Our meeting today was a Club Demonstration Day.
Chris Withall very kindly accepted to demonstrate to us in the morning.

As we all know Chris' speciality is segmented forms.
Before starting on the lathe, he explained to us how he marked up, cut out and glued each layer to make a form.

Chris warned us that as it is basically a collection of small pieces of wood all glued together, it is very delicate and can and sometimes does, break up. He uses PVA glue and it is very important to allow it to dry thoroughly. When turning, he emphasised the need to wear a face mask, as they have a tendency to break up.

Chris started by obtaining a smooth surface on the inside of the form, then did the same to the outside, as well as adding shape.
Chris continued, by offering up more pre-prepared segmented layers. As he didn't have glue with him, that was as far as he could proceed.
So he began to work on the top, as it too was segmented, he emphasised how delicate it is, so only would turn it down to about 8mm thick.

As there was still about half an hour left, he turned a bowl out of a piece of ash that he had brought with him. He made a very pleasing shape from it.

In the afternoon Paul Hunt turned a piece of beech to make a platter.

We all know Paul, and knew he was never going to just give it a coat of oil or such like and leave it at that. So, he masked the wood with kitchen paper and sprayed it with a black spray. After it had dried, Paul applied blue and purple jo sonjas iridescent paint with a piece of sponge. Allowing it to dry properly,
Paul removed the paper towelling and put it back on the lathe. He then made a hole slightly larger than a 50mm clear tank with a wick to make a tea light.
It looked most effective.

The oil tank was obtained from clearcraftoilcandle.co.uk relatively inexpensively.

We then cleared up after a very good day. It was pleasing to see slightly more members attending.

The committee looks forward to seeing members on November 12th for a 'hands on' club day, where all members can have a go or discuss with others any problems, thoughts, they have. See you there.

Graham/Matthew/Fred.