Integrity

If you are turning a large piece of wood on a lathe at 1,000+ RPM and it lacks integrity, you might get hurt. Ask me to show you the scars sometime. If you know a piece might be flawed, you have a decision to make; either stay away completely or be prepared to suffer the consequences if it lets you down at a critical moment.

A number of years ago I nearly suffered a broken forearm because I didn’t fully understand how deeply flawed this particular cherry log was. And it held together through 95% of the turning! Only as I turned the very last portion did it fly apart. I had on a full face shield, I had on gloves, and I even had on a leather apron. My 19” cherry platter was going to be unusually beautiful! Then just like in the slow m–o–t–i–o–n m–o–v–i–e–s, I heard a loud bang and my 682 pound Powermatic began to dance about the shop. I instantly became aware that my left arm was no longer functional as I lunged to turn the power off and stop the mayhem. I had not noticed the hairline crack which extended nearly 2/3rds of the way across my platter. The half of the platter which detached from the lathe smashed into my left forearm on its way across the shop. Even though I thought I was fully protected, when the piece failed it bypassed all of my safety gear and found practically the only uncovered part of my whole body and that is where it struck. My only souvenir is a small scar and deeply wounded pride.

Integrity is a quality we should demand in our woodturning pieces, in our equipment, and in our club leadership. When someone tells you something, you should be able to depend on it being the truth. If you haven’t been in a turning club for long, wait for the time your demonstrator doesn’t show up, gets his days mixed up or is otherwise unable to fulfill their commitment. Sometimes they even tell you in advance, sometime they don’t. The only person you are responsible for is yourself. Be a person of integrity. If you promise to do something, do it. If you volunteer to serve, serve. Don’t be that person whose word is suspect. I heard a joke the other day about how to tell when a politician is lying – when their lips are moving!

When you finish a project for someone else, did you do it with integrity? Was the shape the best it could be? Did you take the time to really sand the scratches out and work up through all of the grits? Could the finish have used an extra coat? Did you take time to buff the piece? In other words, are you proud to say you did your best and you did it with integrity? We are not talking perfection here, just that you gave it your best effort for your skill level. If you said yes you are probably the kind of person who can be counted on, you are a person of integrity. Remember that where ever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

1 Chronicles 29:17 NIV

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. . .

Psalm 78:72 NIV

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Titus 2:7 NIV

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Appropriate for OCTOBER 31st. Prov 31:10–12

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 2 A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.