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Southern Piedmont Woodturners Monthly Meeting & Demo (Mar 2024)

The Southern Piedmont Woodturners Association leases a large space here at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (Studio 122), and has about 65-70 members. See their Artist Page on this website, for images; and/or their own website for more info. The club meets every 3rd Tuesday evening and non-members are welcome to attend the first time for free. Any participation in turning activities is only allowed after joining the club and taking appropriate training.

Demo /Monthly Meeting Program:

JIM MILLER

“Easy Wood Tools”

Are carbide tools your Go-To gouges? Or are you wondering if they have a place in your tool rack? Not everyone has the time or inclination to spend hours at the lathe learning how to use the more traditional Woodturning tools, so carbide tools have grown in popularity. And one of the most popular brands is Easy Wood Tools. Our demo this month will be Jim Miller.  Jim is a factory rep and will be discussing and demonstrating all aspects of using Easy Wood carbide tools.

 Jim says,

I have been turning for 40+ years. And still learning!! I am amazed at the creative things done in woodturning today!  I first learned a love of woodturning from my uncle. He turned many things as gifts and I learned much from his creativity. I have been able to take classes with some of the best woodturners around. My first exposure to the wider world of woodturning was at the 1985 Woodturning Conference at Arrowmont.  One of the things that I was interested in as far back as the late ‘80’s, was turning pens. My interest grew after meeting Dale Nish and then starting to order supplies from Craft Supplies, USA. I have turned a lot of pens and other small items over the years and have now started to make kitless or bespoke pens, using blanks that I have cast.

Note to SPW Members: THE SPW BOARD VOTED TO INCREASE OUR ANNUAL DUES TO $55.00 BEGINNING JANUARY 2024.  Please pay your 2024 dues as soon as possible. More info in Members’ Email.

   TOPS, TOPS, AND MORE TOPS AND MORE TOPS!

Did I mention TOPS?

We are asking for everyone’s assistance with turning tops for 2024.  The requests and interest in tops have greatly increased.  Please turn 3 tops per month in preparation for the 2024 Fair, multiple school, and civic events.  It will be great if everyone can get their tops turned by the end of August.

 

TUESDAY, Tuesday, March 19, 2024  6:30pm

Join us at 6:00pm for Social Time!

It is always best to experience the demonstration and gallery live in the studio, but if you can’t make it, it will be on Zoom. 

THE ZOOM LINK IS NEW, SO BE SURE TO USE THIS ONE!

Id: 823 7996 5857

Password: SPW

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82379965857?pwd=SVFEVlhrY2JoUGZuS2FPZUw4ZWJ0QT09

Show and Share will be held afterwards, so let us all see what you’ve been turning.

Show and Share will be just that, Show and Share

SPW has two large overhead screens for showing a demonstrator’s hands up close

Safe turning methods are taught and various turning days held for members monthly!

The Southern Piedmont Woodturners meet for fellowship and technical demonstrations on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm.  We meet at our studio (#122) at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios,  223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025.  Members begin to arrive for informal gathering around 5:30 pm; the meeting formally starts at 6:30 pm and the program is usually finished by 9:00 pm. 

We usually have an "Instant Gallery" of members’ items they bring to demonstrate how previous demonstrators have influenced their work.  We also have a raffle of items to raise funds for the club. 

In addition to ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, the SPW is associated with the Cabarrus County Arts Council (CCAC), the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), and the North Carolina Woodturners Association (NCWA).

To inquire about club activities, see the club website.  Or, you may call the ClearWater Arts Center and speak with ClearWater Coordinator, Sarah Gay at 704-920-6600 who can help direct your call.

A typical monthly meeting with demonstrator showing a technique of interest.