WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc.

Number 219 - November 2009
Address for correspondence: PO Box 8061, Hamilton 3245

NOVEMBER TIMETABLE

• Monthly meeting: AGM: Tuesday, 17 November 7 pm.
• Meetings held at: The Woodworkers' Hall, Storey Avenue, Hamilton.
• Monthly raffle ($2): Prize of $50 voucher from HAND TOOL HOUSE.
• Pre-meeting Demo: None.
• Meeting speaker: Special "Mystery Speaker and Mystery Subject!
• Project Display item: Your best work for the year.
• Sat. Chat & Turn: Saturday 7 November, 9am-noon.
  

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 17 November
This is the highlight of our year, and members are invited to bring their partners along with some of the art and crafts that they have been involved with during the year.
It's also time for the election of officers for 2010.
AGM supper: Can you bring a plate.

We also want to hear from anyone who has suggestions for future speakers.

ITEMS WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION or AUCTION
Let Clive Dalton know if you have any items. Get into your workshop and have that clean out that you have been planning for the last ten years! Who needs wood?

• Sanding sealer at the club for $6/bottle.
• Rob Grant has ash branches for disposal (Free). Phone (07) 856-2016.
  
• Brett Anderson, 753B Gordonton Road, has slabs of Swamp kauri, Macrocarpa, Matai, Kauri, and Oak (very big bits). Presumably he wants to sell it. Phone (07) 824-2289.
• Ray Irving has a dust extractor for sale. (07)828-5871
• Dowelling in Hamilton is half the price at David's Emporium compared to other shops. It seems to be very similar quality.
• Jim Kyle has an electric chainsaw (Ryobi) for $70. Bargain.
• Liquid amber timber -large tree to be cut down in the next month. Contact Barry Prior (07) 849-2714.
• Learned via disaster: Only use spirit-based polyurethane with spirit based stains and water based polyurethane with water-based stains.
  

DIGITAL CAMERAS (Clive Dalton)
Andy Clark and I had a session with his new camera and it's clear that one-to-one sessions are best, rather than in a group. We had coffee and apple turnovers at the Wild Bean, sorted out how the camera worked, took some pics of Club items, and then went to the Base to print them off on the fancy machine - at the cheapest price of course! He's off and running now. Let me know if you are stuck with your digital camera.

WOODTURNING CLASSES 2010
The 2009 classes have been very successful from the students' feedback and we will run one more series in 2010 at the dates below and then review developments. We are going to run a roster system as done for the Home Show, so we get a firm commitment from members willing to help, and so we don't overload the regulars. Many thanks to all those we helped out on 2009 and welcome to our new members who joined via the course.

Objective: To introduce students to the basic skills of the art and craft of woodturning
Course 1 2010
Class 1 - Tuesday 9 February
Class 2 - Tuesday 23 February
Class 3 - Tuesday 9 March
Class 4 - Tuesday 23 March
Class 5 - Tuesday 13 April
Class 6 - Tuesday 27 April

Finding students: If you know of anyone who would be interested in coming along, then let Paul Dangerfield know soon. If you think the classes are a good idea and should be saved, then volunteer to help.

WOOD MILLING. From Denis Hocking, Farm Forester. Country Wide Oct 09.

Logs are biological items and not homogeneous cylinders. Today's millers are experienced with soft woods (pine, macrocarpa and Douglas fir) and not with hardwoods (eucalypts, poplars, beech etc). Things vary greatly between the tree's central pith and the cambium (the live layer under the bark) where the wood and bark cells form. Macrocarpa and other cypresses are uniform across this radius but radiata varies greatly in density, stiffness and stability as you move from pith to 12th to 15th ring where properties tend to stabilize.

Most problematic is spiral grain where cells in these first growth rings are laid down in a spiral pattern, resulting in twisted boards and unstable timber from young trees. If you want stable pine, look at the growth rings on the end of the board to ensure it has not been cut from juvenile trees. Compression wood where cells have been squashed is the other problem with pine and other soft woods. It's usually darker in appearance and when drying shrinks longitudinally and is brittle and prone to fracture in use. Generally seen in leaning trees, it can also occur in very fast grown pines for unknown reasons.

Hardwoods, especially eucalypts have growth stresses too. In most hardwoods freshly formed wood cells shrink as they move from cambium into sapwood, so the outer wood of the trunk is under tension and to balance this the central pith area is under compression. Think of a pre-stressed concrete beam in reverse. The smaller the log diameter, the steeper this tension/compression gradient, and the more dramatic the consequences.

