Walking On Water
There is only one person who has ever done that, unless you know where the rocks are.
Three clergymen are fishing out on the lake. The first one steps out of the boat and walks to shore for more bait. A bit later the second one steps out and walks to shore to get a sandwich. The third one steps out of the other side of the boat and immediately sinks and nearly drowns. The first two look at each other and one says “should we tell him where the rocks are?”
Turning can be a lot like that. It is actually pretty easy once you know the secrets. Here are three good ones:
A-B-C, Attach, Bevel, Cut. In spindle turning attach the tool to the tool rest first. Then rub the bevel first before letting the cutting edge contact the wood. Raise the handle and begin the cut while controlling the depth of cut. Always use this sequence for spindles. Like distracted driving, distracted turning can lead to serious accidents. Focus on what you are doing and where your tools are. Spinning wood has a lot of momentum and you will lose every time. I have the scars and bandages to prove it! PPE is important. Personal Protective Equipment (face shields, goggles, breathing protection, etc.) is there to keep you safe. Use them.
Doing the right thing even when it is scary is always the correct path. A little fellow about 9 years old dropped one of my pieces and broke it at the woodworking show in St Louis this past weekend. I know this because he came up to me in a crowd and handed both pieces to me. With tears in his little eyes he apologized and offered to pay for it. I knew this was hard and he was scared. Of course I told him it was OK and not to worry. Then I saw his dad standing behind this little fellow with cash in hand. I took this opportunity to reinforce a very important lesson for this boy. “It is never wrong to do the right thing. Thanks for being brave and honest. Dad, thanks for teaching your son this valuable lesson.”
I often hear “Ron, you make it look awful easy!” It is only because I know where the rocks are. Remember that wherever you go there you are. Here is my inspiration for this week’s message:
Prov 22:6 KJV Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Dan 9:22 KJV And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
1Cor 10:13 NIV No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
This week's show is in Kansas City, MO
Two Day Show!!!
Fri 10am to 6pm - Sat 10am to 6pm
No Show Sunday
Show Schedule Here
Reminder:
During the show season we travel each week from January through March. I can check my email morning and evening and answer your questions in a timely manner. The phone is a different story. Please use email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the best results.
This Week's Sale
Easy Set Up Sharpening Package
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Quad, Universal Setting Gauge, Angle Checker, Set Up Blocks, Sharpen Like An Expert DVD (2 Disks)
Reg Price $111, Save 37%
$69.99 Free USA Shipping
VariGrind 2
Universal Setting Jig Does Work!
John Atkins sent me this photo which answers a question I get regularly. Will the Universal Setting Jig work with the OneWay Varigrind 2. Yes it will by placing the foot of the Universal at the location indicated in the photo. Now we know! Thanks John.
Free USA shipping for all domestic orders over $50. For orders less than $50 a flat rate of $7.99. I simply cannot afford to continue shipping the smaller orders for free.
Just so you know, here is a partial list of the items we make right in our own shop in Atlanta, Georgia, USA:
Amazing Doughnut Chucks, Amazing Bucket Caddy, Universal Setting Jig, Quad Setting Jig, Golden Mean Calipers, Indexing Wheels, Laser Cut Kits and Inlays, Gluing Guides for Laser Cut Kits, Made By Medallions for your work, Gouge SetUp Blocks, Angle Gauge SetUp Blocks, How-To DVD's 100% produced and published in-house
Special prices for Club Buys
If your club is interested in putting a Group Buy together, CBN Wheels for example 10 or more, Laser Cut Kits 50 or more, Turners Laser Guides 10 or more, Amazing Doughnut Chucks or Longworth Chucks, I can provide very special pricing. Drop me a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Made By Medallions Identify your work
This year, mark your treasures with a professionally created wooden "Made By Medallion" available in 1" and 1-1/4" disks with your name and information. Cut from 1/8" Baltic Birch, you simply drill a shallow recess with a Forstner bit and glue it permanently in place. Those who receive your treasure know exactly who made it and if you wish, how to contact you.
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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 down-loadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
