WOODWORK
This is Brian, our wood-turner's lathe
specialist. Anything he doesn't know about such pieces
of equipment probably hasn't been discovered yet -
but when it is, he'll probably be the discoverer.
These five pens began their journey from timber to polished barrels as 8-centimetre long, 1-centimetre-square
blocks. In the hands of Brian (or one of the men he's trained here), they slowly changed shape,
were sanded, polished, and then fitted with their brass parts and ink-tube. The two letter-openers followed a similar
path; and you probably wouldn't believe some of the types of timber used! They're just a sample of what can
be accomplished with the right training and equipment: increase the dimensions of the wooden block used, and you
can make a Grecian-style wooden chalice or whatever human imagination and creativity can dream up.
We are also looking at tutoring held monthly on a one-to-one basis in the use and techniques of operating a wood-lathe. These classes will be conducted by two of our most experienced operators - Brian and Ross - so obviously, only two applicants can be trained at a time. A beginners' course will be held on the first Tuesday of each month, commencing Tuesday 2 February at 11.30am. Contact a Shed committee member or phone 3806-6086.
Meet Alan, another of our 'wood-gurus.'
He can carve and burn the most fascinating
designs and pictures into wood or leather.
And he doesn't mind showing
you how it's done
or discussing a piece he's working on.
And don't let the white hair fool you: he may
look aged, but there are not many in the
Shed who don't look timeworn in one aspect
or another. Age, if anything, simply adds up to
experience in whatever field one happens to
be qualified.
Alan is another of our artists who started
in a different field and simply 'translated'
it to suit a new environment and slightly
different techniques, and new materials.
Alan will be more than happy to pass on what
he's learned to you, too.
A study of the grain in this unworked slab of
timber will tell you why it has fascinated for centuries as both a building and a decorative material. And the range of colours and patterns
to be found about us is almost limitless.
From the pale yet attractive shades of Radiata pine to the dark lustre of mahogany, there is
a coloring to suit just about every purpose and preference for wood over any other material.
And with an ever-increasing range of stains, polishes, and waxes coming onto
the market almost daily, your choices keep on growing. So if you've never
considered working in timber before, why not give it a try?
Join us at Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch Mens' Shed; you're sure to find an art or activity
to suit your tastes.
Bob tutors a new member on the
the safe - and correct -method of turning a pen
on a lathe.
