Chicago Woodturners Annual Picnic 2005

Seventy-plus members shared a day of turning, camaraderie, roast pork, homemade food, entertainment and stories. We enjoyed a chainsaw carving demonstration, hand built calliopes, a tour of Darrell’s newly remodeled studio (it’s graduated from a shop to a studio), a swap meet, and mostly, the company of our friends, family and fellow club members.

Marty Jesski arranged for and cooked a 200 lb pig, staying up all night to tend to the fire, and his efforts as club chef were greatly appreciated. We hope we can volunteer him to cook again next year.

A demonstration of chainsaw carving was put on by Mike Bihlmair, who showed us everything you are taught Not to do with a chain saw, but in reality worked safely and confidently, producing a bear cub from a catalpa log in just a few hours. He even took time to explain saw sharpening, and yes, joined us at the buffet for some roast pork. The carving was donated to the club. Look forward to a raffle of the cute little guy.

Our own Marie Anderson cannot resist the request of a student turner to "just get me started right", and found herself at the lathe most of the afternoon. The shorter, more hairy student in the photos didn't show much potential as a turner, but certainly brought out the pun masters in the crowd.