April 2012

April 2012
One of my pet issues is “where are the future turners going to come from” if they don't get their initial taste of woodworking in school? It’s easy to point the finger at the schools and blame the different institutions for eliminating the programs; but it’s a complex situation with many variables and I don't believe that there is any one cause. However, there are many clubs that are trying to remedy the problem and introduce turning to the younger folks. Many fathers and grandfathers are taking it upon themselves to teach their own at home. This could be a solution to the problem. One of the problems that face many of the clubs is the paperwork involved in just getting into the schools to teach turning. There are complex rules in place to protect kids from unsavory characters, and this creates barriers and increases frustration to the point of declaring, “Why bother?” Sam Angelo, a retired teacher from Wyoming, has placed a number of documents on his website that might make the task a bit easier for those clubs and individuals who are just getting started. Please visit his site at www.wyomingwoodturner.com/wmsafterschool.htm for additional information.

Congratulations are in order for one of our contributors. Barry Gross has written several articles on penmaking and does some excellent work. Recently, I received a press release notifying me that he was a double finalist in NICHE Magazine’s Fine Craft Competition. The release noted that “NICHE magazine, the exclusive trade publication for retailers of American and Canadian craft, announced the finalists for its 2012 NICHE Awards. Barry Gross is a double finalist within the Mixed & Miscellaneous Media category for the piece Cholla Cactus and the Recycled category for the piece Tempus Jr. Both pieces were recognized in the professional division of the competition.” Barry, congratulations on the well-deserved honor!

Woodturning Design has been in existence for over seven years and the format has remained basically the same. We have a stable of contributors that run the gamut of the turning world, and we try to offer a balanced array of articles in each issue. I try to incorporate new innovative ideas as they come up, and the new miniseries on the Rose Engine lathe is one such example. I have also just discussed the possibility of running a series of articles on metal spinning in future issues. My point is, should we continue with the format that seems to be working or should we try something new? Are you happy with our regular contributors? Are there topics that you would like to see that we haven't addressed? These are the things we need to know in order to keep bringing you issues with things you want to see. Please take the time to make your feelings known—after all, it is YOUR magazine and I want to address subjects in which you find value. Please e-mail me at editors@woodturningdesign.com.

I think we have an excellent issue. I provide a review on the Jimmy Clewes workshops and a European lathe that is becoming better known in the US. Ron Odegaard shows us his techniques for making a mosquito house that could be adapted to make birdhouse ornaments. Malcolm Tibbetts demonstrates how to make some unique segmented picture frames. Kurt Hertzog takes us “behind the scenes” to Easy Wood Tools and discusses some aspects of photography that I'm sure you will find helpful. Mike Stafford is an excellent box maker who explains how he makes another one of his wonderful creations.

Happy turning