Word from the Chair

So what’s been happening over the past couple of months?

I would like to say I have been busy turning, I have done a few odd items but getting back to business has, I’m afraid, taken precedence. We have at last completed our reception area make-over and have started trading again although Louise has been unable to enter her clients’ houses to collect the large items that need her attention. Fortunately she has kept writing for the magazines.

Now I’ve told you what we are doing I wonder how other members are spending their time. Although we are now able to circulate a little I sincerely hope you are being cautious and following the best practices.

Probably, like me, you are missing our monthly meetings. I had hoped for better news but alas, we are still unable to meet and that seems to be the pattern for the foreseeable future.

I hope you have been able to put some time into the competition pieces. I will be asking the committee if they will consider a virtual show of pieces whereby the voting can be made by viewing photographs via the website; more on this next time.

Unfortunately Olive has managed to break a hip which has resulted in an operation to fit a replacement. Most recent news is that the procedure went well and Olive is recovering nicely. Brian on the other hand, is having to fend for himself and understandably he can’t wait for Olive to return home. I am sure everyone will join me in wishing Olive well and a speedy recovery.

Congratulations to Kyle. He has joined the AWGB committee as Development Officer (Trustee in waiting) I am sure we all wish him well on the journey he is embarking on.

Wizardry in Wood has been postponed, the Seminar rescheduled: it’s very quiet out there!

Until next time my best wishes to everyone, keep safe, stay well and happy turning.

Newsletter

With the heat hitting us hard over the last month or so, it’s been tricky to get the motivation to move, let alone turn. So thank you to all of those who contributed to my request last month of your inspiration to start woodturning. I’ll be re-working the ‘Wait, woodturning?’ article over the coming months. As always, any suggestions, comments or feedback would be most welcome, please send them through to Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com

A special thanks to Ted Higgs who has sent a collection of material through for the Workshop Tips page, which is a great start and is now live. If you have any small bits of wisdom you’re able to share, then do send it over (preferably with a picture) to chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com. One of the key changes this month is the change to the layout of the tips and facts. It is now easier to click through to the other pages. Have a look by navigating at the top of the page, alternatively they can be found by clicking the following links;

https://www.chelmerwood.co.uk/wood-facts

https://www.chelmerwood.co.uk/woodworking-tips

South South Trading

We were recently approached by a new company called South South Trading who are supplying African Hardwoods. Our chairman has agree to inform you all.

Our company South South Trading is a recently formed UK company supplying African hardwood turning blanks into the UK market. We are contacting various Wood Turning clubs and asking for feedback from you and your members in regards our timber species and sizes. To this end we have put together a short explanatory letter and it would be most appreciated if you could circulate it amongst your members.

If you are interested, please find below the letter in the following link which you can download.

South South Introductory letter.pdf

Member request

Our resident whippersnapper, Kyle, has recently bought his first lathe (Axminster M950) and is on the hunt for his first chuck and faceplate(s). The lathe takes 1 inch (25mm) by 8 TPI. If you have a chuck surplus to requirement that you’re willing to sell, please get in touch with Kyle - Ksmcgill@hotmail.co.uk or 0759 343 1179.

Free resources

Chestnut Products

Chestnut products have recently started hosting online live sessions on a Wednesday evening on Youtube, followed by a Q&A hosted by the AWGB. You can find out more on their Facebook page -

https://www.facebook.com/chestnutproducts/?fref=ts

Their next event is with Richard Findlay who is a club favourite on 13th October - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_fAkMwZ_rI

Whilst looking for something to refresh yourself on, Chestnut has a series which is coined as ‘finishing school’, which covers a variety of aspects in the finishing process. The videos can be found here

https://chestnutproducts.co.uk/chestnut-products-videos/

Axminster

We thought you may also be interested in some material that Axminster are currently delivering for free on their YouTube page. They are advertising it as #SkillsCentreAtHome. These are delivered by notable turners and woodworkers such as Colwin Way and Craig Steele.

They currently have a collection of 55 videos in their series with regular additions on a Tuesday and a Thursday around 4pm. These are delivered by a Facebook Live video which is then uploaded to Youtube.

Link to the full series in the button below.

Members work

This month, Kyle made a ‘ceremonial’ mallet after watching Phil Iron’s mallet demonstration he did recently. Kyle used his CNC machine to make an engraved block to insert into the top, which will be a gift for his grandad, adding a level of personalisation.

Ted also tried something he never had before, turning rectangular. He has given a great write up and would recommend that you read it.

It’s always great to see what you’ve been up to. Please do send anything that you’d like us to share and add to the website to Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com

July’s Natural Edge project

Thanks ever so much to Denis Carter for his submissions for the natural edge project. The first is a 7” x 3” Burr Oak bowl. The other piece is an Ash crotch at 9” x 2”. To keep the depth of the bark of the burr oak shows Dennis’ skill; he has successfully kept the edge which creates a lovely contrast in the piece. The dome shape of the Ash piece really captures the light well, and gives another dimension to the bowl.

Outstanding work Denis, thank you for sending it in.

September’s Monthly Project - Clocks

To keep you ticking over these few months, we’d love you to create a project each month for us to feature. Please think of this as a ‘show and tell’ the more you tell us about the project the better! What wood did you use? How did you finish it? What challenges did you overcome? What was your inspiration? etc…

It’s fair to say that for most, that time together and the value of that has been reiterated in these times. The longest day of the year is behind us and we soon won’t be far off of autumn, and with it some cooler weather (hopefully!). So to keep track, this month’s project is Clocks.

Please aim to get these in to us by Saturday 17th October to make the next issue. Send it to our email address at Chelmervalleywoodturners@gmail.com. We will be sharing these on Instagram and facebook as well, so let us know if you have a Instagram handle.

For inspiration, we’ve put together a Pinterest board of ideas for you to have a look through, and perhaps spark your imagination.