Brazos Valley Woodturners Monthly Newsletter

Old Business

AAW Grant—Has been submitted for Jet 1220 mini-lathe, stand, light, Wolverine Sharpening Jig, Apprentice chuck

1. Tool Handling Class—Last Saturday’s class was very successful. The next class will be January 24 from 9:00-5:00. The class is free and new members are particularly urged to attend. The class will be offered in February and March or until all who want to take the class have had a chance to do so. The class is limited to 3 turners.

2. Sealer—The 55 gallons of wood sealer are here. James Norton moved and Ed Jarvis seconded that the club charge members $12 per gallon to purchase the sealer. Members will need to bring their own container that can easily be filled by the spigot shown. The motion carried.

New business

1. SWAT—The Executive Committee will meet January 24 at the Waco Hilton. James and Janice will attend the meeting. SWAT demo DVD’s are available at $2 each. It was moved by Roger and seconded by Johnny that we purchase the DVD set, depending on final cost. After discussion that suggested that we were really only interested in a few of the DVD’s, not the entire set, the vote was taken and the motion was defeated in a 10-8 vote. James then moved that we purchase only lead demonstrator DVD’s if SWAT will make those available to us. Bill seconded the motion. The motion carried.

2. AAW Demo DVD’s—Janice will contact AAW to see whether or not 2008 symposium demo DVD’s are available for purchase.

3. Telephone Numbers—We need to have Gloria, Dick and Johnny update their telephone numbers for the roster.

4. New Officers—Need to go by Genco Bank and sign the signature card. Old officer names need to be removed.

5. AAW Insurance—Only chapter members who are also AAW members are covered in case there is a turning accident and someone is hurt, therefore, any BVW members who does a club demonstration will also need to be an AAW member. Janice will send for a new copy of AAW insurance coverage for the coming year.

6. Sketch Up—Wood Magazine lists a free design computer package for woodworking called Sketch Up. Go on line for a look.

7. Sorby Website—Lists free videos on many subjects that can be ordered.

Demonstration

The January presentation offered members a peek into the world of hand carving. Chip carving was introduced and practiced for the purpose of adding dimension and interest to turned canes, walking sticks, vessels, and bowls. It was nice to see that the financial investment is small – a good chip carving knife and a pattern. So please give it a try if you are interested.

The technique of using oil pencils for color and design, outlined with thin line cuts also was demonstrated and practiced. The artwork can be traced or hand drawn and we were reminded of the endless supply of pictures available on the internet and the use of carbon to transfer pictures onto the wood.

Spiraling was discussed briefly and we saw the results of both the Sorby spiraling system and hand-produced work. Use of a spindle sander was touched on as a means to make curved work on rims and bases.

Please refer back to the presenter’s handout to find detailed information as well as an invitation to learn more about carving.

Don’t hesitate to contact Keeley to learn more about carving classes or simply to ask questions. She will be more than happy to help.

Bring Back auction

Ken Mays won the Mexico wood pen made by Wes Taylor

Joel took home the Olive ring Holder by John Farmer

Janice got the Palo Blanco box by Jim Norton

Keeley won the oak platter by John Farmer

Instant Gallery and other pictures and more details are posted on the bvwt.org website.

Note From the President

Our first meeting for the new year really got off to a good start with 25 warm bodies present. Our group is continuing to grow and we welcome new members, Allan “Sonny” King and Tom McMahan.

Our Shop Crawl meeting date is being switched from March to February because Bill Meador, our usual host, will have to be out of town in February. We thank Tom Rezach for getting his shop ready to host us a month early.

Because of the location switch, you’ll have to wait until the March meeting to purchase end grain sealer. The cost will be $12 per gallon and you’ll need to bring your own container with a mouth large enough to accommodate the spout on the 55-gallon drum.

We have some good news from South West Association of Turners (SWAT). The symposium will be held in Waco’s Convention Center from 2010-2012. This year we will travel to Wichita Falls for the symposium but that facility has become too small to continue hosting SWA Turners.

Speaking of meeting sites that are too small... Bill Meador has graciously hosted our club since its beginning, but we are aware that we will soon need a new facility. Your officers are busy looking for new sites but would appreciate your suggestions.

A big “Thank you” to Keeley Guthrie for her demonstration on carving to enhance turnings. She bravely placed knives in the hands of the entire club and had each of us actually carving by the end of the meeting.

Our May demonstrator will be Marion McDaniel from the Dallas area who will demonstrate turning snowmen. Thanks goes to Johnny Farmer, our new Events Coordinator, for his efforts in finding quality demonstrators from at home and across the state.

It’s been a bit cold to do much turning but for you members with heat in your shops, get out there and make some shavings!

Janice