My woodturning gives me bipolar feelings at times. Sometimes, I’m very happy with what I’m doing. Sometimes
I’m glum and upset. I look at various pieces of information that float across my desk and I’m feeling up, then down.
Take the content of American Woodturner. Much of the product is so far advanced, I can’t imagine copying it. There are techniques which are actually feasible given the notes accompanying the articles, but they might be performed
in such an intricate way there is little hope of having the time and patience to duplicate them.
It is not only my reading that causes a flip-flop of emotions. My own work brings me joy sometimes; despair others.
Sometimes I am at the pinnacle of skill and then find a groove or tearout that I missed a minute ago. I get a lot of pleasing feedback about the pieces I display here at Morgan Orchards, our new home. That helps. Then I go downstairs and face a new project. I have to say, each beginning starts with enthusiasm and confidence. Each piece of wood presents a new challenge and a new opportunity. I’m happy to pick up a gouge every time.
The true purposes of the journal, and for that matter, “Chatter”, include inspiration, instruction, entertainment, and
acclaim. What I read should help me be a better turner in some way.
Our meetings of the Woodchucks, including the informal “Sawdust Sessions”, also provide the same benefits and
more. We learn from each other. Even if the subject has been repeated many times, we tend to pay closer attention to some aspect we are interested in or missed the last time we talked about it. That’s instruction.
Sometimes, we are inspired to try something—a different grip on a gouge, a different way of decorating—you
name it. I can also say about our sessions that they are entertaining. It’s fun to see someone actually accomplishing something.
As for acclaim, we are always thankful and praising of a demonstrator or an idea from our fellow Woodchucks.
Probably as important to me, we share our experiences with each other. I feel that the gatherings give us a sense of
friendship.
As the author of “Chatter”, my ambition is to record the Woodchuck activities, to highlight our skill sharing, and to
inform about future activities of the club and of the members.
This month, we pass a milestone. Nick Rosato is passing the gavel on. He has been President since 2012, six years in
which he has guided us through some excellent meetings in a variety of locations. Nick has not only made sure we had a place to meet every month, but also insured that we had interesting demonstrations; more times than his share being the lead demonstrator. True, we have been fortunate to meet at Russ Fellows home and shop in summery weather, but we had to find shelter once the weather turned cold. So, we met at the Woodworking
School in Jericho, Nick’s shop in Winooski (two different shops!!), and in Hinesburg at CVU.
We now need someone to take over the lead of the Woodchuck Turners. That post is empty as of October meeting. All the other offices are by the Bylaws, open and available to volunteers. Vice-President stands in for President when
he/she is unavailable. Secretary records all meetings and passes the minutes on to the newsletter. Treasurer keeps track of dues and income. At Large Board members help formulate the future of the Club.
While not necessarily a Board member, the Newsletter Editor job is also open to nomination or volunteering. After
some years in one pair of hands, the Newsletter might benefit from a different viewpoint and new ideas for format.
The Editor would have a bi-polar reaction to that event!
Arny
Last modified: October 18, 2018
