It's been hot and humid here in south central PA for the past several day. Working outside was sweaty to say the least.

 

Our turners have been busy with some beautiful projects. Member Steve showed us his gorgeous walnut bowl. I pulled this from his post-

 

You can read the comments on this on his post:

I love the grain patterns, color contrasts and the flawless finish.

 

 

Gerald has been working on the Beads of Courage bowls. He has added color and turned some lids.

 

Check out his post:

 

Can't remember how I found this link but it is an interesting article on the "Evolution of a Goblet Design". The article is by Bill Ooms and was posted by the American Association of Woodturners.

AW2902p24-26.pdf

 

 

 

Rick, of Rick Turns, posted the May listing of You Tube woodturning videos. 

 

 

Carl Jacobson uploaded a video on making a turned lamp. This one has a rather modern look-

 

 

 

The last couple of days of school, when I subbed, some of the kids were "using" their Fidget Spinners". Some schools have banned them, others have embraced them. Personally, I can think of more creative ways to satisfy nervous energy in school- but that's just me. Anyway, Tim Yoder gets caught up in the craze. Here's part one of his video turning a spinner. Part two is linked from the You Tube page.

 

 

There was a discussion today, here on the TPW, concerning the merits- or lack thereof- of Facebook. I saw a Facebook post displaying turner  Simon Begg's turnings. This is a screen shot of just one of his pieces.

 

 

His work is spectacular. I wonder how he creates the dimple with such smooth interiors.

 

Check out all his turnings at- https://www.simonbeggswoodturning.com/

 

 

I finally gave up trying to do any more to the ash vase I was attempting. As per usual, my sanding/finishing techniques failed me. Seems like scratches appear out of nowhere. Also, I think I went one step too far by adding the copper wire. The butterfly dutchmen didn't seem to provide enough contrast. In hindsight, I should have quit while I was ahead. I turned this piece with the log center perpendicular to the lathe axis. As it dried the "tree center" areas tended to poke out. I really wanted to have the grain rings/pores highlighted more. Keeping my eyes open for some red oak.

 

 

Safe Turning

Thanks for the nod Lew and another nice grouping, FWIW, I really like the vase and wish I had that kind of vision. As for the FB thread, face book is not without it's problems but it does offer tremendous exposure and IMO the benefits out weigh the negatives. Not turning related but one of the artists I've discovered is a lady named Minisa Robinson. Check out her home page, and check out the train. Minisa Robinson She is an incredible artist.

 

Steve

Edited June 15, 20179 yr by Steve Krumanaker

Great post Lew. I like the evolution article, But like all of us there is an evolution in the process of how we do the same project again. I have evolved on the process of some of the BOC bowls and will post later. I am guessing that that crack appeared during drying. Nice job with the dutchman, maybe try lacing the wire instead of one stitch.

Great post again Lew.  Your vase looks good and if you're not happy with the wire it is not too late to replace with another Dutchman.  The other two look amazing.

Thanks for the great post, Lew

+1 what Kelly said

Herb

Thanks for the kind comments! Sorry about not getting back sooner, computer crapped out.

 

@Steve Krumanaker Thanks for the link to Minisa's site. I thought those were photos at first. The Steam engine is unbelievable!!!

 

@Gerald You are right. As I review what I did, I should have stayed with a single "theme". A copper lace would have had more eye appeal.

 

@HandyDan Thanks. I seriously considered a third dutchman but the material in the center are was really fragile. I cut the recesses for the dutchmen with a chisel. I didn't think the area would hold up to the stresses.