Hands On dayAll hands to the lathes by Ron Grace
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Greatly welcomed by an enthusiastic group of members was the hands-on session held in Brian Ash's large workshop
one recent Saturday morning. No fewer than four lathes were set up for both demonstration and practice. Those present gathered around each, depending on their skills and interests as well as the items being turned. I welcomed the opportunity to learn about box-making from Richard Hoodless - his three boxes won the Advanced category in the recent Frank Clarke Memorial competition, so our group of four were certainly in good hands. I was particularly impressed by the amount of preparation that the tutors had put in; Richard had a large carton of roughed-out boxes (and his immaculate tool collection) and Brian Ash had part-finished partially segmented bowls for his group. Third in the tutoring business was our librarian, Malcolm Martin, who was concentrating on spindle work. |
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So busy were we all, that I did not poke my nose into the activities of groups other than my own - it was only some days later that I realised I would be writing this report! But I did see Malcolm busy making a mushroom and abrasives shop man Alex Gibson working on an indeterminate object (he hadn't got very far when I saw him). Not only was it a superb learning/practice session but it also got me out of the Saturday supermarket shop! The committee is planning further hands-on sessions at a secret location near the M25 (that offers plenty of scope!). I strongly recommend attendance so keep a sharp ear out at club nights for more details, although there will probably be an email notice sent out as well. I shall certainly be there, provided that I am not away on holiday. |
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