Month: June 2023

The evening was a demonstration by Chris Harkin and was based on a textured and coloured vase that was shown on our stand at WoodWorks. The demonstration did include the basic turning of the vase but the main focus was on the texturing and colouring.

The vase was first scorched using a blow torch but this was not demonstrated here because of hall restrictions. When using a blow torch at home be very aware of the safety aspect of using a flame in the workshop, or better still do it outside. There are varying degrees of scorch which Chris designated as “toast”, “roast” and “barbeque”.

Once scorched the burnt bit needs to be brushed down which can be done with a brass brush or preferably a rotary nylon brush.

The vase was then coloured using basic poster paints which can be mixed to produce whatever colour you want. This is painted onto the vase then immediately wiped off so that the grain pattern shows through the colour. 

The last operation was to lacquer or wax the vase, whichever is your preference.

The evening was a break from the normality of demonstrations and hands on, we were regaled with the delights of jigs and gizmo’s. Anyone could bring along their jigs etc that they use to make the tasks of woodturning easier, quicker or, sometimes, more complicated. A short description on how they are used and made with a short demonstration in a couple of cases.

There were jigs used in the art of segmented work, offset turning, drilling central holes in workpieces, angled bandsaw cuts, a home made vacuum chuck and even a paint can shaker. There were so many that it was difficult to keep track of them all, but everyone of the audience went away with at least one glimmer of an idea for something that they needed. It proved to be a great night with lots of banter and discussion on many varied topics.

Light pull demo

      Offset jig

 

buffing mop made from paint roller and turned wooden ends to mount between centres

The June competition table was also open with a wide range of subjects.

First prize was the acorn box by Viv Harvey

Second was a blackwood box by Gerald Hubbard

Third was a large hollow form bowl by Duncan Anderson