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Status Updates posted by Douglas Helliesen
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After 5 months of hell, I was finally able to get a couple of the kids back somewhat to doing some woodwork, Trinity now 12 got to work on the bowl she had started on the day of the fire (and left on the lathe} I was able to get it off the lathe and ordered two new lathes which subsequently went underwater and wiped out both motors and electronics...After raising the shed I put in where we are currently staying and building another raised horizontal storage cabinet I ordered two more and finally able to get Trinity (now 12) and her brother Edward over for her to work on her 1st bowl and he starting making some wooden spoons which his mom accidentally got too ambitious with and went all the way through. I guess I need to start working more with Mom as well. Anyhow the bowl is finished except for the bottom which we will try next time they come over. BTW they took the bowl home this time as I'm not safe anymore. Good Move!!
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June 29th 2022 I had a major setback, My workshop caught fire which spread to my adjacent home, Total loss?? property has been condemned meaning I am not allowed on property to try and retrieve or salvage anything. I had 3 generations of machines and equipment, metalworking, lathes, mills, welders,saws,etc. also a lot of plumbing tools, and a very extensive collection of woodworking tools and machines. All totaled by the fire and water from the fire dept. a couple of months after that hurricane IAN came through and flooded out the yard where we are temporarily staying. I have been milling local trees 40 years and had over 3 dozen species of mostly tropical hardwood. I had recently finished a shadow box for a retired Coast Guardsman and prior had done a large plaque for a retired Army Special Forces Green Beret here. along with many others over the years. The afternoon of the fire I was working with a 11 yr old girl teaching her to turn her very first wood Bowl from some local Mahogany. Finally 2 days before Thanksgiving she and I were able to get together to complete the bowl which I was able to retrieve (badly Charred) after the fire and she is so proud of her accomplishment and wants to continue turning. I had replaced 2 Nova Lathes after the fire but they both went underwater during IAN and it took me a couple months to build a more secure higher elevated enclosure to store in and I then was able to purchase yet another 2 Nova Lathes to continue teaching anyone desiring to learn woodturning and other woodworking as well. Anyway Not all of the wood on my property was burned, and hopefully I will be able to get some off the property and stored to a offsite location while the house is demolished and if I live long enough rebuilt. Anyone in the area interested in woodworking or willing to help feel free to contact me.
Wish us luck.
Thanks, Doug