Word from the Chair

Another month and truth to say the end is really not in sight yet. We are being urged to keep social distancing in mind as we venture out but I have been to my High Street twice and am horrified at how few people are prepared to wear masks, keep their distance and fail to follow marked routes in shops and on pavements. Please don’t fall into this mood of indifference, the enemy bug is still lurking out there and I want to see all seats taken when we next meet.

Unfortunately and for personal reasons, Mick Brown has left us for the time being. Hopefully we will see him again in the future, meanwhile our best wishes go with him.

Hopefully you have not abandoned your lathes and are continuing to work on competition pieces as well as your usual preferences.

Perhaps we can all reflect some of Kyle’s enthusiasm and send in pictures of what we have been up to. I have myself been busy as I hope you will see (but I am not showing it all at once).

I am writing these musings on my birthday which says much for how quiet it is in the house, no visitors I am afraid although I am later having a birthday dinner cooked for me by Louise. Since the 1st July we have been back at our workshop making the reception area compliant with safety precautions for our visitors and customers. We sympathise with other traders who have had to do similarly as what at first seemed to be a requirement for some simple adjustments has become a total refitting of the whole space.

But enough of these ramblings, stay well, keep busy and don’t forget to exercise.

Till next month.

Newsletter

This month has seen us tweak the homepage of the website, it is constantly evolving and (we hope) is getting better over time. Thank you to those who have generously provided comment about the website and given feedback over the structure. Any suggestions, comments or feedback would be most welcome, please send them through to Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com

You may have noticed a new homepage article called ‘Wait, Woodturning?’. This is meant to be an eye catching piece that potential new members may click on if they happened upon our humble site. We do feel that it could be built upon though. A bit of an ask from our members now, what were the things that inspired you to take up woodturning? We’d love to know to be able to incorporate it. You may have an angle that may not have been thought of!

The next addition to the site will be a ‘workshop tips’ section in getting the most out of your tools and any ‘tid bits’ that are worth sharing. For example, you may wish to consider countersinking both sides of your faceplate. Both sides? I hear you say! The reason for that the the tear-out from a screw being driven into the wood can offset how flush the faceplate sits against the wood. By countersinking the faceplate there is space for this tear-out to go, which gives a more flush fit between the faceplate and the wood. The alternative is to pre-drill the holes. But who would ever do that?!

Upcoming events

The AWGB are hosting Talking Turning Zoom* Sessions, which you can join each Tuesday and Friday, usually at 7.30pm GMT.

They have a number of turners who have agreed to give a guided tour of their workshop, a talk about what they make and a Q & A session too. These are all free of charge to anyone wanting to participate and you can connect from almost any internet enabled device.

Recently they’ve had a chat session on 7th July held by Phil Irons discussing work holding and the different types of chucks. The AWGB record each session so it may well be worth having a look over there to see what new material they have. All of the sessions have been recorded and can be found on their Youtube Channel (link below).

https://www.youtube.com/user/AWGBpromo.

https://www.awgb.co.uk/talking-turning-zoom-sessions/

Friday 3rd July Michel Gibson
Tuesday 7th July Chat & Q&A
Friday 10th July Chat & Q&A
Tuesday 14th July Mike Favager
Friday 17th July Chat & Q&A
Tuesday 21st July Steve Fearnley
Friday 24th July Chat & Q&A

*Zoom is a web based conferencing software which has become more popular over the course of the recent pandemic. With Zoom, you can join other people to host meetings; The software is free to use for meetings of 40 minutes or less, with an option for the host (not you!) to pay for longer duration.

Members work

Thanks to Kyle McGill for sending in his recent work he did in June. His first turnings since lockdown began and his first experiment with resin.

It’s always great to see what you’ve been up to. Please do send anything that you’d like us to share and add to the website to Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com

June’s Monthly Project - Lighthouses

Thanks to Dennis Carter for sending his lighthouse in. Dennis says that he finds lighthouses create interest at craft fayre’s and sell well. The Column is made from sycamore, the lamp is sycamore/sapele veneer, and the roof is a black walnut.

The Sycamore looks slightly ‘weathered’ creating an illusion to a lighthouse battered by the sea. Further, the shine of the veneer contrast particularly well against the body, creating a ‘light effect’. The picture is placed to show the remnants of what looks like the pith, creating a door shape. I’m sure you’ll agree this is a fantastic piece and well considered. Thank you Dennis!

July’s Monthly Project - Live / Natural Edge Project

To keep you ticking over these few months, we’d love you to create a project each month for us to feature.

Is it cheating to leave the rim of the project ‘unfinished’? Well, this month we want to see a live edge piece of your making. Whether it be a bowl, vase, or a whole host of other creations, the name of the game this month is to make something with a live/natural edge on part of the piece. Instead of making this a feature on the rim of a bowl, how about trying it as a feature on a bead? How about including some segmented turning as part of it?

For inspiration, we’ve put together a Pinterest board of ideas for you to have a look through, and perhaps spark your imagination. One that peaked our interest was a natural edge acorn, with the top being the natural part.