Cut through a small eucalypt log and the ends are likely to split in two ways and open up. Similarly when sawn longitudinally the two halves will pull back into bananas. Wood shrinks when it dries, but again hardwoods tend to shrink more than softwoods. It seems ironic but denser woods generally shrink more than lighter woods. This is because shrinkage only occurs after water in the cell cavities has been removed and the cell walls start to dry.

The thicker the cell wall, the denser the wood and greater propensity to shrink. Woods shrink more tangentially (parallel to the growth rings) than radially, and only compression wood shrinks longitudinally. So checking (cracking) tends to be more radially than tangentially. This means that you get more stable lumber when logs, especially hardwoods, are quarter sawn rather than flat sawn.

With quarter sawn, the face is at right angles to the growth rings. With flat sawn the face is parallel to the growth rings. Inevitably, many boards are intermediate. In drying you can also get collapse or 'washerboard' or corrugated surfaces, most commonly seen in certain eucalypts e.g. E. regnans and some softwoods. It's related to the fault of 'internal checking' where wood splits on the inside. So if you are milling logs, make sure the sawmiller know understands these issues as not all do, and if milling eucalypts, make sure you know the species.

Sycamore or Green maple

Notes from H.L. Edlin. British woodland trees 3^rd edition 1949.

Sycamore or Green maple (Acer pseudo-platanus)

German - Bergahorn; French - Erable; Welsh - Mawarnwydd Mwaf; Scots - Plane; Irish - Siccoamoir; Norwegan - Platanlon; Swedish - Lonn; Maori - Mamangi.

Aceraceae or Maple family.

The name Sycamore arises from confusion with ‘Sycamorus’, an Eastern fig tree; in America it signifies a species of Plane.Remarkable for it’s erect growth in the most exposed positions, the sycamore develops a stout bole or large size, topped by an interlaced network of stout angular branches. The sap especially in spring contains much sugar and is sweet to taste. Maple sugar is obtained from allied species in Canada. The sycamore’s main centre as a wild tree is in the mountains of Europe.

The sharp angle between the two winged seeds distinguishes the sycamore from allied species of Maple. The seeds are spread by wind and are usually borne in abundance every year.

Sycamore requires deep and fertile soils for growth of good timber and thrives in limestone soils. Drainage must be good. It can stand a considerable amount of shade when young and becomes storm firm with age. It is frost resistant and has few natural enemies. It is highly tolerant of town smoke and pollution which other trees will not survive.

Sycamore will coppice but the produce is not of much value. It is usually grown to large dimensions either in the open or in mixed plantation reaching 75 feet in 80 years.

The timber is attractive in appearance, white or creamy yellow in colour without distinct heartwood. It is hard and strong but perishable out of doors. It’s texture and appearance render it most suitable for kitchen utensils such as bowls, boards and table tops. Selected straight logs yield first class rollers for mangles and larger machinery, as the wood does not stain textiles. Its hardness and even grain, enabling it to be worked to a durable smooth surface are turned to account in the flooring of dance halls.

The furniture maker finds its colour of advantage in so far as it may readily be stained chemically to a wide range of colours. Exceptional logs develop a beautiful figure of circular zones around numerous minute pin knots. This is the ‘birds-eye maple’ and to make the best use of it, such logs are peeled or sliced as veneers.

In smaller sizes sycamore may be used for turnery, and is the favourite material of Welsh spoon carvers. It is very good firewood. Girths up to 18 feet occur.

Sycamore in New Zealand (DC Dalton comments).

Sycamores are often suggested as good shade trees, especially for cattle on farms and small blocks, as they have a good leaf canopy in summer and are deciduous in winter.

However it’s not a good idea to plant them as their masses of winged seeds spread long distances and germinate rapidly, becoming a pest in paddocks and areas of native trees. Growth of their young seedlings is not deterred by shade from other trees.

Sycamore seedlings in native bush - thriving in the shade

Sycamore seed also remains viable for many years based on experience where parent trees have been cut down over 10 years ago and seedlings are still appearing.

The seedlings grow rapidly in paddocks out in the open, and unless stock are made to graze hard, the seedlings will be ignored leaving deep tap roots to develop even further. After this stage, chemical spraying is needed to kill them.

