Spring Entry

Ah! Spring.

Well, here we go into another season of moderate weather, getting out and about, and enjoying the reawakening of nature. The pole lathe stood its ground through all the snow and cold. Unfortunately I was unable to do the usual woodworking that the winter allows because of the weather. Even today it has gotten chilly enough to need a jacket and something on my head.

Today, I am getting ready to take my “shop” on the road again to demonstrate green woodworking with the lathe, shave horse, and related tools and techniques I have gathered. I’m reassembling my tool kit which has become somewhat scattered because of the different locations I have been working because of the weather. Don’t get me wrong. I loved the snow we had this year which reminded me of the sort of snow we used to get in Delaware regularly when I was a boy. Well, a younger boy. But, just as in the times my woodworking represents, adjustments have to be made in order to keep a it.

First up and out this year is the Spring Fling at Killen’s Pond near the camping area by the pavilion on April 24th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is the first time they are having this event so I hope if you see this you will be able to make some time to come out and support the effort. This event is part of the “No child left inside” program at Killen’s Pond.

Next, I will be at Olde Dover Days for a second year. The craft demonstration area is behind the old Court House at the west end of the Legislative mall. A little blacksmithing, spinning, and this year a live traditional musician playing period music on period instruments, maybe with a good pole turning tune.

I will be returning to the Mennonite Spring festival on May 15 from 8:00 am to about 4:00 pm at the Central Christian School, 220 W. Denney’s Road. Lots of crafts, good food, and an auction featuring handmade quilts. Proceeds benefit the school.

Finally, so far, I will be at Blackbird Creek on Oct 23. Not sure about the times yet. Stay tuned for updates.

Hope to see you, whoever you are. Thanks.

Read Full Post »

September Again

So, its September again. Time for school to start and the mosquitoes to subside although the mosquitoes are just about as reticent to leave as the kids are to return to the classroom.

Anyway, this is the time of year that craft shows abound and the weather is nice enough that people will get out to enjoy the day and attend. This year is a little slow since some organizations that have hosted me before can’t afford to sponsor such events although others can. Attendance should be good with so many people saving money by staying close to home and yet wanting to do something.

So far this fall I will be setting up for Byler’s Country Store 12th annual customer appreciation day on September 19 from 10am to 3pm. Byler’s is 3 miles west of Dover, Delaware on Rt. 8. This years theme will focus on pumpkin and apple flavored food items and activities.

Next, I hope to set up for the Delmarva Friends of Folk Fall Fling on October 3 from 10pm to 5pm. The weekend revolves around live music performance and workshops with craft and food vendors on hand as well as children’s activities through out the day.

Finally, so far, I will be setting up on October 17 at the Autumn in Duck Creek Annual Fall Festival celebrating the town’s heritage and historic homes. Events include, market fair, scarecrow contest, pumpkin painting, chili cook-off, hands-on history activities and more. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

I hope to be doing more events and I will post these as they come along.

Read Full Post »

Mennonite Festival 2009

 

So, on May 16, we drove the extraordinary distance of about 2 1/2 miles to the Mennonite Central Christian School on West Denny’s Road for the 23rd Annual Mennonite Festival and Auction. Our hosts were very gracious not only in allowing me the extra space needed to set up the lathe also but in providing a generally relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for the event.

We ate well, sold some stuff, and listened to a fine auction of donated things including a goat that was not good around children (apparently not a strong selling point) and some of the finest quilts I have ever seen all sold to raise money for the school. I spoke with a number of woodworkers who lived nearly as close to the school as I do who I probably never would have crossed paths with except for this event. As usual, there were a few who thought I was working too hard at what I was doing, so I offered to let them have a go at the treadle to see just how easily the whole thing worked. I even gave a short lesson on cutting on a lathe as the wood prefers to be cut to several fellows who didn’t think they were getting good use from their power lathes. I also explained the different levels of sharpness needed for each way of powering the lathe: very keen for greenwood pole turning and not so sharp for powered turning which needs only an 80 grit grind and deburring.

The auction continued as we packed up and left to go home.

The next day it rained half the day while I unpacked the truck, after which I had breakfast with my daughter and son-in-law. After eating, we went to get some free wood; pine pieces that had been cut earlier in the week. All in all a very good weekend.

Read Full Post »

Old Dover Days

I stopped by the Dover Tourism office yesterday to confirm my spot at Old Dover Days on May 2nd. I’ll have my pole lathe there for demonstrations, and I hope to see you there too!

Read Full Post »

Shave Horse Tutorial

In answer to a request, I published this on paleoplanet and have had a lot of people looking at it.

How to build a shave horse- but just this one

The pictures show dimensions that are suggestions. I am about 5 Feet and 10 inches tall so this horse fits me very well. If you are 5 inches taller or shorter, the height of the table might need to be raised or lowered but everything else can be the same. The seat is 20″ high, the standard height for a stool or chair.

First, you might get a piece of cardboard and lay out the general dimensions and shape. From this, transfer the lengths of the main fork, the leg fork, and any incidental measurements to a stick that can be easily carried and could double as a walking stick. Now, get a saw and start walking. (Note: I use hand-powered tools. They’re safer and I’m cheap.) If you will be dragging a chain saw along, please have someone accompany you. It will be good to have help carrying your wood back also. I am fortunate to have woods available to me practically in my back yard. I say here that if you don’t have direct access to gatherable materials, please get permission before removing anything from private or public property.

The seat fits loosely at the end of the main frame fork. This makes it easier to transport but its also a little wobbly. The clamp frame axle is shown sticking out the side of the main frame. The clamp has to be in place in order to set the axle.

All the “mortice” holes are 2″ diameter and the tenons are whittled to fit. The movable table plank is about 1 3/4″ thick X 4 1/2″ X 22″ long. I keep a 2 1/2″ diameter piece of branch which can be used to adjust the distance between the top of the plank and the jaw of the clamp for different thickness of materials.

Read Full Post »

Autumn At Abbott’s Mill

Hope to see you there!

Read Full Post »

Welcome!

Welcome to the online home of my real-life business, For Woodness Sake! I’ll be posting upcoming events, including festivals and other venues where I’ll be selling my wares and/or demonstrating my springpole lathe and other tools. I’ll also be posting samples of my work and products available for order or for sale.

Read Full Post »