Demo night 28th April

We've had a talk and demo on longbow making and their history and use tonight from the very knowledgeable bowyer Callum Youngson. He brought along a number of completed bows and a stave to demonstrate technique on, plus his tools etc.

Next meeting is hands on, on the 12th May.

Beginner's book recommendation

A few people have asked me recently where I learned what I have about turning, and while I'm by no means a particularly experienced turner, this book was recommended to me when I first started out and I don't hesitate to further pass on that recommendation.

The book is Woodturning - A Foundation Course by Keith Rowley. I found a copy in my local library network in Wigan then bought my own a few weeks later. It starts from absolute basics and moves on to some fairly advanced techniques.

The book is available from (among other places) Amazon.co.uk

Submit your book recommendations to wiganwoodcrafts@gmail.com and I'll include them here.

Lively hands-on night, 14th April 2014

The newly instituted AV corner showing wood craft videos

Bill Makin showing a new member the basics of turning while
club Chairman Fred Worthington tutors another.

Lots going on tonight. Four lathes at one end, instructional videos at the other, Brian selling pen turning equipment and consumables, Russell selling Abranet abrasives on behalf of the club, more wood for sale in the centre, tea and coffee ready for later while people peruse the monthly table of members' work. The pictures don't really do the activity level on the night justice here. 

Wood and pen supplies for sale

We had three new members/visitors having a go at turning on the four lathes for the first time and probably about 50 members present total, which is the most I've seen since I joined.

Demo Night 31st March 2014

We have Dave Atkinson in tonight, making a square and a rectangular bowl. It's also the first outing for the new P.A. system so we can all hear him clearly.

Hands-on night 17th March 2014

The regular monthly hands-on night tonight sees club secretary Russell and regular member Jim demonstrating turning to some potential new members, while Peter turns a bracelet on the right. These nights are opportunities for new or less confident carvers and turners to pick up skills and knowledge from the wealth of experience of the existing membership, or for people without their own lathes at home to come along and work on their own projects with skilled backup if needed.

Demo night 3rd March 2014

Long time member and "pen wizard" Brian Hetherington demonstrates assembly of a one-piece pen, among other projects.

Hands-on night with shop- 17th Feb 2014

Alf Bentham (some of his work available to view in the gallery on www.wiganwoodcrafts.co.uk) talking through the table of members' work - a regular feature of the hands-on nights. Also visible is the latest visiting shop with plenty of turning and carving equipment at apparent show prices from www.bivenmachinerysales.co.uk.