Feedback? One thing that was briefly mentioned at the AGM and I need to sort out, concerns how the newsletter is published.

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1 Newsletter of the Derwent Woodturners Club No. 51 November 2017 Affiliated to the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) Chairman: Alan Smith Lifetime members: Don Wastie Future events Please note the club meets:- 1 st. and 3 rd. Wed. each month 18:30 21:00. 6 th. Dec. Club demonstration Our Chairman has volunteered to do this demonstration, which will be Xmas decorations! 20 th. Dec. Xmas social The usual mince pies and I am sure we will have some form of fun challenge on the night, so rember to bring your tools. And to get us in the Xmas spirit the evening is free to all members. The club meetings are from 18:30 until 21:00 but we need help setting up the equipment before the meeting can get going, so if you can get there early and help, it would be appreciated. Please check the AWGB Forum Events page for the latest details on club meetings, especially if the weather, or anything else, might affect them. LATE NEWS!!! Feedback? One thing that was briefly mentioned at the AGM and I need to sort out, concerns how the newsletter is published. When I started doing the newsletters, I used to send out the file as an attachment sent to each member. Some people didn t like that as it meant waiting a long time for their s to download so I opted to post the file on the website and allow members to chose when to download the file. The other advantage of putting the files on the website is that they are there as a permanent archive. However, this does mean that members have to do the download themselves which they may forget to do I would like to know which method you prefer so please could you me with your preference; attachment, or website posting. I have had some replies already but this is an opportunity for the rest of you to have your say, before I decide which option to adopt. On the topic of s, if you haven t already done so, please would you see me at the club meetings, to confirm I have all your details correct on the club membership list. Another topic raised at the AGM was the decline in numbers and the lack of involvement with the running of the club. Fortunately the existing committee have all agreed to do another year, but this will not go on forever so please seriously consider how much you put back into the club. To add some weight to this, I have been reading the latest newsletter of one of my old clubs. They have the problem of nobody apparently prepared to volunteer for several of the committee posts, and the chairman has told them if nobody comes forward at the AGM, the club will fold. I hope Derwent Woodturners never find themselves in that situation, but it is not guaranteed. So take this as an early warning for next September. On a similar note, all the newsletter write-ups this year have been done by Jane Russell, including some for the hands on meetings. Do you think that is fair, or could you maybe volunteer to do one of them? See you at the next meeting Paul Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 1 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk

2 Club News Last Club competition An egg cup The final competition of the year was to make an egg cup. The entries are shown below and the winners were:- 1 st. Tim Glover, 2 nd. Lol Poole, 3 rd. Tony Harding We will have the overall winners for this year s competitions, announced at the Xmas social. Club s programme for 2018 Alan gave us a brief update on the programme he is putting together for next year. One of the biggest problems is that a lot of demonstrators are giving up coming out to clubs, especially for evening meetings. As a result, the programme could be somewhat fluid as he may not know until the last minute who will be available for demonstrations. If you know of any up and coming demonstrators, I am sure Alan would appreciate any suggestions/ recommendations. Club membership As was said at the AGM, the number of members has fallen quite significantly over the past two years, so we need to find more people to join us. If you know of someone who is a turner, or maybe even just thinking of getting started, why not invite them to come and see what we do. Remember the first visit is free, unless it s to a guest demonstration. And may I offer a warm welcome to the club to the two new members, Glyn and Gemma, who joined at the last meeting in October. New abrasives from Sandpaper Supplies I have been contacted by this company as they are offering a new abrasive product. They are sending some samples for us to try which I have passed on to David Lea & Bryan Barlow. I will update everyone when they report back on their use. The company has a website which features other products in which you may be interested:- If the samples do meet with members approval, and you want to get some, they have offered a club discount for bulk orders but I will wait and see how much interest there is. Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 2 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk

