Plain Talk
We have nine Woodworking Shows behind us so far this year with only two left, Atlanta, Ga. this week and Chantilly, Va. next week. We will do a few turning symposiums throughout the rest of the year, but mostly we will be developing new products and putting our newly constructed video studio to good use. Look for a full length DVD on Mason Jar Lids from your lathe, miniature birdhouses and tons of YouTube short clips over the summer.
We have seen well over 40,000 folks so far in the first two and a half months of 2018 and I just wanted to take a minute to remind you to speak plainly. Never forget that you might know a lot more about something that the person you are talking to and they don’t necessarily know what a “Banjo” is (I don’t mean the one with strings).
A good friend who has his lathe ordered was asking all of the same questions any new turner would ask, but I’m reminded that just because he has been around me a lot while I turn, that doesn’t mean he speaks the “Turner’s Language.” A very valid recent question was “If there are LIVE CENTERS, are there DEAD CENTERS? Why? Can you show me one? Does a live center become a dead center when it gets very old? I always thought a flute was a musical instrument so does that mean you can play music on your bowl gouge since it has a flute?”
Be careful not to get caught up in jargon with someone who might not be familiar with the terminology. I never know someone’s skill level at a show so what works for me is that when I use turning jargon (banjo, flute, live center) I immediately follow up with the plain English description for it. For example: When I ask someone for the spindle size of their lathe I might say “Do you know the spindle size for your lathe - that is the threaded shaft that the motor turns.” Or, I might say “What is the swing on your lathe in other words how big a diameter bowl could you turn on your lathe?” You aren’t insulting the person you are speaking to in fact they will appreciate being able to understand what you are saying.
If you teach or demonstrate turning at your club or at craft fairs or other public events, remember that plain talk will connect much better than fancy elitist jargon and nobody will be impressed that you know a few buzz words. Just get in the habit of using the jargon immediately followed by the plane English description and you will be a much more effective communicator. Try this with family members (especially your spouse) and see if things don’t go better.
My second point is about horse play in the shop or sarcasm when you comment on someone’s work. I have a very strict policy about joking around in the shop. DON’T!!! I require my family to flash the light switch before they ever open the door. I often have heavy very sharp loud machinery running and I don’t want to be startled. Serious injury could easily result if I’m distracted or jerk suddenly. I almost always have hearing protection on when I’m in the shop so a person could sneak up behind me without meaning to. We have at least a dozen machines which are capable of cutting something off in an instant so we require that instructions and comments not be sarcastic, but should be exactly what we mean in order to avoid misunderstandings. There is plenty of time for kidding around later, just not in the shop. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
James 5:12 MSG And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don't add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you. John 16:29 NCV Then the followers of Jesus said, "You are speaking clearly to us now and are not using stories that are hard to understand. Matt 18:18 MSG Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this.
Ron's YouTube Channel - Coolhammerman
https://www.youtube.com/user/coolhammerman
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Next show Cobb Galleria Two Galleria Parkway Atlanta, Georgia, 30339
March 16-18, 2018
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.
MadeBy Medallions
Order a full sheet at regular price and get a half sheet free with your order.
This offer has been extremely popular so I'll offer it for one more week. Valid through March 19th, 2018.
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.
