The Woodcraft Turning Day has been moved to Nov 12 to accommodate CWT and SOFA. Come make some chips and new friends!

Paul Shotola stressed that the CWT will participate in the 2006 AAW Collaborative Challenge. Please e-mail your ideas for a project to him.

The gallery was reviewed by none other than our own past president, Darrell Rader. He had a nice collection of gallery items of various designs.

Raffle conducted by Mike Molloy, including some tools, a mini-turning set, and the chain-sawed bear from the CWT picnic. The bear will be awarded at the Holiday Party in December.

The demonstration was performed by Carol Floate, covering the various techniques of marbling on paper and wood. Several of got a chance to try it, amazingly not getting any colors on ourselves! Nice job Carol, you captivated us all late.

Cleanup Volunteers for November
Daniel Colie
Tom Eovaldi
Joe O'Malley
Bob Landorf

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