The much advertised heat wave is supposed to roll into our area tomorrow. Seems like every network news broadcast has to have a "weather" report. Strange.

 

Lots happening around the Patriot this week. 

 

@Ron Altier turned a beautiful ornament using a sea urchin skeleton. The urchin has amazing patterns and markings.

 

 

Read his post to see the compliments from our members-

 

Ron also received the highest compliment imaginable from @Jim from Easy Wood Tools. Jim asked Ron for one of his ornaments to help decorate the Christmas tree at the Easy Wood Tools headquarters!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

@Ron Dudelston had a new student in his shop. Ron and his daughter turned a an epoxy bowl. Here's the link to the video-

https://www.facebook.com/ron.dudelston/videos/10211858367956604/  and here's Dad showing us how it's done- https://www.facebook.com/shellyreneeneal/videos/10156626150220625/. Sweet looking bowl!!

 

 

 

@Gerald has been making more ringmaster bowls. Gerald makes his bowls unique by adding pyrography decorations.

 

 

Gerald added more pictures in his post-

 

 

 

 

@Smallpatch is getting close to finishing up his teapots. More about the process and some pictures at-

 

 

 

 

A couple of events coming up in the near future. The Mid Atlantic Woodturning symposium will be held in September.

 

Click on the above image to go to the registration information.

 

In October, the Segmented Woodturners Symposium is scheduled.

 

Click on the above image to go to the registration information.

 

 

 

 

@Jim from Easy Wood Tools Easy Wood Tools shared a video on making finials by Tracey Malady. We have featured finial videos in the past. I liked this video because it explains the authors procedure very plainly.

 

 

 

 

 

I had the opportunity to test drive the new Easy Wood Tools Mid Size Micro Detailer. This tool differs from the original EWT detailer in that the cutting tip comes to a distinct, sharp point.  This new point permits much crisper transition and more precise corners. I used an ebony piano keys to create a finial (should have watched the video first).

 

 

 

 

 

The more pointed cutter really makes a difference!

 

 

 

 

Comparing the original detailer (left) and the new micro detailer-

 

 

I was pretty proud of myself-

 

 

 Until-

 

 

I had never worked with any other ebony. The piano keys were very old so maybe that caused them to be brittle.

 

 

 

In other exciting news, a turning club near Lancaster wants me to put on a demonstration for their group! I am really thrilled to be able to help them out. It's not until August but I've already started getting some stuff together. They want some spindle work as well as small bowls. For the spindle, I thought they might be interested in seeing how a seemingly square pattern turns into a Celtic knot. I have this blank prepared-

 

 

Next, I'll get some of that flame box elder ready for a bowl.

 

 

Safe turning

 

 

 

Lots of good information this week. I have to admit, that micro detailer looks pretty interesting. Thanks lew!!

Well Lew they say practice make perfect. One piece of advise on finials. start at the small end and once it is done do not go back except to sand. Good collection of info as usual . That spindle is quite interesting.

Thanks for this weeks update.  The detailer seems to do the job but I prefer a detail gouge over it.  I get a smoother cut and therefore less sanding.

Great compilation of all the activity here.

Congrats for the honor to present at the new club. Obviously they knew where to turn (no pun intended; alright it is a bad one)

Oops on the finial. FWIW, like my dad always used to tell me "if you never make a mistake it's obvious you're not doing anything." Come to think of it, that used to irritate me some.

Ayways, great job hosting this forum! 

@Steve Krumanaker Thanks! I really like this tool!

 

@Gerald Thank You! I need to make a better set of jaws to hold those tiny pieces (3/8 x 3/8). What I was using was a friction fit hole that didn't offer enough support to turn without the tail stock.

 

@HandyDan Thanks! Normally I'd use a different tool for some of the cuts. I get pretty good results from the EWT rougher (straight cutter) on small beads and the EWT finisher for coves. Just wanted to see what could be done.

 

@Grandpadave52 Thank You! Hope I don't make too many blunders during the presentation!

 

 

Also, Thanks to all who responded to last week's post. I really appreciate the input, comments and ideas.

On 6/27/2018 at 10:32 PM, HandyDan said:

Thanks for this weeks update.  The detailer seems to do the job but I prefer a detail gouge over it.  I get a smoother cut and therefore less sanding.

Dan!  How would you know?  You have to try it first my friend....  then make up your mind.  I get beautiful ribbons of wood and a very clean cut with this tool.  

Edited July 2, 20188 yr by Jim from Easy Wood Tools