Dave and I got together the other night to begin the NWG Fun Turn and we had a great evening of turning. We began by confirming our design and then choosing a suitable piece of cherry burl from his wood pile.

The piece of Ash that we will be using is 6″X6″X3″ and the Cherry is about 12″ long and 5″ in diameter at it’s widest:

We decided to begin turning the base so we cut the Ash in two pieces on the bandsaw to give us a piece approximately 6″X4″X3″ for the base and leaving a piece approximately 6″X2″X3″ for the finial.

We mounted the base on Dave’s new Nova DVR XP lathe and proceeded to turn. The Nova DVR XP from Teknatool in New Zealand is definitely a beautiful lathe! It runs very smooth and quiet with a number of features such as computerized speed control and reverse:

Continue reading 'The NWG Fun Turn Contest – Pt. 2'

I mentioned in a previous post that the Nova Woodturners Guild members were given blocks of Ash for the upcoming Fun Turn Contest. One thing that I didn’t mention was that this year there is the opportunity for two members to collaborate on a project. This suggested that there was a chance to work with someone on the same project! This idea really intrigued me.

For the most part, I have always viewed woodturning as a solitary hobby. Hours are spent alone turning, experimenting, trying to hone one’s skills. More hours are spent alone reading and watching video about turning techniques and projects, either in our living room or online. Our defeats are secretly given up to the scrap pile and, in my case at least, successes are embarrassingly, and often reluctantly, shared with others. It’s a private thing, not so much as by desire (though at times it is) but more because of design. Unlike other facets of woodworking where the tools and projects allow you to share, like with a father working with his son or daughter building a simple birdhouse or someone working with his or her neighbor building a shed. Even woodcarving lends itself to this. Perhaps not by working on the same project but certainly through the camaraderie that a couple of carvers carving together brings forth. Oh, sure, as woodturners we meet other woodturners and talk woodturning but the actual process of turning is a solitary one.

Continue reading 'The NWG Fun Turn Contest – Pt. 1'

The Nova Woodturners Guild members met at Halifax Specialty Hardwoods for this month’s meeting last night. There were over 30 members in attendance for this popular annual visit and everyone had a great time!

Most of us got there early to get a bit of shopping in before the meeting, and shopping we did! And no wonder! Darryl Vallis and Cheryl Borden, brother and sister owner/operator of Halifax Specialty Hardwoods, have done a fine job on their shop. They offer a great selection of both local and exotic quality hardwoods. They also offer burls, pen blanks and bowl blanks in a variety of species. This, combined with the reasonable prices and their helpful and friendly service, makes their shop a favorite among local woodworkers.

The fact that everyone was there early also gave the opportunity to do a lot of chatting. Like the shopping, there was a lot of it! The air was filled with great conversation and laughter.

The meeting began with a Show and Tell of some of the beautiful works of several members. There were bowls in a variety of sizes, Christmas ornaments, hollow vessels and pens. Here are a few photos:

Continue reading 'The NWG Visits Specialty Hardwoods'

After a long summer hiatus the Nova Woodturner’s Guild met for the first meeting of our fourteenth season last night. And what a great meeting it was! There were awards given out, a fantastic show and tell and bowl making and spindle turning demos and instruction.

There were over 40 members in attendance for this meeting at the carpentry room of the Nova Scotia Community College, Leed Street campus.

The evening started with Appreciation and Recognition Awards. These were given out to people who have supported the club over the years.

Here is Stephen Zwerling receiving his Award of Appreciation, presented by club president Bill Luther and Don Moore:

Here’s John Macnab receiving his Award of Appreciation:

Continue reading 'The Nova Woodturner’s Meet Again!'