SPLINTERS

TENNESSEE VALLEY WOODWORKERS APRIL 1989

Here we are approaching mid—April and were still in “Dogwood Winter’. We’ve all heard of “April Showers bringing those May flowers. Maybe it ought to be something more like “April monsoon won’t end til June” OR maybe “April precipitation brings May anticipation” just one more “April torrents bring wishful moments” and last “April inundation brings thoughts of summer vacation.” Needless to say it’s another rainy day.... a great opportunity to spend some time in the shop.. .maybe even fix the lawn mower up for another glorious season of mowing.

Hear Yea! Hear Yea!

TENNESSEE VALLEY WOODWORKERS

Will be having their monthly meeting on TUESDAY APRIL 18 7:00 PM at the Duck River Electric Building in Decherd.
SEE YOU THEN

A MAGNIFICENT MARCH MEETING

Our March meeting proved Monumental. The limited space available in this newsletter will allow only a fleeting synopsis of the magnificent March meeting.

* Hats —Jack Townsend picked up our hat order. The beautiful blue bonnets were a big hit. Judy Davis informs us that only 9 hats remain.

* The Main Event had Bill Chew matched against a tall and tough piece of white oak. Bill gave us an excellent demonstration of some of the trials and tribulations of splitting oak strips for making baskets. The first round was a tough one. Bill had to recruit Richard Gulley and Phil Bishop to make the first pass with the froe. Thanks to all!

* The Bar—B—Que Trophy Committee has submitted a design for approval and comment. Very little other information was reported. They’ve all agreed not to SQUEAL 1 Richard Gulley brought in some of his trophy carvings — Ma—HOG—a—nee, of course. Next thing you know, they’ll suggest a turned gobble—ette.

Gina Bishop announced the opening of The Homeplace and Heritage Arts and Crafts, a craft and supply shop owned by Gina and her friend Dava Merrit. The shop is located on the boulevard in Winchester right down from the Scenic. Gina and her partner are currently in the market for craft items to sell, consign, or negotiate.

SHOW AND TELL——we can never say enough good things about our monthly show and tell. Every month brings a new wealth of talents and ideas shared with our fellow woodworkers. Keep up the participation. Here are a few highlights:

* Jack Townsend and Judy Davis brought some fine examples of woodburning, inspired by Bill Moyes previous program.

* Bob Reese showed a nearly patentable and very clever holding and clamping fixture. He also had an interesting shaving tool. My guess—for skiving or edging leather.

* Jim Van Cleeve brought in his recently purchased book on Tennessee furniture -- some interesting stuff.

* Rick Duncan brought in his son’s favorite Bear Chair. Rick also had nifty gift -- a diamond based sharpening stone.

* Henry Davis brought in some band saw boxes, one was a foot locker. He also had a beautiful bud vase of walnut. Some of his designs were inspired by a book shared through our recently formed library/book exchange. Let’s keep books coming in and circulating. We really need to think about some kind of shelf storage system. If we only had some wood, talent, and time !

Rick Duncan also mentioned a connection for bar clamps through a furniture manufacturer that is relocating. With the price he mentioned, Rick had people lined up expressing their desires.

Judy Davis circulated a thoughtful Thank You note from Retha Shirley for the book donated in Bill’s memory.

* Murrel Chattin showed off his laminated bowl skills. Those scraps certainly can be “turned” into things of beauty.

* Other “tricks of the trade” included dowels made on a table saw and a new trick for cleaning loaded up sanding belts or disks using a scrap of acrylic plastic or plexiglass.

NEXT MEETING

Rick Duncan has graciously accepted Richard Gulley’s invitation to present this month’s program. Rick will be discussing various finishing techniques both commercial and home and shop. His background in finishing techniques is quite extensive. An Industrial Engineer by trade, Rick has worked with production furniture companies as well as home shop furniture restoration. He is currently consulting for various Middle Tennessee industries. Needless to say, this program should prove to be very useful. SEE YOU TUESDAY !

COMING EVENTS

* April 14,15,16 Atlanta Woodworking Show. A good place to get wished for tools at promotional show prices.

* April 22—23 Creative Woodturning Seminar at Falls Mill in Belvidere. Two days of comprehensive turning from basics through goblets and canteens. I’ve been signed up for a month now. Don’t miss this fine opportunity to spend two glorious days with Tom Cowan in beautiful downtown Belvidere.

* April 15 Cherokee Lumber in Maryville, TN. Delta tools is sponsoring a free tool seminar with Jim I-looper, a

professional woodworker. Special promotional prices are promised.

NEXT ISSUE

Remember our next issue will be the Swim Suit edition featuring a spotlight on Richard Gulley. We’ll also try to compile a summary of upcoming Craft Shows ... . it is the season.

!!! HELP WANTED

It’s been quite some time since we’ve had any members contribute to SPLINTERS. Your thoughts, ideas, suggestions or articles will be gratefully accepted. A magazine clipping, cartoon or helpful hint would be great.. .we do get low on new ideas. PLEASE LET US HEAR FROM YOU.