During the hot and heavy summer days experienced recently, WMS members have continued to meet, make and enjoy each others company! Many activities have been undertaken and in recent months one of our members, Stephen, has been learning how to use the wood turning lathe and has successfully made several ‘between-centre’ pieces. The next stage in progressing was to attempt bowl turning, requiring new techniques and skills. He had one attempt, with some success, making a bowl but wanted to further his skills so purchased a piece of Masasa wood which is a hard timber, with nice grain and colour but requires good technique and sharp tools to achieve a good finish.
Fortunately, we have members with years of wood turning experience and Stephen asked Malcolm, who is a proficient turner, for help with this project.
Malcolm demonstrated the steps needed and under his watchful eye Stephen tried following the advice given. Mistakes were made but after a tentative and scary start, Stephen began learning the new skills needed to shape and hollow the blank before finally sanding and finishing the piece. Stephen said that he was well pleased with the finished article declaring that it was ‘fit for peanuts or hazelnuts’.
The making of the bowl was a good exercise in learning new skills and overcoming setbacks with the guidance of a patient and encouraging mentor – a good example of teamwork and what the Men’s Shed is about!!