Wanted: Project Photos
Since Steven Todd and I started this website several years ago, many have written or called with positive comments about its content. We really are just a couple of guys who have a passion for all forms of woodworking and wish to share it with others. Over the years some have sent photos of segmented bowls they’ve made using techniques learned from watching videos and/or reviewing the PowerPoints that have been posted on the site. In addition, some have taken a class or just stopped by the shop for a pointer or two. Usually, I learn as much from them as they do from me.
So we are asking if you’ve benefited in some small way from any of the articles or videos, would you consider sending us photos of your work and include your name and where you live so that we can share your experience with others. Ideally, a photo of you and your work would allow us to put a name with a face.
You can hover over the photos to see who the craftsmen are and from where they live. To the best of my knowledge, we’ve helped woodworkers from Spokane, Washington to Corpus Christi, Texas make beautiful objects from techniques learned. We are not so presumptuous to think that these talented people learned everything from the information presented on this site but we hope we’ve provided some inspiration or stimulus for them. Read more
Future Woodworker: Under Construction
If you believe strongly enough that woodworking is a worthwhile avocation; then take the time to encourage, instruct and nature the skills and knowledge in the young people you can influence. My grandson Tyler who is now seven loves spending time in the shop with his papa doing small projects which will someday have a major impact on his life. We started with making a wooden knife and gouge so that he could learn to whittle a boat out of a bar of soup. He carefully worked on that bar of soap until it took on a boat-like shape and then hollowed out the center with the wooden gouge. The whole process, including the making of the tools took about an hour. We both had a great time! In a couple of years he will be ready to use his whittling knife which is stored in his tool cabinet (see articles on Tyler’s Tool Cabinet on this website).
Tyler who is seven has graduated to using a spokeshave to make an arrowhead/spearhead (watch video below). This is the second time he’s used this tool, which is very safe for his age to use, even though it’s sharp. Only a 1/64” or less of the iron protrudes from the tool but it gives him the opportunity to create a 3D object. After laying out the arrowhead, I cut out the basic shape on the band saw. I then demonstrated how to find the center of the board width wise and along the edge so that he could keep the shape fairly symmetrical. A hole was drilled in the end so that a dowel rod could be inserted. A short lesson on how to use the tool and he was off making shavings or curlicues.
Now with pride in his voice he calls me to the workbench to show me the length of the curlicues he’s created and then says in a quiet voice “papa,listen to the sound the tool makes when its cutting, doesn’t it sound good!”
Lesson learned and future woodworker under construction!
Click on link to watch video: Tyler Spokeshave
Woodcraft’s Segmented Bowl Making Class Feb. 23-24, 2013
Four gentlemen attended the second class I’ve taught on segmented bowl making this past weekend at Woodcraft Supply in Lenexa, Kansas. It was my pleasure to demonstrate the basics on how to design, construct and turn a segmented bowl. I’m pleased to report that all four completed their first segmented bowl. During the 16 hours of hands-on instruction and shop time we covered a great deal of information and related techniques used in making segmented bowls. According to the responses from the attendees, the class assisted them in demystifying some of the aspects of this form of woodworking. For me, it was fantastic to be the one given the opportunity to start another group off on their journey into segmented bowl making. However, the best thing was the chance to make four new friends who now share this passion we call woodworking.
I’d be remised not to thank my deceased segmented bowl making mentor (George “Sonnie” Sharrar) for the tutelage he endow me with, which in turns allows me to pass along his woodworking legacy.
Please contact me or check out the Woodcraft Supply website for the next class offered on segmented bowl making. In case segmented turning isn’t your cup of tea, Woodcraft Supply offers a whole assortment of classes and one might be of interest to you.
Thanks guys for asking so many good questions, for working hard and making this a wonderful experience for this “poor old shop teacher”. Be sure to send me photos of the projects you complete and be safe in your shops! God Bless!! Read more
Free Segmented Bowl Demo
Segmented Bowl Demo
On Saturday, February 2, 1pm-2pm, Jay Helland will demonstrate how to cut stave-type segments using a table saw and sled. If you’ve ever been interested in getting started making segmented bowls this would be a good time to see this part of the process in person. The videos on this website obviously don’t show every step of the procedure, nor give you the opportunity for Q & A. You can sign-up for the two-day class on segmented bowl making at Woodcraft, 8645 Bluejacket Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66214 or call 913-599-2800. Tuition for the two-day class is $195 per session.
I hope to see you at the Free Demo so mark your calendar.
Christmas Gifts 2012
This Christmas I decided to make gifts for my co-workers who have leadership or support roles in the Facilities Services department of the Lee’s Summit School District. This was my way of showing them that I really appreciate the professionalism and camaraderie they display daily. For me, I get the pleasure of making the item and then in seeing friends receive a handmade one-of-kind gift. This year it took about 9 months to complete the 20 segmented turning.
What a great group of individuals to work with!
Click on photos mutiple time to enlarge.
