GCWA's Signature Spring Retreat learning track--Turning Fundamentals!

Turning Fundamentals, for new turners, incorporated a new class structure this year, one designed around short lectures and demonstrations followed by supervised hands-on activities.  This method allowed the students to grasp material quickly and get plenty of hands-on time while allowing everyone to benefit from a single, simplified set of instructions.

New turners were introduced to using a chainsaw safely and effectively by Greg Gonsalves, our own Texas chainsaw master.

Next, new turners learned the fundamentals and techniques of tool sharpening from another resident master, Bill Berry.

After students sharpened their own tools (with Bill helping only as needed), they proceeded to the lathes where instructors guided them through the basics of turning.

Small student-to-instructor ratios provided each turner with plenty of guidance.  Tools were also provided for those who needed them.

Hands On: Miniature Turnings with Larry Zarra

Larry Zarra demonstrated how to turn small, and very small objects to Intermediate and Advanced students.

Each demonstration was followed by hands on application.  A discussion about tool making for miniatures was included.

Hands On: Naural Edge Bowls with Tom Orton

Tom Orton shared his extensive knowledge about turning natural edge bowls with Intermediate Turners, including selecting blanks, mounting between centers and drying bowls in the microwave.

A finished bowl from the class.

Hands On: Fountain Pen with Doug Grissom

Doug Grissom showed participants in this Intermediate Class how to make a beautiful fountain pen with a retail value of at least $45.

Finished pens!

Hands On: Enhancing End Grain Projects with Bill Lewis 

Bill Lewis took his Intermediate Class participants through the many variations of enhancing end grain projects, including spin tops, boxes and hollow forms.  He also discussed other enhancements including pyrography and wire burning.

 

Hands On: Spiral Stemmed Tea Lights by David Morley

Intermediate turners were delighted with the results of David Morley's thorough instruction on how to turn a spiral stemmed tea light/goblet.

Stacie Grange's tea light

Demo with Hands On: Tool Sharpening with Bill Berry

Bill Berry took retreat participants of all levels through the ins and outs of sharpening tools.  Bill is a knowledgeable and patient teacher and showed one long-time turner how to reverse engineer a preferred grind--a lesson that will be long remembered!

Hands On: Finials with Brian Laing

Brian Laing conducted one of two class sessions on finials; Janice Levi conducted the other.

Participants produced a finial that they could take home and attach to Christmas ornaments or boxes.

Hands On: The Basic Box with Doug Davis

Doug Davis helped Intermediate turners understand wood selection, preparation of the stock and the basic tools required to produce a basic box.

Doug also covered a bit of history behind wooden boxes.

Hands On: Chisels (Skews) in Spindle Turning with Steve LeGrue

The Turning Edge owner and GCWA member, Steve LeGrue, conducted a class on learning how to become friends with your chisels to the delight of class participants.

The club will be benefiting from Steve's business and organization skills during the next year as he has joined GCWA's Board of Directors.

Hands On: Mini Hats with Greg Gonsalves

Greg Gonsalves took Intermediate and Advanced turners through the process of creating a mini hat including blank selection, mounting, turning and techniques for shaping it.

Hands On: Plates and Platters with Marty Kaminsky

Marty Kaminsky shared his knowledge on making plates and platters with an enthusiastic group of Intermediate turners.

Marty demonstrated proper cuts and tool control, then help participants turn their own plate.

At right are a few plates Marty has turned, plus a blank with a tendon prepared for the lathe.

Hands On: Dying using three methods with Bill Tilson                    

Bill Tilson shared his secrets of dying using the Subtractive Method, the Additive Method and the Airbrush.    Bill's "Flower Bowl" was selected for AAW's 2008 themed exhibition that will be part of the AAW Symposium in Richmond, VA.  The piece was also included in AAW's Summer 2008 (Vol. 23, No 2.) edition of American Woodturner in an article about the exhibition.        Congratulations, Bill!

We couldn't resist including this picture of Bill Berry taking a retreat class--it's the first one he's taken in 12 years--because he's always so busy teaching!

Hands On: The Raffan Approach to Bowls with Fog Tanner           

Fog Tanner discussed and demonstrated the approach Richard Raffan uses to produce bowls in this Intermediate Class.

Hands On: Resin Bottle Stoppers with Mack DeBose         

Mack DeBose shared his secrets on how to make colorful resin bottle stoppers.  The results were impressive!

Presentation and Discussion: Form, Function & Proportion with Janice Levi

Janice discussed the age old question of "form vs. function" and how to make both artistic and functional both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Raffle

Bill Berry coordinated another great raffle.  Enthusiasm and expectations ran high, and some members got lucky (and also bought a lot of tickets!).

Member Gallery  

Luna Ford Award

George Kabacinski (r), GCWA president, presented the 2008 Luna Ford Award to Dale Barrack for his ongoing contributions to the club.

Miscellaneous Shots (a Retreat picture collection)