Young one-year seedlings growing in paddock near cut-down parent tree

As a wood for New Zealand turners, it’s not of great interest unless there’s a special demand for white wood to colour. Carvers may find it of value for spoons. The market for mangle rollers described by Edlin is very limited today! If you can remember them, tell your grandchildren about ‘washing day’!

Right - one-year seedlings

Left - two-year seedlings

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS. October 2009

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS
Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc
Number 218 - October 2009
Address for correspondence: PO Box 8061, Hamilton 3245
Guild blog: http://waikatowood.blogspot.com

OCTOBER TIMETABLE
Monthly meeting: Tuesday 20 October 2009
Meetings held at : The Woodworkers' Hall, Storey Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton.
Monthly raffle ($2): Prize of $50 voucher from sponsor HAND TOOL HOUSE.
Pre-meeting demon: None as Ian Fish will have his stall there.
Meeting speaker: Ian Fish.
Project display item: Your latest work.
Saturday Chat and Turn: Saturday 3 October, 9am - Noon.

Tuition
Classes: Tuesday 13 October and Tuesday 27 October (final). 7pm-9pm.
Carving nights: First and third Wednesdays at 7pm.

TE KOWHAI FESTIVAL
Roger Dean is taking the pole lathe. The event is on the village green on Saturday 10 Ocotober, 8.15am to 1pm. It promises to be a nice morning out in a great country venue. Clive Dyson will also have a stall. Stallholders are allowed to sell their wares.

SAD EVENT
We were sad to hear of the sudden death of Aileen Grant, Rob's wife of many years. Our sincere condolences go to Rob and the family. Rob says that the day before Aileen died, she was out instructing an arborist what she wanted with some ash trees. Aileen was of farming stock and certainly knew her sheep. She will be sadly missed by her human and animal family.

ITEMS WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION OR AUCTION

• Sanding sealer for sale at the club for $6/bottle
• Three workshop radios from Jim Kyle (07) 854-1992
• Ash branches from Rob Grant (07) 856-2016
• Who wants any wood? Contact Clive Dalton with details for circulation.

CONGRATULATIONS
To John Gibb for winning the Treeworkx prize for his soccer ball. And to Arthur Bayliss for getting his vase on the cover of the magazine. This is great publicity for the Guild and recognises the skills of our members.

ROB GRANT REPORTS
Members may be interested to know what has happened ot Triton, the Australian tool manufacturer. I have invested significantly in Triton gear and when I discovered by accident that they were out of business (taken over by GMC which then failed), I immediately tried to find a source of a pre-filter for my Triton respirator.

No luck at Bunnings locally, but the tools' manager emailed all Bunnings stores to enquire but with no luck. Carbatec Auckland's manager explained that a new owner has started manufacturing again and is expecting a container of stuff in about 6 weeks time or so. The respirator sets are big sellers he says ans expects the necessary parts to become available over time.
There is more detailed stuff on search through Google. In the woodworkforum search menu type "Triton". Apparently someone in Perth is selling from a stock of spare parts that he has.

WEBSITES OF INTEREST

• http://thechamfer.blogspot.com
• Centre for fine woodworking

SAFETY WITH DREMMEL - from Hugh Jones
After a recent experience with flying parts that came loose, hit the floor then ricoched and hit my specs, make sure the screw that expands in the rubber inside the sanding sleeve is tight. And wear a facemask!

OLD FACEMASKS
We have replaced our old model facemasks at the club with the new models sold by Protector Safety. Everyone should do the same. We gave our old ones to the Men's Shed for general use.

PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR WORK
In our session on this subject at out last meeting we didn't have time to cover all aspects. If you have any questions at any time, then contact Clive Dalton and he can get the answers for you from his mates in the business.
If you still have a film camera, give it to a grandchild as an heirloom or use it as a sinker. Buy a digital - you can get all you want and more for $200-$300. If confused, contact Clive before you spend any money.

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS September 2009

WOODCHIPS and SHAVINGS

Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc

Number 217 - September 20009

Address for correspondence: PO Box 8061, Hamilton 3245
Blog: (http://waikatowood.blogspot.com)

SEPTEMBER TIMETABLE

Monthly meeting: Tuesday 15 September 2009

Meetings held at: The Woodworkers' Hall, Storey Avenue, Hamilton

Monthly raffle: Bring $2 for prize of $50 donated by HAND TOOL HOUSE

Pre-meeting demo: TBA

Meeting speaker: Barry Wylde - Photographing your work

Homeshow items: NOTE - there's only one month left so keep working.

