What Is Your Super Power?
I turn firewood into useful and mostly beautiful things. That is my super power. I see it all day long at woodworking shows. Folks who are not turners stand wide-eyed in front of my booth as I transform a lump of fire wood into something beautiful right before their very eyes in moments. To them, I actually do have magical super powers, and so do you.
If you have never set up a lathe and turned something, even very simple, in front of a non-turning audience, you are really missing out on a very special experience. Weekend outdoor craft festivals and street fairs are incredible. Kids of all ages will stop and stare in amazement as they watch the shavings fly off the blank on its way to becoming something beautiful right in front of their eyes.
And you wouldn’t believe how school kids respond to a live demonstration. The best examples of this I know of are the youth turning areas at a turning symposium. Equally enlightening are the “Turn-A-Pen” activities hosted by local turning clubs at a wood show. This is true for teens and non-turning parents. It is almost better than an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. You have super powers and you didn’t even know it.
I would like to encourage you to volunteer for live demonstrations especially before non-turners at every chance you get. The rewards can literally be life changing for people you never even met before. Do it alone or with your turning club, but look for these opportunities. Your audience will be blessed and so will you.
Here is another thought; ask a buddy who has about the same skill level you do to join you for a turning session. Pick an easy quick project (tops, acorns, honey dippers, etc.). Show your friend how you make it first, and then have your friend show you how they make the same thing. Both of you will see different ways to do the same thing. Later on a time will come when you can use what you learned, or you might decide that their way is better than what you had been doing. It has happened to me on more than one occasion. Note: sometimes your way is actually better so don’t change.
A very famous turner once bragged to me that he was completely self-taught. None of us are so smart or intuitive that we can’t learn from someone else. I have made it my mission to study and learn from the very accomplished folks in my field. I am not going to live long enough to make all of the mistakes necessary to become among the best in my field. That is why doctors go to school for up to 16 years, so they learn from those who have gone before them. Always remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message.
Rom 2 MSG 19-21
I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God's revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? . . .
1Sam 12:23 KJV
Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1Chr 22:15-16 ESV2011
You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The LORD be with you!”
This Week's Sale
(Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Product Line is
Included in this sale)
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™
Two New Additions:
Big Hole Top Plate for 12" Size
Previously only available with the 16" size, we are now offering a top plate with an 8" opening for the 12" size Amazing Doughnut Chuck™. This allows maximum accessability for the larger projects.
6" Rings with No-Holes
For those times when the standard sizes are either too large or too small, we now offer 6" rings with no holes ready for you to make those in between sizes. They are sold in pairs and come drilled with bolt holes and a lip for use with the top plate if need be.
I have included a price schedule and list of accessories for your consideration and review at the end of this newsletter. The package deals do save money over ordering the parts individually. There are also some new accessories listed.
Thanks for your patience, your loyalty and your friendship.
Ron Brown
The Amazing Off-Center Assembly is now ready for immediate delivery
Available as an add-on to your Amazing Off-Center Chuck™
or it can be purchased as a stand-alone unit. It comes with a stud (1"x 8 for 12" size or, 1-1/4" x 8 for the 16" size)
suitable for mounting your 4 jaw scroll chuck for secure work holding.
I have prepared a very short video showing a typical texturing demonstration which I do for audiences at The Woodworking Shows each weekend this time of year. Although I’ve done many thousands of these, they never get old. I hope you enjoy this three and a half minute video.
Short Texturing Video (3-1/2 min)
Here is a quick tour of our Woodworking Show Booth for 2017. Hope you will come see us when we come to a city near you. https://youtu.be/2Owz3p3axzY
I check email when I'm on the road twice a day. The office phone, not so much. The other office staff have been instructed not to answer questions they are not equiped to handle.
Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one downloadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.