TENNESSEE VALLEY WOODWORKERS
APRIL MEETING 4/20/04
The Tennessee Valley Woodworkers monthly meeting was called to order by president, Ken Gould on Tuesday April 20, 2004 at 7:00 pm at the Duck River Building, Winchester, TN.
There were 74 in attendance, including visitors.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Henry Davis, club treasurer, announced that three people joined the club as new members. They are Sharon Wright, Tom and Josh Few. We welcome them to the club.
Ken reminded all club members that current year membership dues are past due. If dues are not paid in April, names will be dropped from the roster and mailing lists.
Ken reviewed the grand door prizes, to be given away at the Christmas party, for the benefit of our new members.
Hugh Hurst has a Craftsman 6” jointer and a “nearly new” Jet lathe for sale.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Carving Workshop, held on April 17th at the Belvidere Community Center, was attended by 17 enthusiastic “carvers”. It was a terrific workshop. The club thanks Billy May, Mary Ellen Lindsay, Bob Lowrance, Bob Reese, Winfield Bennett and Jim Wright for helping in the presentation of the workshop.
Spring Finishing Seminar: Scheduled for April 24th at the Forrest Mills Church of Christ Annex Building, with Jerry TerHark as the presenter. Loyd reminded members that the early registration fee is $35. The registration fee will be $40 at the door. The Spring Seminar Committee has purchased a VHS tape and a book, both by Jerry TerHark, to give as door prizes at the seminar. Doyle McConnell made a plug for the Seminar on the local Manchester radio station. Larry Bowers continues to do an excellent job of publicizing the seminar.
Tree Identification Workshop: The date for the “Tree Identification” field trip, led by Bob Leonard, is scheduled for June 12th. The time will be from 8:00 until 12:00. The workshop location will be at Camp Arrowhead and the cost will be $5. Participants should plan to bring water and wear good walking shoes. Bob will be assisted by a local Forrester.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Sharpening Workshop has been scheduled for July 24th. It will be presented by Bob Reese. Additional information concerning location and time will be given later.
Doyle McConnell showed a sample molding for a mantle that he was repairing. He had made the cutter to match the old molding from a file, using a “Dremel” tool. He then mounted the cutter in a molding head cutter on his table saw to produce the molding.
Jim Van Cleave brought a wood spirit carving that he carved at the Carving Workshop. He also showed 3 relief carvings of flowers. He gave the interesting family history of an old chair that he displayed.
Hugh Hurst brought 3 natural edge bowls turned from beautifully textured mesquite wood. He also brought a maple natural edge bowl that he had made for a customer.
Gary Runyon brought a small vase to show what a turned rhododendrum burl looks like.
David Whyte displayed a working lathe that he had made from a design he had found. Naturally, the wood was beautiful walnut.
Bob Reese displayed a violin, made in China, that he had purchased and refinished/reworked. Gold leafing designs had been put on the back. He also brought a beautifully sounding 5-string violin made from maple. The maple had very unique grain spacing.
Russ Willis brought a birdhouse made from 25 pieces of cedar. The top was formed of copper.
Kenneth Clark displayed a small oak table that he had made and finished with spar varnish.
Don Powers showed a chittum wood bowl. The chittum turning had a beautiful and unique shape.
Newt Wright brought a segmented bowl he had turned. The bowl was made from walnut and maple.
PROGRAM:
The program for this month was presented by John Ross of Huntsville. His topic was Chip carving. John displayed some of his beautifully detailed chip carvings and designs. He talked about the limitless detail designs and said they could come from anywhere. He stated that this type carving was “cheap” to get started. He did most of his carvings with only two knifes. He gave a demonstration describing how he sharpened his knifes and stressed the importance of always keeping your tools sharp. Most of his carvings were done in basswood. This is the wood he prefers for carving.
John discussed the different results of negative and positive image carving and how the reflective light can greatly change the look of the image. His preferred finish is polyurethane satin finish, thinned half and half for application. Be sure to wipe off any residue finish.
The presentation was excellent and was in great detail for those interested in trying their hand at the art of “Chip” carving. John handed out a sheet, giving an overview of his presentation.
Refreshments:
Refreshments for the meeting were furnished by Henry Davis, Jim & Ellen Steadman.
Minutes by Chuck Taylor, Secretary