Sat Chat and Turn: Saturday 5 September, 9-Noon.

Tuition classes: Tuesday 8 Sept and Tuesday 22 September. 7pm - 9pm.

WAIKATO HOME SHOW

You'll see from the diary that we are performing at this event again. It's a very important event for us and we rely on everyone helping. The regular workers are a year older so can you check the roster and make a contribution. This is your opportunity to repay the club for the benefits you get during the year - AND sell some of your work.

ROGER DEAN'S PIMPLE DEMO

At the August meeting, Roger showed how to make pimples on a turned vessel. Derek Kerwood was the first to show this years ago on a vessel he entered in the Putaruru Wood Festival. It blew us all away. It's a very interesting trick - you bask a hole in the wood with a bolt or large nail, turn a bit more wood off the surface and then dunk the piece in water for a while. The bashed wood expands and comes out as pimples. If you want even pimples you need to make the holes all the same depth.

SEPTEMBER MEETING

Don't miss this as photographer Barry Wylde is coming to talk on how to photograph your work. This is a good idea for many reasons. A key part of his talk will be to make sure you know what the buttons are on your digital camera and what they do. SO bring your camera, and if your partner takes pics, then bring them along too.

TUITION

Classes are going well but we could do with some support. We have a full class so come along and help with some one-to-one support for the students. Also always keep your ears open for anyone who may be interested in working with wood and tell them about the Guild and the classes.

RICHARD RAFFAN'S TALK

We have a minibus going so if you want to go - contact Paul Dangerfield this week as the money has to be in for the session. It's labour weekend.

INVITATION

Jerry Bolton who amazed us at the August meeting with his models of aerobatic aircraft and furniture for dolls houses has invited anyone interested to visit him at Morrinsville. His dolls house was too big to bring. Jerry has been a regular competitor at Kawerau.

ITEMS WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION or AUCTION

• Richard Graney will organise a supply of Lacquer if there is sufficient interest. This is a clear, very hard lacquer - quick to apply and easy to use. We will sell it in 500ml bottles. The manufacturer says it has a shelf life of 12 months. Please ring Richard (07 8299907) or email rdg@xtra.co.nz if you are interested.
• Rob Gilroy has a supply of Apricot and Camellia wood for removal- ph 07 823-3271
• Jim Kyle has 3 workshop radios for sale. Prices that would thrill a Scotsman! Phone 854-1992

RADIO INTERFERENCE
Ian Fish reports that the old model DVRs don't have a suppressor built in. The new DVR XP has a built in suppressor. Suppressors are very hard to get hold of Ian says.

TURN IN DAY
We want to have another club day like the one we had last year when we made the wee chairs. If you have any suggestions for such a day, then let Barry Prior know.

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS
Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc.
Number 216 – August 2009
Address for correspondence: PO Box 8061, Hamilton 3245
Guild Blog:

AUGUST TIMETABLE

• Monthly meeting: Tuesday 18 August, 7 pm.
• Meetings held at: The Woodworkers’ Hall, Storey Avenue, Hamilton.
• Monthly raffle ($2): Prize of $50 voucher from HAND TOOL HOUSE.
• Pre-meeting Demo TBA
• Meeting speaker Barry Wylde – Photographing your work.
• Project Display item: Your latest work.
• Homeshow items: It’s time you got working seriously on items for this.
• Sat Chat & Turn Saturday 1 August, 9am-noon.

Workshop/Tuition

• Saturday 4 July Turn small items for Homeshow
• Classes: NEW SESSION: Tuesday 11 Aug & Tuesday 18 at 7-9pm.
• Carving nights: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 7pm.
  

SAD LOSS – WILF DEVELIN
We were all very sad to hear of Wilf’s passing on 28 July. But after a severe stroke it was nice that he didn’t have to suffer what is often a traumatic experience of trying to achieve some kind of recovery.
The Waikato Guild owes Wilf and Edna a huge debt, because without their combined efforts, we would not have the hall and the great facilities we enjoy today.  Our sincere condolences go to Edna and the family. Here’s a profile I did some years ago. (Clive Dalton).
Seven members attended Wilf's funeral on Friday 31 July in Auckland to show respect for what both he and Edna did for the Guild.

