Twenty-one people in attendance, including 13 visitors from Riverside Church of Christ.
The meeting was held at Dixon’s s’hanger with members enjoying a chili lunch following the demonstration.
Club Business
New Equipment: The club’s new lathe shield was displayed and used during the demo, with thanks to member Chris Moody for providing materials.
Video System Upgrade: Michael Vernon provided a cost estimate of $1,000 for rejuvenating the video system. A motion was placed, seconded, and passed unanimously. Member donations are being welcomed to help move the project forward.
March Demonstrator: John Shearouse announced that Richard Cale will provide the March demonstration at the Wheatly shop on March 21st.
Demonstration
Gene Dixon demonstrated creative problem-solving in turning by designing a spindle key holder that incorporates a natural knot as a design feature rather than treating it as a defect to be removed.
Setup and Blank Preparation
Gene started with a 12" × 12" × 2" cherry board that featured a prominent hollow knot approximately 3" × 2" × 1" on one side. He attached a pre-drilled plywood jig (~6" diameter with ¾" thickness and three equally spaced holes plus a center hole) using woodworker’s tape. One hole was strategically placed so that a tenon could be formed directly opposite the knot.
Base and Foot Creation
With the board mounted on the lathe via the screw holes, Gene created three overlapping 2" tenons on the board on the side opposite the knot, plus one centered 6" tenon that would become the foot for the finished piece. The tenon side was then flattened.
The board was mounted such that the knot would become an intentional design element through an offset “dish.” The surface was flattened, and once the dish portion was completed, a ½" hole was drilled to mount the spindle key holder.
The Spindle
A matching cherry spindle was turned using a roughing gouge for initial rounding and mostly a skew to shape the final form.
Show ’n Tell
Members shared their recent turnings and projects.
Mark your calendars for March 21st at the Wheatly shop. Richard Cale will demonstrate. Happy Turning!
