Gulf Coast Woodturners Association

Mack DeBose A Gulf Coast Woodturners Treasure!

Editors Note: We asked Mack DeBose, GCWA's 2007 Luna Ford Award recipient, for a little background information about himself to prepare this article.  He gave us that . . . and a whole lot more!  We learned that Mack has many interests outside of woodturning.  In fact, he's a bit of "jack of all trades."  What makes Mack unique is that he's a master of most of them.

Mack's technical background (Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering) and an extensive work resume in the oilfield equipment manufacturing industry and the computer systems field likely spurred his natural curiosity about "how things work."  In the process, he's developed wide-ranging interests, including computers (he builds his own), gunsmithing (he loads his own ammo and has built high powered rifles) and ATVs (a recent interest).  And of course, woodturning.  Mack has served on the GCWA board of directors as either a volunteer, a member, or a officer for a number of years lending his expertise to the club's newsletter as its editor and, recently, to financial matters (he was just elected Treasurer)--an impressive list of interests and accomplishments.

But, when it comes to boasting, Mack doesn't.  That's why we were so delighted to learn so much about him preparing this tribute to him.  We think you'll enjoy reading this Gulf Coast Treasures article about an member we've all come to respect and appreciate.  Here, in his own word, is Mack's story. 

"I have a lot of interests; so many that I find it difficult to apply enough time to all of them. I have always been a avid hunter, primarily for upland birds and big game.  I have been shooting firearms since preschool and I do my own gunsmithing and hand load my own ammunition.  I have made several custom high power rifles.  However, all of my deer hunting for the last five years has been with muzzle loading, black powder rifles.

"In recent years I have discovered the fun and adventure of ATV trail riding through the mountains, deserts and forests.  My wife and I have traveled to Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Utah, Colorado, and Alaska to experience their trails.  I originally acquired an ATV so I could travel within our deer lease without subjecting my automobile to the rough terrain and cactus thorns.  I soon discovered that just riding it was a lot of fun and it allows me to get up close to the outdoor environment.  Sometimes, however, this also includes the cold, wind and rain.

"Another recent undertaking is the participation in Cowboy Action Shooting where the objective is to dress up like old West characters or movie cowboys, acquire a colorful alias name and shoot competitively with revolvers, rifles and shotguns common in the 1800’s.  I have found this to be a very popular activity and a lot of fun.  The shoots are safe, colorful, noisy, and you meet a lot of interesting people, sort of like a GCWA meeting.

"I acquired my first PC computer in 1981 and made it a point to learn as much about them as I could.  Eventually this led to a change in career and I began to build, service and repair computers and systems on a full time basis.  I earned several professional certifications in the computer industry relative to systems, hardware and software.  Along with computer systems, I have always had an interest in electronics and electrical hardware.

"While woodturning is now my main focus in working with wood, I also spend about the same amount of time doing metal working with lathe, milling machine and welder.  Making my own woodturning tools and turning aids has become a very rewarding endeavor.

"Most of my skills, if you can so categorize them, have been self taught although I was exposed to metal working and welding while earning my engineering degree.  I was initially exposed to woodworking in High School and contribute a lot of my interest to that brief encounter.  I can truthfully say that all of my knowledge and skills in woodturning have been gained either directly or indirectly through the Gulf Coast Woodturners Association which includes the AAW offerings.  When I look at the wood turnings that I was so proud of prior to joining GCWA I find so many flaws now that I no longer place them out where they can be seen by others.

"My first wood lathe was a little Sears “mini lathe” which could turn a maximum diameter of 6”.  It didn’t even have a threaded spindle or a Morse taper socket.  It had a spur drive that fit over the spindle shaft and was secured with a set screw.  At the time I was working for Vetco Offshore and the Tool Shop reported to me.  I had one of our toolmakers make me a live center since I had no idea where to buy one.  My first turnings were simple goblets that have somehow been retained as curios.  My first real challenge was to make spindles to frame a wall clock that I was building.  These spindles had beads and coves.  I don’t remember much about the actual turning but I know that I mostly used formed scrapper tools made from files ground to form the profiles.

"Sometime in the eighties I was able to purchase some major shop equipment from a relative when her husband passed away.  Foremost of which was a 1945 vintage Delta wood lathe along with a set of Craftsman carbon steel turning tools.  This was my start to really get involved in wood turning.  It did not take long, however, for me to realize that I knew next to nothing about what I was trying to do and I did not have the proper tools or wood.  Nearly everything I started wound up in the scrap pile.  After so long, the frustration caused me to devote my time to other woodworking activities that produced more acceptable results.

"The first GCWA meeting that I attended was at The Cutting Edge and Bill Berry was doing the demonstration.  Following the Show & Tell, I visited with Howard Moore while he explained how he made his fantastic segmented bowls.  He even offered to give me some personal instruction and some wood from his stockpile.  Everyone I talked to was willing to freely part with knowledge and assistance.  I was completely wowed.  At the GCWA Spring Retreat that year, the first that I attended, Howard followed through with his offer and I benefited greatly from participating in his segmented turning session.

"With the tools and material situation somewhat relieved, the next major obstacle was to upgrade my lathe.  Having always used and depended upon Sears to provide my equipment needs, I decided that their new wood lathe with the variable speed headstock was just what I needed and the price was right.  This was a hard learned lesson and it took me a couple of years to understand that even if the machine is new and has all the right functions it doesn’t necessarily do the job right.  I finally gave up on the Sears and acquired a new Powermatic 3520A and have been happy with it ever since.  I only wish they would quit making improvements that render mine 'obsolete.'

"As most of the members know, I was the Newsletter Editor from 1999 through most of 2007 and served three terms on the Board of Directors during this time.  This has been very rewarding experiences and I was somewhat reluctant to give up the editor’s job.  But, I felt that it was time for new thinking and to let someone else see if they can take our Newsletter to the next level.  While this decision has freed up a good bit of my time, I don’t intend to spend less time working for the Club in other capacities.  There is always some task that needs to be accomplished that perhaps I can accommodate.

"I have never felt more honored than when I was awarded the 2007 Luna Ford Award.  I don’t feel like I deserved it more so than others within the Club, however.  I have always enjoyed working on the Newsletter and doing whatever other tasks needed to be done.  Most all of the tasks and functions that provide substance to the ongoing requirements of GCWA are fun to do and generate a feeling of meaningful accomplishment.  With that kind of incentive, bestowing an award seems unnecessary.