Wilf Develin
Wilf was born in 1922 a small mining village on the borders of Nottingham and Derbyshire when coal was king and before Maggie Thatcher killed the industry. He went to a Church school and was a keen soccer player as a lad. These were the days before TV, videos and play stations and foreigners with weird names playing for British soccer clubs! There were always plenty of local lads with potential like Wilf to keep an eye on, as they spent all their spare time kicking an old ball around.
On leaving school Wilf started an apprenticeship in a joinery shop and then moved to a small country firm to get more experience with hand tools and furniture making. He covered all aspects of the trade, spending time in each section of the business and developing a very wide range of skills. It was the days before specialists and automation.
Wilf joined the regular army in 1941 in the Grenadier Guards landing in Normandy on D-Day + 4. He was at the disaster of Arnhem – the bridge too far, and did service in Germany before ending up in Belgium on security duties
After collecting his demob suit and trilby hat, and the King’s grateful thanks, he returned to the building trade as foreman on various building projects. He wisely married Edna in 1948 and they came to NZ in 1962 with two daughters.
Soon after this he used to proudly tell us that ‘he went to prison’ to become a Trade Instructor, first at Mount Eden and then at Waikeria where he set up a workshop making furniture and furnishings for government departments.
He “retired” in 1982 to Whangamata and came to Hamilton in 1988 and was one of the Guild’s foundation members. He served as President during the challenging years of getting the Hall fixed up and then helped the Guild consolidate in the Vice President’s role for many following years. We all missed his wide experience and offers of help for anyone with a woodworking problem when he and Edna moved to Auckland to be near family.

AUGUST MEETING
Bring your camera – find out what all the buttons are and how to use it. DON’T MISS THIS!

TUITION
The first class of the third and final session for the year starts on 11 August. Numbers look good but still tell anyone interested about them. They can come to the first session as a taster at no charge.

KAWERAU FESTIVAL
Roger Dean is going over to Kawerau and he has kindly offered to take any items members may plan to enter. He will also bring them back for you. Contact Roger on (07) 827-0606.

RICHARD RAFFAN
There is clearly enough interest in this event to run a minibus, so let Paul Dangerfield know as soon as possible as he is taking names and collecting the money. Remember it’s Labour Weekend. Richard Raffan’s new book – is now in the Hamilton City Library. It’s superb!

WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION or AUCTION
Let Clive Dalton know if you have anything to get rid of. Get into your workshop and have that clean-out that you have been planning for the last ten years!
• Chevpac has a new load of genuine quality tools etc., that is well worth your inspection. Thanks to John, you won’t find anything anywhere better priced. He’s almost giving them away!
• Sanding sealer: There is plenty in the cupboard at $6/bottle.
• John Moody has some rewarewa planks on offer. Make cash offer to Club.

WATCH OUT FOR FLYING GOUGE TIPS
Fred Guyot reports that he nearly had a nasty accident when heating an old worm tip on a gauge to fit a new one. After heating for a while the end took off like a bullet and fortunately Fred was not in the direct firing line. Seems as if the heat affects the glue which then vapourises and the result gas blows the end off.  The message is to heat the tip slowly and once you see it easing, then don't heat it any more.  Be Warned!

WEBSITES
Seen any interesting woodworking sites you have come across.

TURN-IN DAY
We want to have another day like we had last year with a project (like the chairs). Has anyone got any ideas for this? Let Barry Prior know.

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS: July 2009

Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc.

Number 215 – July 2009

Address for correspondence: PO Box 8061, Hamilton 3245
Guild Blog:


JULY TIMETABLE
Monthly meeting: Tuesday 21 July, 7 pm.
Meetings held at: The Woodworkers’ Hall, Storey Avenue, Hamilton.
Monthly raffle ($2): Prize of $50 voucher from HAND TOOL HOUSE
Pre-meeting Demo Clive Dyson on scoops and spurtles
Meeting speaker TBA. Probably speaker from St Johns
Project Display item: Item for Lounge or your latest work
Homeshow items: Key rings and keyring holders
Sat Chat & Turn Saturday 4 July, 9am-noon.
Workshop/Tuition
Saturday 4 July Turn small items for Homeshow (Keyrings)
Classes: Tuesday 14 July & Tuesday 28 at 7-9pm.
Carving nights: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 7pm.


