Future events. Time Marches on! Newsletter of Derwent Woodturners No. 10 April 2012

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1 Newsletter of Derwent Woodturners No. 10 April 2012 Future events 13 th. April Burton Golf club Club exhibition of woodturning, with the opportunity to sell your work. 19 th. April Club demo. Bob Yates 26 th. April CANCELLED 10 th. May Gerry Marlow Normal times but at Sharpes Pottery museum 12 th./ 13 th. May - Woodworks Daventry Woodturning show. Free entry and parking! Lots to see and do, and buy! 24 th. May Hands on Bring your tools! 14 th. June Club demo Volunteer demonstrator required. 28 th. June Mick Hanbury Normal times but at Sharpes Pottery museum 5 th. July AGM This will be held in one of the classrooms. 12 th. July Hands on The last meeting of the year. I foresee some fun and games! A quick reminder, 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. Time Marches on! I find it amazing just how quickly time flies by, but it reminded me that the club has to put together a schedule of demonstrations for the following year, and some of these are by external demonstrators. Those demonstrators are often in demand by other clubs and events, so we need to book them well in advance. I am sure Alan is already working on next years line up but one of the problems he has, is finding new names, or knowing if the members would like to have a previous demonstrator return to the club. So if you can suggest a new name, or would particularly like to see someone again, let him know and make his job just a little bit easier. I have had a couple of club members ask me to add items to the club s Axminster shopping list and this seemed a good time to remind everyone about this. If you need any tools, equipment, finishes etc., have a look on the Axminster website or in their catalogue, then let me know the product code and I will add your items to the list. As soon as we get to 200 in value, we will place the order. Just remember, we only get the 15% discount on items in the woodturning section of the catalogue, although you can order anything you need. Fortunately they have moved several items into that section. May I remind everyone about the changes to the club s meetings, see the Events column on the left. In particular, the two demonstrations which will be held at Sharpe s Pottery museum. I published details of that venue in the previous newsletter and I haven t had any queries, but if you aren t sure of its location, please let me know and I will do my best to help you. I also realise this newsletter has come along quite soon after the last one. That s primarily due to there being quite a lot of information that came to hand over the past fortnight. If I am just editing articles I can produce the newsletter much quicker, so can I make a request for you to submit articles to me. How about a tool review? Have you read a good book or magazine article? Have you seen an interesting demonstration? A new tool? Or even, pinching something from the Woodturning magazine, how about an autobiography? After all it is the club s newsletter, not just my rants and raves! Paul Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 1 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk

