October President’s Message
From: Robert F. Greenberg
To: Atlanta Woodturners Guild
Subject: Atlanta Woodturners Guild
Fellow Turners: Some of you have already signed up for our first beginner turning workshop on Saturday November 28th. at Woodcraft. Since this is over Thanksgiving weekend and we are aware that some of you may be away, Woodcraft has graciously offered its facility to us on Sunday December 20th.
We will be hosting a second workshop from 12 – 4:30 and, space permitting, will offer more advanced techniques for those who are interested. One class on Saturday makes the pro football fans happy and one on Sunday for the college football fans.
We are always asking our fellow turners about finishes. I primararily use Minwax wipe on polyurethane or their Antique Oil ( I got turned on to this finish by Harvey Meyer ) and have experimented with the Krylon Acrylic finish that Allen Quandee presented to the club. I have gotten a wonderful result. Thank you Harvey and Allen for sharing. One of my California friends, Andy Cohen, wrote this article. Since some of you like a wax finish I think you may find this article interesting. " A Cheap Homemade Wax : I use a lot of wax finishes, and one of my favorites is very simple to make, is very cheap, and wears quite well. It is a Beeswax polish. There are only two ingredients and it is very easy to make. The ingredients are beeswax and vegetable turpentine ( also known as artists turps ). You need to melt the wax and then add an equal volume of turpentine to it and then mix it all together. A double boiler is handy here. This is a heating device that consists of two pots, one inside the other. The outer one is filled with water, and the heated, this water transfers the heat to the inner pot. Thus the maximum temperature of the inner pot is the boiling point of water, thus adding to the safety. Also the heat is general over the entire surface, rather than localized at the element or heating surface. WARNING – Please be careful during this melting and combining process as turpentine is a flammable liquid. The mixture will be hot and could cause burns. You will need to store the mixture in an airtight container when it is not being used, or you will end up with plain beeswax again after a short while as turpentine evaporates easily. "
As I mentioned last month the board has decided to go green and not send out dues bills. This will enable us to spend your money much more wisely. Please bring your dues ( $ 50.– ) to the next meeting or simple send your check, payable to the Atlanta Woodturners Guild to our treasurer, Doug Lichliter,5425 N. Hillbrooke Trace, Alpharetta, GA. 30005.
This month our demonstrator will be from Robert Sorby, always a lot of fun mixed in with solid turning tips. If you are planning on attending one of our beginner turning workshops this event will afford you the opportunity to pick up my # 1 basic tool, the Robert Sorby 3/8 inch bowl gouge. Robert Sorby tools are 20% off this month.
Meeting Wednesday October 21st, 7 PM at Woodcraft. Please bring the toys you made that night and remember to bring something for show and tell.
Bob // Robert F. Greenberg, Club President