TREEWORKX
We have a minibus going to this event, as well as some private cars. If you decide to go, then contact Jim Kyle, Paul Dangerfield or Barry Prior who may know who has spare seats in their car. Despite the risk of a wet cold day, this event is always a great day out and the hot soup and great company warms the cockles of your heart.

KAWERAU
Roger Dean is going over to Kawerau and he has kindly offered to take any items members may plan to enter. He will also bring them back for you. Contact Roger on (07) 827-0606.

ORNAMENTAL TURNERS’ VISIT

 (L to R) Fred Irvine with Mac Dunane and Len Bacon

 

It was great to have Mac Duane and Len Bacon, both from the South Auckland club, to talk at our last meeting. They were the 2009 Ornamental Turning students on the NAW course held in our workshop and taught by Fred Irvine. Mac demonstrated his grinding jig he’s spent a few sleepless nights designing for easy use by club members. It was a large sanding disk with some simple wooden blocks to poke the tool through at the right angle to run on the disk. Len showed us his Rose Engine which was one of half a dozen a group on the SA club had made from plans in a magazine. It looked a bit ‘Heath Robinson” but had cost little and did the job perfectly. Mac and Len said anyone could contact the SA club for the plans and help to make one.



WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION or AUCTION
Let Clive Dalton know if you have anything to get rid of. Get into your workshop and have that clean-out that you have been planning for the last ten years!

• Silver birch. Roy Thatcher has some logs, about 18 inches diameter from a tree just cut down. It has some dark heart wood in it and is not all pale white like birch usually is. Contact Clive Dalton.
• Chevpac Machinery has a new load of genuine quality tools etc., that is well worth your inspection. Thanks to John, you won’t find anything anywhere better priced. He’s almost giving them away!
• Sanding sealer: There is plenty in the cupboard at $6/bottle.
• Bill van den Berg wants to sell his Wadkin lathe with all its accessories. This is wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to start-up or upgrade. Contact Bill for further information. (07) 854-5637. As we all know, Bill is a perfectionist so all his gear is in excellent condition.
  

WEBSITES
Seen any interesting woodworking sites you have come across.

WAIKATO GUILD BLOG http://waikatowood.blogspot.com
Make sure you keep up to date with pieces that I keep adding to the gallery. Open it by double clicking on the picture at top left and keep scrolling down. If you have problems, let me know. (Clive Dalton)

BEST WISHES
Best wishes to Bill van den Berg, Dave Reece, Keith and Isobel Harry for rapid and positive recoveries.

TURN-OUT DAY
We want to have another day like we had last year with a project (like the chairs). Has anyone got any ideas for this? Let Barry Prior know.

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc. Number 214 – June 2009

Address for correspondence:  PO Box 8061, Hamilton 3245
Guild Blog: 


JUNE TIMETABLE
    Monthly meeting:         Tuesday 16 June, 7 pm.
    Meetings held at:          The Woodworkers’ Hall, Storey Avenue, Hamilton.
    Monthly raffle ($2):      Prize of $50 voucher from HAND TOOL HOUSE
    Pre-meeting Demo        Clive Dyson on scoops and spurtles
    Meeting speaker           Gadgets & two visiting Ornamental Turners.
    Project Display item:    Item for bedroom!
    Homeshow items:         Christmas trees.
    Sat Chat & Turn           Saturday 6 June, 9am-noon.

Workshop/Tuition
    Saturday 6 June        Turn small items for Homeshow
    Classes:                    Tuesday 9 June & Tuesday 23 at 7-9pm.
    Carving nights:        1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 7pm.

GADGET EVENING
Bring any gadgets along that you use, and let us all see how they work.  This has been a great success in past years, as we all learn something.

NEW CLASS STARTED
The second turning course has started and there are still two places left. So can you ask around to see if you know anyone who would like to have a go.

CONSTITUTION
The changes to our Constitution have now been finally approved.

WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION or AUCTION
Let Clive Dalton know if you have anything to get rid of. Get into your workshop and have a clean out!  If you don’t somebody else will when you pass on and you may not be pleased with the result!

Thanks to Jim Kyle and Clive Dyson, Joy Hebison has got Doug’s gear disposed of, and she was very grateful for their help.

SHOPPING AROUND
Seen anything of interest lately?  Tell Clive Dalton for the newsletter.