3 Boxing Clever Steve Heeley turns an unusual lidded box November 2017 Steve Heeley, our demonstrator on 1st November, is a regular and popular visitor to Derwent club, and was kind enough to say that he looks forward to coming to us. Tonight s project was a lidded box, one of a series that Steve has produced. We have seen many demonstrations of box making but this was to be a bit different as it was to incorporate texturing and colouring, and the lid was to have an integrated finial. Steve makes several variants of this box and they can be fully, partly, or not at all textured. Each box is unique. The chosen wood was a piece of sycamore about 3 (75mm) square Before he began, Steve emphasised the important 5 lock down actions for spindle turning: tailstock, tailstock quill advance, tailstock quill lock, tool-rest banjo, and tool-rest stem. He also rubbed down the lathe bed and the tool rest so that everything could move freely. He reminded us that safety is up to us as individuals: if you see the demonstrator do something you don t feel is safe, just don t do it! Steve first roughed down between centres to a cylinder with a spindle roughing gouge and a suitable chucking spigot was added using a parting tool and skew. He uses a ring centre in the tail stock as this is less likely to split the wood. After cleaning the spindle and chuck threads with a toothbrush Steve mounted the chuck and the piece was held in the chuck while using the tailstock centre to allow a chucking spigot to be added to the other end The wood was parted off leaving sufficient length in the chuck to form the box allowing for finishing the bottom. The tailstock was withdrawn for the final part of this cut to avoid jamming. A spigot for the lid was added (allowing for the thickness of the lid) and the outside trued up (with a slight taper away from the chuck) and also the face. The spigot was turned with a slight barrel shape by means of the square skew chisel using the long point first left and then right. This temporary high point on the joint would make the final fitting easier. Using the tool-rest as a height guide, a twist drill fitted in a wooden handle was used to bore a hole to the required depth of the box. The box was then hollowed and Steve demonstrated two techniques, firstly using a box scraper (this has the sides bevelled slightly). The use of a spindle gouge was also demonstrated, the technique being to use cuts starting from the centre with the flute at about 10 o clock and using a scooping action, cutting using the lower tip of the gouge. A short flute (i.e. a worn out gouge!) works best as it is stiffer and a more aggressive cut can be achieved by using more of the wing of the tool. The sides were squared up using the square skew chisel, long point left, and then by moving the handle to the right, the bottom of the box was cleaned up prior to sanding with wax, which reduces the dust and the heat build-up and fills the grain by producing a slurry. The inside was wiped out with clean tissue and then buffed with more wax. The box was removed from the chuck and the previously parted off piece mounted. The required diameter for the inside of the lid was transferred to the cleaned up end face using dividers (only the left-hand point touching) and a recess formed using the spindle gouge and finishing with the square skew chisel with trial fits until a tight fit was achieved. This would be relieved later. Next, some shape was added to the outside of the lid, followed by hollowing. This time Steve demonstrated the technique of just using the spindle gouge without a drilled hole. Further shaping of the outside came next, followed by sanding and waxing as for the box. The box was then re-mounted in the chuck (ideally a jaw position should have been marked at the base to assist with accurate centring) and the lid attached (with grain matched), using the tailstock centre for alignment and support prior to tightening the chuck. Refining of the outside shape and sanding was next carried out. Feature grooves were added using the long point of the skew, one at the join line with one close either side, one near the base and another near to where the knob/finial would be. A piece of plastic laminate was used to burn in these lines. As much as possible of the shaping of the knob/finial was carried out with the tailstock support still present. After removing the tail centre and parting off the waste portion, Steve finished the knob using careful light cuts, remembering that the lid might come loose if the cut was too aggressive. Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 3 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk

4 The lid was then removed and the fit slightly loosened, still keeping the barrel shape on the spigot. Steve explained that the fit would change over the next few days but could be adjusted by careful light sanding, assisted by the barrel shape. He remarked that it was no good making a box with wet wood: it needs to be as dry as possible so that the fit will be maintained. Now to the most interesting part: texturing and colouring! Steve assured us that he only textures and colours timbers that lend themselves to this; his favourite for colouring is sycamore. He decided to texture only part of the piece so he marked out in pencil the areas to be decorated. The texturing was carried out using a Dremel with a flexible shaft and a piercing bit, using a light stroking motion along the grain until the marked areas had been filled in. The box was given a light sanding to remove burrs. If areas of the box are not going to be coloured they can be protected from overspray by giving a light coat of spray acrylic sanding sealer first. Steve uses a very neat Spraycraft top feed airbrush and compressor (available from Axminster currently at (See online spraycraft-sp30-top-feed-airbrush-compressor-set but also available elsewhere). This has a continuous air feed and is possibly a little easier for the less experienced to use than the more sophisticated dual action ones. Normally the box would be remounted on a jam chuck for finishing the bottom, but to save time Steve used a previously finished piece that was fully textured to demonstrate the colouring process. The colouring was carried out using spirit stains, building up colour in random areas starting with yellow and adding red, blue, and black; then yellow again followed by red and more black until the desired result was achieved. On smooth wood, methylated spirit can be used to blend the colours. Finishing could be by use of spray acrylic sanding sealer and acrylic lacquer, or oil if preferred. Cellulose finishes may result in the colours bleeding. This was an interesting demonstration, well up to Steve s usual high standard, and we were impressed by what a professional demonstrator can achieve in little more than a couple of hours. Hugh Field with Jane Russell My thanks to Hugh Field for the use of the images he took of the same demonstration did at Mid Staffs Woodturners. If you would like to see even more, download the October 2017 newsletter from their website Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 4 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk

5 My Mystery Tree November 2017 When I moved to Barton under Needwood an aptly named dwelling-place for a would-be turner I inherited a lovely large mature garden, ex-council house and meant to provide food for a family. There were a couple of magnolias, two fruit trees, and a mystery tree, tucked into the corner by the fence. Apart from an initial bend to seek light, the trunk rose straight up, the bark was fissured, and the leaves could have belonged to a number of native trees only taken together with the bark and the habit of growth, they didn t match anything in my books. A forester acquaintance tentatively identified it as an elm, perhaps a sucker from some tree later felled when the houses behind were built, but we were neither of us happy with this identification. At last, after five years, the tree fruited, and dropped a cluster of nuts neatly into my compost box. What they most resembled was a cluster of hazelnuts, though their cases were long and curly, and almost completely hid the nuts. I could see that the leaves were more like hazel than anything else, so I Googled hazel, found an image of the nuts exactly like mine, and discovered that my tree is a Turkish hazel. Unlike the English cobnut, these trees grow only one straight stem so cannot be coppiced. However, their straight trunk and neat conical shape make them very sought-after as architectural features in garden design, and apparently they are also useful in urban areas because they are resistant to pollution. They are also used as a root stock to graft common hazel to make conveniently shaped trees for commercial orchards. The nuts are edible if you can crack the extremely thick shell though sadly mine have so far proved to be completely empty! The only remaining mystery now is, why was my beautiful, architectural tree planted in such a cramped position by the fence? Jane Russell Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 5 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk

6 Tips for the workshop Save your money! Many tools can be made quite simply from old tools and/or pieces of HS steel ground to suitable shapes. They can be made to do one specific job or as useful additions to your toolbox. And they can save you a small fortune. Don t get taken in by the big manufacturers sales hype!! Cone Centres I have just received an from Axminster announcing a new product whichconverts an ordinary tail centre into a cone centre. These cost but you can do it yourself for a couple of pence, by holding a plumbing olive (goes inside a compression fitting) over the point of your centre. Ok, it s a bit more fiddly but it does the job admirably. Beware of ebay sellers This was highlighted on the AWGB forum. It amazes me that people can get away selling this sort of thing. There are so many potentially dangerous hazards. Just for fun, how many can you see? If you want to read more, it is item number , and selling at 99. Items for SALE or WANTED, or even FREE! If you have anything for sale, please let me know and I will publish it here. Remember we also have a club noticeboard for posting these adverts. I have some blank A5 forms if you need one. Clarke variable speed lathe for parts. I am scrapping my old lathe as the cone pulleys broke up and I decided to buy a complete new lathe.if anyone can make use of it for spare parts, please let me know. Jane Russell. Axminster 1416 electronic variable speed lathe package with bed extension and stands I am selling this lathe package on behalf of a friend who unfortunately has had to give up woodturning. It is in excellent condition. It consists of an Axminster Trade series 1416 lathe ( 896), lathe stand ( 248), bed extension ( 240) and stand for the extension ( 100), making it worth over 1400 but he is looking for around 1100 to put towards a mobility scooter. I can deliver and help set it up for you. Please see me at any of the club meetings. Paul Bellamy On a frivolous note, has Axminster developed an energy generator? When I looked up the specification for this lathe, it states Input power 560W, Output power 750W! Now how many lathes do I need to buy to power my house?!?! Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 6 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk

7 Interesting websites There s a host of information out there and sometimes it s just luck when you find a useful site. Please let me know if you find any others. Some will be promoted to permanent links, such as clubs in our area, and businesses of benefit to us, but this first section will let everyone share amusing or useful sites. One thing I will mention about videos you can see on the Internet. Always remember these are not vetted by anyone so you can see things ranging from brilliant to outright dangerous. Sandpaper Supplies Ltd., Leek, Staffs. The abrasives supplier mentioned earlier, but they do other things as well. Permanent links These are the sites that I think are worth keeping on record. Derwent Woodturners newsletters Well this one had to go in! Our clubs newsletter archive. I realise it is not truly a website but at least you can get at all the newsletters. Axminster Power Tools As we have a deal with Axminster; this link may be useful. The discount is now 5% but this now applies to almost everything they sell. Items excluded from the deal are bought in tools from the likes of Makita, Bosch, Festool etc. One other thing I should point out is that I think their prices have risen significantly in the past two years, so they may not offer the best prices. Their own label items are obviously not available from anyone else but items from other manufacturers can be bought elsewhere. It can be worth a google search of items you want, in case they can be bought cheaper elsewhere. AWGB The Association of Woodturning clubs of Great Britain (AWGB) main site is at and it s worth looking at the Forum for lots of information and discussions, and even the For Sale section. You can use the link on the main website or go direct to As mentioned earlier, I will be using the AWGB Forum for the latest information on meetings, especially if there are any urgent changes. This link will take you direct to the Events section, then just look out for Derwent Woodturning club..., the one with the Smiley!! Mid Staffs. Woodturning Association This is my old club and I must admit was a website that I had overlooked. Their meetings are held on the first Friday every month, at Etching Hill village hall. Keep an eye on their website to see who is demonstrating. Stafford & District Woodturners This is another relatively local club. They meet at Hopton Village Hall, just south of Stafford. I realise they may not be that local to many of our members, but Ashley Iles tools Some of you may not be aware that Ashley Iles have a shopping website, where you can purchase their tools, or just browse their latest products. Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 7 of 7 editor@derwentwoodturners.org.uk