John's Junket
Even though June is barely upon us it is not too early to start thinking
about our July program - Show & Tell. I always look forward to this particular
program because it’s an opportunity to showcase the wealth of knowledge and
expertise represented by our own members. Take a moment to review your woodworking
accomplishments - and failures! Perhaps you have learned a new skill, or maybe
you have completed a project that you would like to share? How about that
clever jig you have devised, or your discovery of the best way NOT to do
something?
Your fellow members would love to hear it all!
Program
Chain Saw Carving
The June 5th meeting will welcome Bob Younger of Younger’s Woodery in
Mukwonago present a program on Chain Saw Carving. Mr. Younger creates large
wood sculptures using chain saws. He started out as a cabinetmaker but happened
upon chain saw carving, which he has been doing full time for the last eight
years. Bob has also demonstrated for the Badger Woodcarvers and other carving
organizations. It is hoped that part of his June program will move outside
for a live demonstration. If this is the case, it might be advisable to consider
hearing and sight safety equipment!
Guild activities
June 5: Wednesday, Regular Guild Meeting
Topic: Chain Saw Carving
Presenter: Bob Younger
Location: Washingon Park Senior Center
Time: 6:15 - 9:29 pm
July 10: Wednesday, Regular Guild Meeting
Topic: Show and Tell
Presenters: Guild Members
Location: Washington Park Senior Cener
Time: 6:15 - 9:29 pm
On -going Activies
Toy Makin’ Fun Fest
Ron Hinderman
Topic: Toy Makin’ Fun Events
Presenters; Toy Makers, single and groups.
Opportunities: Join up with Ron Hinderman or some of his lieutenants on
the Toy Committee and foster or join a
Toy Makin’ Fun Event. Or, create your own solo event in your workshop! The
holidays will be upon us soon and we want to be ready for the kids!
Are you interested in making sawdust along with producing some wonderful
toys? I know there are a lot of retirees out there. Would you like to join
me at a Toy Makin’ Fun Fest? How about during the day----or how about on week-ends?
My shop is waiting for some good people to help me out with your skill,
talent and ideas.
When a bunch of people get together, everything goes smoother - and look
at the results when we are done! Look at all the of the wonderful toys we
give the kids at Christmas time, and think of all the smiles on these kid’s
faces.
We can also use good clean wood, and any other parts to help make these
toys. How about helping out?
Please call me.
Thanks
Raffle
Alan Clapp
Frank Stilp was the lucky winner of the Forstner bit set last month.
The June raffle prize has been donated by The Woodworker’s Choice. Representative
Robert Jones has donated a 12-piece Carbide Tip Router Bit Set. The Woodworker’s
Choice is a distributor of quality woodworking tools and accessories. They
have been an active participant at the Woodworking shows in Milwaukee. You
may contact them at the following addresses:
The Woodworker’s Choice
700 Ray Taylor Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694
www.thewoodworkerschoice.com 800-892-4866
Reflections
Integrating Machine and Hand Tools
Kurt Moses
We had the distinct pleasure to have at our May meeting Garret Hack
who talked on how hand tools may be integrated into one’s shop work in furniture
making.
He has been making furniture for more than two decades and his designs
are extraordinarily light and shapely. His idea of making good and pleasing
work is in the design. Before a pattern is put on paper, his design is complete
in all particulars. His work may be strong and well built, but it is the design
which makes it last through time.
Although most of his work is made with machine tools, all surfaces get
a going over with hand tools. after wood is planed on a machine, he goes over
it with a hand plane. He talked at length about his planes, some of which
cost several thousand dollars. The adjustments, and the particular function
of each plane was explained. When demonstrating his technique, the shaving
were so thin as to be almost transparent. The wooden surface was so smooth
it shone.
He was very enthusiastic about several little planes he made himself.
They made patterns even on curved surfaces, and pattern edges with chamfers
and other patterns, each of which requires a different plane of his own making.
Other little hand tools made grooves for inlays which he also makes himself.
He demonstrated an inlay which was made of ebony and holly and gave a black
and white effect. The scratch tools, among other things, make several grooves
in legs, with apparently very little work, and also are made by Garret. All
surfaces are very smooth and shiny.
A good part of the time was taken up by a slide show. His furniture
is very light looking with decorated legs and bowed fronts, and is traditional
in most other ways. What makes this furniture particularly his own, are the
finishing touches he puts on with inlays and unusual curves and patterns.
For example, he does not like to use 3/4 inch wood. He thinks its boring.
So he uses either a little heavier or a little lighter thickness. He prefers
ovals to circles. Garret appears to be a perfectionist and spends a lot of
time finishing his projects.
Another part of his slides were pictures of his shop, inside and out.
It was built of brick which he cleaned himself, and has lots of windows to
give only natural light where he works. The shop is built on his own farm
where he cuts his own wood especially selected for each project. The shop
is also designed to make his clients believe they had a part in making and
designing their furniture.
Garret is a graduate of Princeton University in architecture and civil
engineering, and went to Boston College to learn furniture and woodworking.
He distinguishes himself by both his enthusiasm and love for his work. A workshop
was held on the weekend following his presentation.
(The workshop report will follow in a later edition. Ed.)
Special Features
Classified
For Sale
Bandsaw; INCA 710, 20” throat 8” clearance; stand & motor 110/220 single
phase; table Size 20” x 20”; blades 1/16 to 1”; rip fence & depth stop;
$850.00
Cabinetmakers Saw, INCA 259; 10” , motor & stand 110/220 single phase;
rip fence & miter; includes mortising table; $950.00 Optional sliding
table $250.00
Kevin Clarkowski
kevin135@execpc.com
For Sale
Lathe; Jet Mini-Lathe, Model JML-1014 Ideal for pens and small turnings.
Like brand new. Used only once. $300.
Dick Butula
Must Sell
Radial Arm Saw, Craftsman, 10”, excellent condition, $350/obo.
Drafting Tables and Drafting Machines - any reasonable offer.
Ron Klassen