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 »

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 »