The President opened a discussion on the future of the Guild and the direction it should take. In keeping with the Guild’s bi-law to mentor new turners, several suggestions were offered, including a short class for new students at the CRFWW program, a tuning day inviting new turners to learn basic techniques and ongoing invitation to mentor new turners on a one-on-one basis. Also, there is strong agreement in the Guild to continue to support charitable auctions such as the recent event for Safe Passage.
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- Russ’ walnut platter
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- Russ’ walnut platter
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- Les’ Jamaican dogwood goblet, & Australian wood vase
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- Russ’ blackwood boxes
Wendell gave a short talk on Cactus Juice resin and its’ use to stabilize soft wood, for example, wood that has spalted almost to the point of rotting and would be impossible to turn without stabilization. This process requires a vacuum pot, vacuum pump and an oven. The material to be stabilized is placed in the chamber, weighted down and immersed in Cactus Juice. A full vacuum is applied until bubbles stop. Release vacuum and soak for at least twice as long as they were under vacuum. Remove the blanks, wrap in foil and bake at 200 degrees F until cured. More information can be found and resin purchased at: www.turntex.com
Les provided this month’s demo describing the features and capabilities of his new Robust Lathe. Robust lathes are made in Barneveld, Wisconsin and have the reputation for producing one of the highest quality machines in the market. An excellent article on Robust Tools is: http://kurthertzog.com/articles/wtd44behindthescenes18red.pdf
Robust Tools also makes an excellent tool rest to fit most popular lathes. Members of the Guild who have purchased the tool rest are very pleased with its performance.
The lathe comes with the standard options including Sliding Headstock, Stainless Steel Ways, 25” Inboard Capacity, 60” Outboard, Adjustable Spindle Height, Corded Pendant Controller, Premium Vector Drive with Auto-Tune, Variable Speed, Forward/Reverse and Graduated Quill
Les added the following options Three Horsepower Motor and Drive, Tilt Away Gas Shock Assist, Long Bed, Caster Kit, and Bed Extension
Les is impressed with the efficiency of the dust collection system’s ability to capture fine sanding dust.
Our next meeting will be held November 13, in Russ’ shop. A hands on demonstration will be given by Wendell on casting resin turning blanks. We will be using clear resin. Bring small particles such as wood chips, colored particles, etc. to embed in the resin. Some examples can be found at: www.alumilite.com/wood-turning#prettyPhoto