We had our monthly meeting today. Dick Gerard did attend and he did a short demo. He is really into turning and embellishing spheres, from golf ball size to nearly 20" diameter. He demonstrated a few different jigs and techniques as well a few different methods of embellishing them. It was interesting and our meeting was very well attended.

 

 

 

Steve

 

 

Looks like a fun day.

1 hour ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

It was a good day

I guess...

is there a how to follow on???...

A good day for sure.  Does he hollow any?

Glad you had an awesome demo and meeting

Couple of those look like they must have been some awesome glue-ups!

6 hours ago, Stick486 said:

I guess...

is there a how to follow on???...

 

6 hours ago, HandyDan said:

A good day for sure.  Does he hollow any?

 

Stick, today was more of a teaser for what he does. He was in the area anyway and did a short demo free gratis. He was basically trying to generate interest for an all day demo with possibly a hands on day later in the year. If he is doing one or two spheres he does them freehand between cup centers. When he's doing several he sets up a jig.

 

Dan, by and large, no. Most of what he does is solid. He did discuss making them hollow and said for that he does them in two halves and then glues them back together.

 

Steve

Man, what talent...happy to hear the day went well for all...

Really nice shop...is that one of the local members site?

3 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Man, what talent...happy to hear the day went well for all...

Really nice shop...is that one of the local members site?

 

It is our meeting room and since you asked I'll tell you the story of it. We meet at Huntertown woodworkers. A facility envisioned, built, and filled with machinery by a local business man. He is the proverbial "self made" millionaire. He also loves wood working and wanted to share that. So, he built a building, there are three main parts to it. The woodworking side, which has everything from 11 lathes, 7 Jet evs1642 and 4 jet vs midi lathes. to a cabinet saw, planers, jointer, a couple band saws, one dedicated to resawing. Drum sanders, pretty much everything but a shaper. Glue and sandpaper are also provided for members.

There is a kitchen area, which is used as a lunch room by members. Generally, whoever is hosting for the day will make soup or something.

What you saw is  the meeting room which can comfortably hold 75+ people. He also provided the 24" oneway lathe you saw. There are three clubs who use the facility. The Huntertown wood workers, three rivers wood workers, and the northeast Indiana turners and chiselers. Yearly lease for each of the clubs is $1.00.

I am a member of the Huntertown wood workers and of course, the turning club. Woodworking club dues are $50.00 a year and for the turning club $20.00.

All three of the clubs participate in several outreach programs during the year and the Huntertown woodworkers recently qualified as a 503c as a not for profit learning center for wood working.

It is an incredible gesture on his part to do this and give back to the community. He also makes an effort to support artisans who are members of either club. It's not unusual for him to purchase items they've created. Until people see it for themselves it's hard to describe just what a great facility and situation this is and I'm blessed to have it available.

 

Steve

11 minutes ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

It is our meeting room and since you asked.................................

WOW!!!

 

KUDOS to everyone...

How awesome is this? Even more someone local gifting back to the community in this fashion. 

 

Even more sorry I was unable to take you up on yesterday's offer just to get a glimpse of this facility...looks like about 3-1/2-4 hour drive for me even with the 'new" Hoosier Heartland...Ft. Wayne is a good 3+ hours. Maybe when things smooth out here down the road, I can make a trip over...would love to see a facility such as this. For those relatively close, what a great opportunity to access the equipment especially during the dreary of winter.

 

Since you're in/near Huntington, how far of a drive is it for you? I'd be hard pressed not to be there anytime the doors were open.

Edited January 9, 20179 yr by Grandpadave52

1 hour ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

 

It is our meeting room and since you asked I'll tell you the story of it. We meet at Huntertown woodworkers. A facility.............

 

Steve

 

Great story.  Thanks for sharing.

1 hour ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Since you're in/near Huntington, how far of a drive is it for you? I'd be hard pressed not to be there anytime the doors were open.

 

It is a drive for me, about 45 minutes. Because of that, and the fact that I have a pretty well equipped shop I seldom use the wood working side. I joined first because I feel such a thing should be supported. I do go up and buy rough stock now and then. I forgot to mention the club has a fairly large solar kiln. They accumulate logs all year and then twice a year there is a 2 or 3 day working party to mill and unload/load the kiln, I will generally go up for one of those days. Members can buy at 1/2 -  2/3 retail for most species. There is a class open to members every Wednesday evening and I have been invited a few times to teach that. On those days I will go up around noon and play on one of their lathes for the afternoon.

 

Steve

Man, that is so cool to have that relatively close!