Michelle Kouri
The SaddleBrooke Woodworkers Club continues to discover the wide range of skills and talents of its members, which are exhibited by the objects they bring to the Show and Tell segment of our monthly meetings. In January four members made presentations.
Donn Hamm showed his skills not only as a wood turner, but also a builder. Two sycamore wood bowls were turned; one being a “hollow” bowl that he painstakingly hollowed without a laser-guided hollowing tool. His second bowl, called an “Illusion Basket” was made by using a special beading tool to make the grooves around the bowl, then he burned small vertical stripes and painted the “beads” to give the illusion of a basket. The third item was a rack for “his many” cutting boards, which was equally admired.
Paul Swane brought a sampling of his inlay pens, which would make any recipient impressed with his work. He also passed around different themed pen kits, including wild animals, firefighter, golf, guns, pets, American flag, dinosaurs, etc. Kit prices can range from $20 to $50, depending on the theme.
Basically, after turning the pen, he assembles very tiny pieces that are part of the pen barrel. Theme choices are only limited by your imagination, which makes it more fun to create something different for all to enjoy.
Club President John Hardin graced us with an approximate 14-inch diameter, thin profile, and beautifully sectioned round platter with contrasting glued segments. John has showcased his artistic talents at other events and continues to impress.
Michelle Kouri displayed a bowl she turned, carved, and then added iridescent “chameleon flakes.” After turning the bowl, she power-carved the inner ring, then applied a glue that turns white and sticky when dry. Using a small artist’s brush, she then laid very small chameleon flakes onto the sticky surface. Static electricity and gentle airflow can easily cause the flakes to fly away. These flakes will change color in the light by turning the bowl to different angles. Similar, non-iridescent but less costly gold leaf and colored flakes can be purchased at hobby stores.
We had a nice display and much interest in our club at the Activity Fair where many asked questions and signed our petition for a dedicated club workspace. Thanks to those who stopped by.
On Feb. 12 Donn Hamm hosted a demonstration in his garage workshop on how to use dados and rabbets in box construction. Included were written instructions for all attendees. It was evident that new tips and techniques were enthusiastically welcomed.
On March 12 President John Hardin will be offering a demonstration in his garage workshop on dovetail jigs and other topics related to box and other construction.
Guests are welcome and asked to consider membership in this very interesting and fast-growing Woodworkers Club. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the MountainView Cactus Room. Annual dues are $10. See our website sbwoodworkers.org (still a bit under construction).