2019 Tennessee Association of Woodturners Symposium Demonstration Descriptions

Ashley Harwood Demonstration Descriptions

Sea Urchin Ornaments I will demonstrate fine spindle turning in one of my sea urchin ornaments.  This is done with three tools: the bowl gouge, detail gouge, and the vortex tool. I will demonstrate how to sharpen all of these tools without the use of a jig. I will talk about cutting techniques and tool control in detail and demonstrate how to combine the basic cuts of spindle turning to create a pleasing design. I will also show sanding techniques. Assembly of the ornament will be covered as well as preparation of the shell and packaging.

Turning for JewelryFor this demonstration, I will begin with a short slide show featuring examples of different designs for wood turned jewelry and discuss jewelry design basics. I will explain the techniques used for cutting basic shapes on a larger piece of wood before demonstrating how to turn fine beads out of ebony and finish them to a smooth luster. I will use a bowl gouge, detail spindle gouge, vortex tool, and small drill bits held in the jacob’s chuck and a pin vise. I will show how, by combining multiple small elements, it is easy to create elegant and timeless designs that can be worn for many occasions. I will demonstrate the basic techniques used to assemble jewelry using chains, clasps, and wire. I will also show how to create more complex pieces using multi-axis and off center turning on a small scale.

Push-Cut Bowl TurningFor this demonstration, I will turn a thin-walled bowl using the Push-Cut method. I will talk about the Seven Fundamentals of the Perfect Cut, which include stance, lathe speed, chucking, grain direction, and more. I will explain how these fundamentals are crucial in any kind of turning and create a solid foundation for the woodturning practice. (They also help to prevent the most common mistakes and mishaps!) I will demonstrate how, using the Push-Cut, it is possible to make a complete pass from the bottom to the top of the outside of a bowl in one cut. I will show how the Push-Cut can eliminate torn grain and stress on the body. I will also discuss aesthetics in bowl turning and the benefits of adding simple design elements. I will demonstrate free-hand sharpening of a bowl gouge. I will use a bowl gouge with a different grind across the inside bottom third of the bowl.

Bowl Rim and Foot DesignFor this demonstration, I will turn the outside of a bowl using the Push-Cut method. I will show various design elements that can be added to the rim and/or foot of a bowl on the lathe. I will use a bowl gouge, vortex tool, and negative rake scrapers to add details to the bowl and will demonstrate sharpening of all of these tools. I will talk about design aesthetics, e.g., bowl shape and curve, proportion of the foot, creating rim and foot designs that work together. I will briefly address how to sand the bowl without dulling sharp details.

Jacques Vesery Demonstration Descriptions

Concepts in Design and Form; Good Form over Pretty Wood   Technique is often a distraction to the importance of “Good Form”.  Methods to create better form can be a difficult step in evolving our work to the next level. In this demonstration, design elements including scale, form, balance, and proportions along with the golden mean and geometry of design will be visualized through the turning process. Think of it as sketching in 3D.  The session will include a critique of several forms created during the rotation. This is a great learning tool for anyone, working in any medium that is in pursuit of better form in whatever we create.

Texture for Color Becomes Second NatureVarious carving and texturing techniques on both green and dry wood. The use of power carvers, rotary carvers, burning tools and methods to enhance the details for coloring to create illusion will be demonstrated.

How to Critique, Evolve and Learn from the Experience   This will be an old fashion style group critique held within the instant gallery space…   Attendees walk around the space and choose pieces to discuss. Critique moderated / conducted by Jacques.

Inspiration, Challenge, and Evolution       An image presentation and discussion of the inspirations and challenges Jacques has confronted over the years and how the work evolves because of these demands in creating. Past, present, and future work, plus collaborations, will be included. Join in this in-depth look at how and why objects made of wood fit into the art world. Explore the difference between art vs. craft, artist vs. craftsman, and how function and art can be symbiotic.

Collaboration; Playing well with OthersCollaboration can be a great way to grow skills in design and challenge us to think out of the box. In this session, we will explore the different ways collaboration occur and see some successes from Jacques past.

Al Stirt Demonstration DescriptionsOpen Bowl Turning - Grain Balancing

Sgraffito Platter

Square and textured platter

Textured and painted platter/bowl

In this session I’ll rough out a wet wood bowl & then finish a dry one. I put an emphasis on “balancing the grain” –showing how to get the best pattern from a piece of straight grain wood. I’ll cover chucking methods, tool use and sharpening & discuss the drying process.

In this session I’ll turn a platter with a wide rim, which is then painted and carved to create a pattern. I’ll cover turning beads and coves on faceplate work as well as developing and carving a pattern.

In this session I’ll demo turning a small square bowl & show how I create some of the carved patterns I’ve developed.

Todd Hoyer Demonstration Descriptions

Wood and its CharacteristicsThis class will study wood and its unique characteristics as related to the turned form. It will cover cell structures and their orientation in the log and how it relates to wood movement, shrinkage and cracking. It will include spalting, insect damage, staining, burls, curl, knots, weathering etc. Emphasis will be on using these features as decorative elements on the vessel forms.

Vessel Orientation How to orient a vessel within a log and visualize its grain pattern is the emphasis of this session. Open and closed forms will be discussed with a handout available to the members.

In this session I'll demonstrate turning a bowl with a texture right from the tool and then techniques for using different colors of milk paint to create bowls that look like ceramic or metal pieces.

Turning a Winged Form This session will show images of the turning sequence in creating a winged form along with some examples. A turning demonstration will be used to show how the winged form can be turned from a small crotch.

Another Winged Form There is another way to turn a winged form using a whole log. This demonstration will show how.