Superglue- I’m back to the $2 shop.  I started off buying it from the $2 shop and got fed up as there seemed to be so little in each tube (when you got three for $2) as it started to dry up so fast once opened.  Then I started buying bigger more expensive containers from other sources for about $20.  This seemed great for a while, but then it too started to thicken and dry up after it was half used and air got into the container, even when kept in the frig.

So, I am back again buying from the $2 shop where you now get 6 tubes for $2, and I use the whole tube up on a job, not worrying if some is wasted.  In winter it will keep in the shed, and you’ll get another squeeze from a tube.  But always keep it in the frig.

Superglue stains in dark wood.  Pouring superglue into cracks will inevitably overflow and stain dark woods (e.g. swamp kauri) and these are hard to sand out later when dry.  After you have run excess glue into a crack, turn the lathe on straight away and sand it so some fine dust goes into the crack too, and there’s less chance of an ugly stain. BUT don’t stand in line of the rotating piece, and wear your mask as you don’t want any surplus glue in the face.

One club member tells me they buy the tubes and squeeze them into a larger container to get better value from the tubes. They tell me that the air in the tube is critical - you need air to stop the glue going hard. Once surfaces meet with no air present, then it will bond. Everybody says keeping it in the frig is essential.

Face masks.  I continue to be delighted by the new face masks that Bruce Brody from Protector Safety showed us on his last visit.  The bent shape of the visor is great, and I rarely have to clean dust off. So if you have an old mask, give it away and go and see Bruce with your membership card to get discount on the new model.
(Clive Dalton)

Sanding sealer:  There is plenty in the cupboard at $6/bottle


WEBSITES
Seen any interesting woodworking sites you have come across.
 Sanding tools

Guy Saddleton - Sales & Marketing Manager
guy@tandtdesign.com.au ph: 612 6655 0800 or mobile 61 0411 229 300
T&T Design Pty Ltd www.tandtdesign.com.au
PO Box 489 Bellingen NSW Australia 2454

WOODCHIPS & SHAVINGS Newsletter of the Waikato Guild of Woodworkers Inc. Number 213 – May 2009

MAY TIMETABLE
Monthly meeting: Tuesday 19 May, 7 pm.
Meetings held at: The Woodworkers’ Hall, Storey Avenue, Hamilton.
Monthly raffle ($2): Prize of $50 voucher from HAND TOOL HOUSE
Pre-meeting Demo Rex Hall - dremmel.
Meeting speaker John Vermeren – repairing clocks
Project Display item: Item for dining room
Homeshow items: Scoops & spurtles
Workshop/Tuition
Saturday 2 May Chat and fossick.
Classes: Tuesday 12 May & Tuesday 26 at 7-9pm
Carving nights: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 7pm.

SPECIAL NOTE
On Saturday morning (2nd May) we have assembled at the club things from the estate of the late Doug Herbison. Here’s a list of what there is.

• Miscellaneous spanners
• Allen keys
• Drill bits
• Files
• Hitachi small drill
• Measuring tapes – old
• Truegrind sharpening jig (not used)
• Work mate bench
• Set squares and rulers
• Dust masks
• Oil stones
• Grinding wheels
• Nova chuck jaws
• Wood vice
• Hole saw
• Orbital sander
• Screwdrivers
• Woodturning chisels/gauges
• Screws, nuts and bolts
• Jig saw
• Mitre box and saw
• Angle grinder
• Fuller drill set
• Teknatool 3000 lathe + chuck

NEW CLASS STARTING
The second turning course starts on 12 May.

Do some promotion for this by telling people what we do and sounding out anyone who may have an interest in wood. The cost is $45 which entitles them to a year’s membership of the club too.
Course 2
Class 1 - Tuesday 12 May
Class 2 – Tuesday 26 May
Class 3 – Tuesday 9 June
Class 4 – Tuesday 23 June
Class 5 – Tuesday 14 July
Class 6 – Tuesday 28 July

WANTED, FOR SALE, DONATION or AUCTION
Let Clive Dalton know if you have anything to get rid of. Get into your workshop and have a clean out!
• Wanted by Kevin Ladbrook – Triton bevel ripping guide (Code BRA 200).
Phone (07) 843-5904

SHOPPING AROUND
Seen anything of interest lately? Tell Clive Dalton for the newsletter.

WEBSITES
Seen any interesting woodworking sites you have come across.