2 Chris Pouncy Robert Sorby demonstration April 2012 This demonstration was somewhat different to our usual demos, in that it was more about the tools than the finished article, as Chris is from Robert Sorby and was here to show us their range of tools. In fact he has worked for the company for over 12 years, and does promotional demonstrations all over the world so we were in excellent hands. The evening started with a look at the latest addition to the Sovereign handle range, a 12 long version. This will suit more delicate turnings but it can t be extended and it doesn t have a side handle facility. Still a nice tool for pen turners. Robert Sorby have also introduced a tang collet to allow flat bladed tools to be fitted into Sovereign handles, one of the drawbacks of most handle systems. Now you can fit parting tools, roughing gouges etc to your favourite handle. The first actual tool out of the box was the RS200, a hollowing tool that has interchangeable cutters so it can be used as a scraper as well as a toothed hollower. The flat side of the blade makes for easier use on the toolrest when hollowing. Continuing the hollowing theme, Chris showed us the new, closed-ring Ultima tool. One of the problems setting up capped hollowing tools is getting the gap between the cutting edge and the cap correct. If it s too wide, you have a very aggressive tool that is difficult to control. The Ultima uses a micro-adjusting ring, to move the cap backwards and forwards, allowing very precise adjustment. They have introduced a new range of cutters this year, using plasma bonded TIN (Titanium Nitride) surface treatment. This material has been used on earlier tools but now it is bonded to the steel, rather than just applied as a coating. The tools are about 20% more expensive but they will last about 40% longer. These tools are very speed dependent, no faster than 800 rpm, as you need to let the shavings clear the cutter. Chris showed its use, hollowing a piece of laburnum, but he advised practising a cut on the outside of the work, especially after you have adjusted it, to make sure the cutter is working nicely. Initial cuts can be made with a relatively wide setting, but finishing cuts will benefit from a narrower gap. Having dealt with a big tool, Chris moved on to the micro tools. There are several blades that can be used in the same micro handle but Chris showed the use of a micro hollowing tool on the end grain of a small block. The curved tip allows some degree of undercut, so the tool is excellent for small hollow forms or boxes. This tool must never be sharpened on a grinder; instead the top is honed with a diamond file. Eventually it will wear out but that s true of all tools, big and small. One of the tools that worries many woodturners is the skew chisel, but most of the problems come from incorrect presentation of the tool to the wood. Chris showed how to bring the edge into play to make fine planing cuts, but also using the long point, or toe, to make V-cuts and trim the end of the workpiece. But if you are a bit cautious of the skew, the Spindlemaster is a bit more user friendly as it doesn t have any points. It is used in the same way as the skew, letting the bevel come down the wood until the edge starts cutting, then the tool is rolled slightly and lifted to keep the cut aimed at the centre of the wood. However, Chris reminded us that any tool can be made to dig in, but having no points makes this a lot less likely with the Spindlemaster. And the Spindlemaster can be used much like a spindle gouge, leading to nice flowing curves, coves and beads. As Chris pointed out, most of the shapes that look good on turnings are the same as those developed by potters, with no straight lines, or sharp changes of angle. A real benefit of this tool is the highly polished bevel, which polishes the wood at the same time as the cut is made. This bevel must NEVER be sharpened. Like the micro tools, it is sharpened with a diamond file on the top surface. Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 2 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk

3 April 2012 The next tool Chris used was a point tool, often incorrectly referred to as the three point tool. It has a pyramidical grind on the end of round bar, giving a single point but three cutting edges. This tool has been long favoured by John Berkley as it can be used for many cuts, including a planing cut. It is excellent at trimming end grain but is also great for doing small beads. Chris demonstrated the tool on a piece of boxwood, taking very fine shavings off the surface. Whilst we all strive for the perfectly finished surface, decoration in the form of texturing is becoming more popular, especially in the USA. Robert Sorby developed the first texturing tool around 15 years ago. This tool can create two styles of decoration; texturing and spiralling. The spiralling cutter has a bevel on the top side only. The cutter is set at an angle to the vertical, resulting in it being forced to rotate as it contacts the wood. The tool is presented to the workpiece at relatively low speed rpm, with the front of the cutter rubbing the wood. The handle is raised until the cutting edge makes the starting cut. After a few seconds, stop the lathe and check there is just one start. The cutting is continued as for the initial cut, but letting the teeth on the cutter find the start groove before the cutting begins again. The tool is then moved along the rest, keeping the cutter against the wood. It is best to complete one pass at shallow depth then going over the length again, to deepen the spiral, until the maximum depth of the teeth or whatever depth is required, is reached. Finally the grooves should be cleaned up using a brass brush.. Sometimes the spiral may only be applied to a section of the work. In which case it is best to make a defining cut with another tool at the ends of the spiral. The angle of the cutter can be varied to give different pitch to the spiral, and to reverse the spiral. This can be put to good use, in creating a knurled pattern by cutting both left and right hand spirals over the same section. However, this will only work with very fine grained woods, otherwise the pattern will break up. Boxwood is ideal but try other woods and see how you get on. The micro spiral tool is used in exactly the same way but as it doesn t have any bearings, the speed should be reduced and the hub occasionally oiled. The texturing cutter is used vertically, allowing the teeth to dent the wood. Initially the pattern will not look very neat and needs some work to finish it off. This is best done with a blowtorch to remove any whiskers, then a brass brush to clean out the pattern, as with the spiral patterns. The patterns created with the texturing cutter depend on many factors, speed of lathe, grain texture of wood, how hard you press the tool to the wood, and how you move the cutter across the wood. It is impossible to predict the pattern so be prepared for some surprises. Unfortunately Chris wasn t able to demonstrate Robert Sorby s sharpening systems but he was able to persuade some of us to part with our cash and buy some more tools for the workshop. Thanks Chris for an enlightening evening. I hope you had a good journey home. The decorated boxwood Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 3 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk

4 All quiet on the turning front! Or is it? April 2012 I have noticed that there is a creeping epidemic during woodturning demonstrations; yes I refer to chattering of voices not chattering of tools. Please respect the turner who is demonstrating, even if he is not talking, it means he is concentrating and does not need the distractions. If you have ever stood out front you will know what I mean. By the way if you haven t stood out front, we are always looking for members to show us their talents. (Woodturning that is!) But seriously folks please try and keep noise down to a minimum during demonstrations; I ve even caught snatches of conversation that are nothing to do with woodturning! The very idea. Alan Smith Chairman. Burton golf club exhibition and sales event on 13 th. April Thanks to Ivan Blood, we all have an opportunity to not only show off our work but also earn some money! Burton golf club Ladies are holding a tournament that day and we will have several display tables available to exhibit our work. I believe Alan and Ivan will be manning the display but I am sure they would welcome other members to visit the event, and maybe help out for a while. If you do go, please bear in mind the golf club has a dress code; no jeans, trainers or football shirts but John Banton told us our club polo shirts would be acceptable. And it all helps promote our club Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) membership benefits We joined the Association at the beginning of this year primarily to get insurance cover for the club but there are other benefits of which you may not be aware. One of these was discussed at the last committee meeting and I thought the easiest way to pass on the information was via the newsletter, so here goes. Loan lathes The Association has lathes available for members to loan until they purchase their own equipment. We initially thought this might be useful for the young members in the club but then I thought there might be other club members who don t have their own lathe; so if that applies to you, why not consider this offer. The AWGB have sent me an application form, which I can , or print for you. It doesn t say what lathes are available, nor does it mention transport costs but I don t want to ask loads more questions if nobody is actually interested. Please let me know if you are. Trader discounts There are a reasonable number of traders offering discount to AWGB members. Unfortunately this page on the latest AWGB website doesn t show them but I have asked for a list, so when I get that, I will publish it in the newsletter. By the way, I keep my AWGB membership card in my wallet and, when buying tools etc., always ask if the retailer will give a discount, even if they aren t on the AWGB list. Don t expect to get it, but you would be surprised how many WILL discount things! Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 4 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk

5 Daventry April 2012 If you haven t been to this show, I can thoroughly recommend it. The organisers were taken by surprise the first year, when they only had one hall in use. Last year, they took over the whole venue and this year, they have got even more suppliers and demonstrators involved. For the very latest, checkout the web page on Tudor Rose s website but so far the following will be there: - Axminster Tools not sure how much they will have at the show, but I would anticipate chucks, tools and other woodturning specific products. But the club discount WON T be applicable. Toolpost A tool supplier based at Didcot, but they stock most of the top names in tools. Hamlet, Crown, BCT, Oneway. Note:- when I have bought from them at their shop, they gave me 5% discount for AWGB membership. Lovell workwear THE woodturner s smock supplier. Ashley Iles tools My favourite tool supplier. Good supply of HSS to make your own tools, plus unhandled tools to save you money, but they do handled tools as well. And they do excellent woodcarving tools. John Johnson Woodturning supplies John s demo'ed at the club and supplies all sorts of stuff. Chestnut finishes and adhesives That well-known manufacturer of all types of finishes, stains and adhesives. Simon Hope Tools and abrasives Value for money tool handles, sanding pads etc. English Hardwoods I guess the name says it all. Northamptonshire based. Bespoke Pens They sell turned pens but they also sell kits, including wood from whisky barrels! Camvac Specialists in dust extraction Mo Mead with Exotic timbers Phil Irons Woodturning Supplier of Trugrind jigs, Woodcut tools etc. General Finishes (Stains and finishes) Andy Harrison timbers Jim Morrison saws Charnwood Supplier of value for money equipment Hassop Hand tools - Mark Raby (Finishes) Supplies Mylands finishes and shows finishing techniques Hamilton Beverstock (Bandsaw blades) - And then there are the demonstrators :- John Berkley, John Johnson, Guy Ravine, Mick Hanbury, Gary Rance, Richard Findley, Steve Heeley, Reg Slack and Gerry Marlow. Now how are we going to see all that lot in one day!!! Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 5 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk

6 April 2012 Questions and answers Have you got a question; tools, wood, finishes, in fact anything relevant to woodturning? Why not ask other club members if they ve got the answer. And I will publish the answers in the newsletter, so everyone benefits. 2 coins An unusual request Paul Bellamy I am after a favour from everyone. I have been asked to make a bowl with a 2 coin inset in the centre. It needs to be a 2011 coin so I wonder if you could look at your loose change, whenever you get one of these coins, and if you have a nice condition one, can I buy it from you. I know the Royal Mint sells coins but at 25 they are a bit expensive. Thanks, Paul Turning tips This section is for any tips or advice you would like to pass on to other members. It doesn't matter what it is, if you discovered something you found useful that you think may benefit others, please pass it on. Designing your work Paul Bellamy If you design your work on paper freehand, before putting tool to wood, you can explore the shape very easily using a mirror. Draw the profile of one side of the design, then line a mirror up on its centre line. The image will show the finished design. Now move the miror back and forwarrds and you can make the work fat or thin to see what size works. And you can change the angle of the mirror centreline to change the size of the top or bottom. Use a mirror to show the other half. Another benefit is you can move the mirror back and forward to make your design fat or thin and you can change the angle of the centreline to vary the thickness along the length. Cling film We all know we need to seal the ends of green wood logs to reduce the likelihood of splitting and there are numerous materials made for this purpose but I have another option. Use a cheap roll of cling film to cover the ends of the log. And you can use cling film if you want to take a break when turning green wood. Just wrap your work with a couple of layers and you can have a tea-break with less worry of your work splitting. Bandsaw setup and problem resolution I came across Hamilton Beverstock s website from their link on the Woodworks page. I discovered they have an excellent page on bandsaw problems and lots of information on the types of blades to use. The direct link to that page is Apologies if you aren t on the net. If you would like a printout of the document (2 pages - ask me and I will do them for you Paul) FOR SALE Items for SALE or WANTED, or even FREE! Remember we are also using the Club s Storage box as a noticeboard, and that includes items For sale and Wanted, so make sure you checkout those notices for other items. Boxed set of 6 Axminster Perform HSS woodturning tools Allen Bumstead Set comprises :- 3/8 bowl gouge, ¾ roughing gouge, 1 oval skew, ¼ diamond section parting tool, ¾ round nose scraper and 3/8 spindle gouge; all in fitted wooden box. For sale individually or as box set. Contact Allen for prices Record CL3 lathe, with Record stand and bowl turning attachment Paul Bellamy This is a good solid lathe that s not had much use and with the stand and bowl turning attachments, it s capable of handling some big turnings. It is located at my workshop near Barton under Needwood if you want to view it or even give it a test drive. Call me on Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 6 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk

7 April 2012 Useful 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 have any other suggestions. Axminster Power Tools As we have a discount deal with Axminster, I will keep a permanent link to their site. Just remember the discount ONLY applies to items in the Woodturning section of the catalogue but it is still 15%. And they have duplicated some items within the catalogue so they DO appear in the Turning section. Please let me know when you want to order anything as I have a running shopping list. As soon as we get to 200, the order can be placed. Woodworks show at Daventry And a quick reminder that Tudor Rose club is putting on the Woodworks show at Daventry again this year. Hamilton Beverstock band saw blades I need to check on postal costs etc. but they offer free postage on orders over 50 and a discount for 5 blades or more, so it could be another case of a combined order. Let me know if you need any blades and we should be able to sort something out. Paul Amusing but useful American woodturner I came across this guy while looking for something else but was both amuseds by his style and impressed by some of his ideas. I don t agree with all his practises but I would still recommend a visit. By the way he has 116 videos uploaded, so make yourself a cup of tea before you start! Here s one to get you started, listen and watch the background at around 3mins in. The other Extreme Do NOT try this!! And finally, a link to our demonstrators web site, Robert Sorby There are links to the tool useasge videos here as well. Editor: Paul Bellamy Page 7 of 7 derwent.woodturners@pnbellamy.co.uk