March Open Shop Day

March 16th, 2019

The March Saturday open turning session was a full house again.  You can tell just how busy it was by the fact someone forgot to take any pictures!

Epic presidential failure on my part, my apologies to everyone.  I promise to do better next time.

I do have a good excuse though.  I was learning to turn pens!  Several members including myself participated in pen turning lessons hosted by club secretary Phil Edilla.  Phil came fully prepared with blanks, kits and a whole lot of knowledge.  He did a fantastic job getting everyone set up and turning.

We all cranked out some great looking pens that will be donated to the Pens for Vets program.  Thanks to everyone who participated in this fun event.

In lieu of the shop day photos, I've added a photo of a mahogany pen I made a week after learning to turn pens.

A special thanks to Joe Mikesh for his generous winning bid on the Franck Johannesen dizzy bowl at the April meeting.  

The club president started this month's meeting with a recap of recent club actions.  The CBN diamond sharpening wheel has been ordered and arrived.  Routine maintenance has been performed on all lathes.  The old projector and portable projection screen has been sold with the monies added to the club coffer.

Plenty of new business for the club this month.  A PO box for the club has been secured at the downtown post office.  Club officers will now work to get all organizations that deal with the club notified of the club mailing address.  This will alleviate major issues with change-of-address as the club leadership changes in the future. 

Two new members at-large have been added the board.  Oliver Martin and Craig Meyer both volunteered and will help greatly with keeping the club running smoothly in the future.  We still need a Vice President.  Interested parties should contact the club president.

Finally, board meetings will be held two days prior to the regular monthly meeting at 4:00pm in Dan Alvo's business office.  

Club treasurer Dan Alvo gave a brief summary of club finances and expenditures.  All club finances are now organized in an accounting package and reconciled monthly.

The meeting then proceeded to Show-and-Tell where several gorgeous projects were on display.  Finally, the general club discussion concluded and the meeting transitioned to our featured presenter.

Ralph McKee
Birdhouse Christmas Ornaments

Club member Ralph McKee gave an outstanding presentation to attending club members at the April club meeting.  Ralph demonstrated the entire process of turning each piece of the ornament.  

Ralph was also kind enough to offer up two pre-made ornament kits as the raffle prize for that evening.  Everyone in attendance also received a printed handout detailing the instructions to make ornaments of their own.

I have been given permission to scan the birdhouse instructions for addition to the club website.  Look for it under the Members menu for past presentations.