WAIKATO GUILD BLOG http://waikatowood.blogspot.com
Make sure you keep up to date with pieces that I keep adding to the gallery. Open it by double clicking on the picture at top left and keep scrolling down. If you have problems, let me know. (Clive Dalton)

OBITUARY
Members who remember Bob McCaughan will be sad to hear that he has just passed away. He was a Guild member for many years. He had just had a stroke but had recovered well, his son Tom tells me. But he had to go back into hospital and passed away there. Bob was wonderful company – and we always enjoyed his Irish sense of humour. He was an expert at building and restoring furniture.

I once showed him a picture of a 16th Century sideboard – a wonderful rugged and simple bit of furniture made with no nails. Before long I got a call from him – he had made a perfect replica of it! It was a wonderful piece. Our condolences go to his family which he brought from the Emerald Isle to farm in New Zealand.

Book Review by Ray Buckmaster

BOOK REVIEW:
MAKE YOUR OWN WOODWORKING TOOLS
By Mike Burton
Fox Chapel Publications

ISBN: 13:978-156523-306-5
Cost: $19.95 US.

If you have the Kiwi No. 8 wire approach to life this could be the book for you. Mike Burton has been making his own turning and carving tools for fifty years. He explains how in an easy to understand manner and with a gentle humour. The text is richly illustrated with “how to” pictures.

Turning and carving tools can approach, and sometimes exceed, $100/item. Just to get a taste of carving can involve a major expenditure. Cheap tools are available but they are unsatisfactory and do not bring a feeling of satisfaction.

How do you manage to experience this important area of wood skills without a major outlay, using high quality tools and without feeling that you are committed for a period regardless of whether you enjoy the experience or not?

This book could answer this question and consequently increase the number of individuals following this ancient and uniquely creative craft. My experience could be of interest. I am a carver and I intended to be overseas for a couple of months. I didn’t want to be away from carving for that long.

However I was also reluctant to see my precious tools disappear into the limbo of some foreign airports baggage system! I needed an inexpensive but good second set. Second hand tools are of good quality but now there is keen competition for them. They are sought by artisans and also antique dealers and are consequently expensive.

This book turned a problem into a challenge. It was a challenge that resulted in a big reward in both experience and end product. I now have a second set of good quality tools that take and hold a keen edge. There are some in patterns that I needed but could not afford before. Some I use in preference to my more expensive set. These tools are not perfect and I will do better next time as a result of my experiences. However the quality is there.

There are a number of metal stocks that you can source. The drill rod mentioned seems to be what we would know as silver steel. It is available locally but must be pre ordered. I have used spade end bits as stock. They have the advantage of being pre flattened. You do need to cut the end off below the hanging hole before working on them. The shaft is also well shaped to fit into a handle without twisting under use.

I suspect that they are high speed steel of some kind but you can buy a set in different sizes for less than $1.00 an item. As for cost, I had to buy a few tools and an M.A.P.P. gas burner and, of course this book. Setting that aside, and including the cost of gas each carving tool cost around $2.00. Then, of course, there is the joy of turning handles!

For the wood turner there is much of value. Turning tools are more robust and the metal stock requires more heat than the MAPP burner can produce. Mr. Burton tells us how to make a simple forge using everyday items like old woks and plumbing fittings. You will then be able to make a good range of turning gouges.

Much of the publication is related to working metal by blacksmithing and non- blacksmithing means. The topics covered include, raw materials, appropriate equipment, safety, heat treatment, tempering, handle turning and a number of step by step projects. A more comprehensive account of chapter contents is available on the Amazon website.

There is more however than the working of metal. Turners need face shields and there is an excellent guide to their manufacture. A small warning here. There is a requirement for the use of a domestic oven over a fair period just as there is for one of the tempering processes. Some prior negotiations may be required before attempting this at home! Also shown is a simple stropping machine, various modifications for routers and a few other gadgets.

As a person with short arms and long pockets I can recommend this book. It will pay for itself time and again.

Waikato Woodworkers' Guild: Homeshow ideas

Recycle your old coffee jars

Idea for $2 stall at Homeshow

Many of us find it a waste throwing out those nice little coffee jars for recycling. I'm sure may folk would find a use for them, if it wasn't for that stopper with the plastic lining to ensure a tight fit. It's deliberately hard to open and close to keep it airtight.

Why not turn a wooden stopper and we could sell them on our $2 stall at the Homeshow. They are very simple to make and if done in some nice figured wood could be very attractive. Could be useful for a range of things like tea bags - and loose change!

Clive Dalton