Imagine Having All The Help You Need

Imagine you are new to wood turning. You have heard about this magical place where if you need someone to help you select the tools you need so you don’t waste a lot of time and money on the wrong tools, or buy stuff you don’t need, someone will appear almost instantly to help you with that. Imagine having someone to teach you how to sharpen them properly and then someone says “I can show you that!” Imagine having your own private mentor who will take time to show you the ropes and explain how and why things are usually done that way and will do it for free. Imagine having someone available to help you with all of your finishing questions. Then imagine the fun you could have turning wooden items after you have been tutored by all of these skilled craftsmen and craftswomen.

That magical place is exactly what woodturning clubs are all about. Their mission is to educate and advance the art and craft of turning wood. They do that through mentoring programs, meetings with demonstrations, occasional all day hands–on classes with recognized authorities in particular turning techniques, etc. There are always members eager to help new turners master various tools and techniques. All you have to do is show up and ask. If you have a sincere desire to learn, there will be someone to teach you.

Life is a lot like that. There are many different groups with a topical focus for whatever you are interested in learning more about. The Christian church is a perfect example of this kind of structure. In fact, when I organized The Gwinnett Woodworking Association which was founded 1998, I drew on my extensive church management background for the structure. The main club is a general interest woodworking club encompassing flat work including furniture, cabinets, decorative boxes, lawn and patio furniture and just about every other king of woodworking you can think of. That group is akin to the weekly Big Church service where everyone is invited and welcome and the message is typically of general interest. Then I structured “Sunday School” units designated SIGs (special interest groups) for folks with specific interests like scroll saw, wood turning and computer software used in our craft. There is one board of directors with SIG Chairmen over each sub group who report to the board. We are taught that even Jesus had 3 close apostles among the twelve. We are further exhorted to be “…apt to teach…”

If you are interested in this structure, you may download a free copy of my “How To Start And Run A Woodworking Club” from the free downloads section of my web site at http://ronbrownsbest.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=11&product_id=495

I do recommend videos on YouTube, however, with this caveat, just because someone posts a video doesn’t mean that they have a clue. I strongly urge you to filter what you see through a heavy layer of common sense. Some of those folks don’t have a lick of sense whatsoever and following their advice can get you hurt or worse. There is no substitute for learning in person from someone you know and trust who has been tried and proven that they know what they are doing.

Here is my inspiration for this week’s message because wherever you go, there you are.

2Tim 2:24 KJV

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Lev 26:8 KJV

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Prov 18:16 KJV

A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.