23 Aug 2022 – Trent Bosch Demo
TRENT BOSCH DEMO
Tuesday 23rd August saw 34 of our members Zoom in for our monthly demonstrator, Trent Bosch from Fort Collins, Colorado. Vessels and surfaces was the topic he decided to share his hollowing and texturing skills with us. Following our usual welcome and notices Martin handed over to Trent who described his project and safety measures he takes when turning.
Then on to the project, an Elm blank, about 6 by 7 ½ inch mounted between centres, swiftly turned to round, and deciding which end would best suit the piece, Trent described in great detail how to form the prefect tenon to mount the work. It was noted later that a lot of professional turners assume that everyone knows this stage so rarely explain. With the piece now mounted in the chuck and tailstock in place, initial shaping, firstly the neck of the hollow form and then down to the bottom; throughout his demo he described in great detail his tool presentation and the grinds used to achieve best results.
We moved on to hollowing, which Trent explained he approaches in 6 stages and showed a graphic of how he
achieves the ¼ inch wall thickness he was aiming for. After truing the top and drilling a pilot hole with his gouge he used a rather useful air-tool (Gun drill) to ‘drill’ to the required depth. Stage 2, with a straight hollowing tool, a wider shaft made to the bottom of the piece before switching to a curved tool, stage 3, to start hollowing the top end. We were then introduced to the hollowing tool stabilizer, an articulated piece of equipment that mounts in the tool-rest banjo, which Trent used to complete stage 4. At this point we had a view of a separate monitor that is used in conjunction with a camera mounted above the tool which allow you to see how far inside the vessel you are working; and then a bent radius scraper was used to complete the final stages.
Following a short comfort break we returned for the second part of the demonstration this is the texturing and surfaces “how to” enhance the hollow
form. The Golden ratio was explained with set of callipers, used to give the most pleasing proportion to the eye. He went on to explain how he uses several different techniques to enhance the outside of his work and would demonstrate some of these. A look at the screen grabs gives an idea of the variations achieved.
The project was removed from the headstock with the chuck still attached so that Trent could mount in a carving stand that fits into the banjo with locking mechanism to allow rotation of your work whilst carving. Several textures and surfaces were created on different sides of the piece with a series of power tools, both Air and Electrical; these included rotary burrs and chisels, sanders and even a reciprocating saw. A butane torch came into play to singe off some of the rough bits and add even more texture and colour. Finally, how to hold the work to remove the tenon without damaging the surface, a hollow ram chuck with a foam ring attached to the top and the pot held in place with the tailstock allowed the tenon to be removed safely.
Trent confessed to being a little obsessed with different tools and had designed some for specific uses but stressed that if you look around your workshop there are many things that can be utilised to achieve similar results.
We had some questions which covered everything from camera set up to sharpening and Trent was more than happy to share his knowledge with us. A most enjoyable and thought-provoking evening, a Big thankyou to Trent.
For all of the screen shots taken of the demo please have a look in our Gallery HERE
And lastly,
A date for your diary, Saturday 24 Sept 2022, Training Day, Mick has confirmed that the Club Shop will be open from 10am to midday for you to stock up on your Woodturning supplies. Please support this to make it worth while him giving up his time to do this for the Club.
I should not have to do this, but it was noticed that some of the language being used in the general chat, albeit not in nasty way, following the demo, was not suitable and some in the meeting found it offensive. Please can I therefore remind you all, to mind your language and consider the audience that may be listening. This applies at all Club meetings both online and in the Hall.
Our next meeting is the Hands on Night on the 13 Sept 2022, so you have awhile to wait. If anyone wants to book one of the two lathes get in touch as we have four, one hour slots available.
All Committee, don’t forget the next meeting is on the 6 Sept, from 7pm. So any Agenda items, please send to Graham Miles, Club Secretary.
Yet another superb IRD from across the pod. Trent explained in detail every step of the orocess leaving very little scope for questions from an enthralled audience. Even I think I can have a go at some of the techniques Trent demonstrated. He used and explained a variety of tools including a range of air tools rarely seen over here. He has a factory next door to his workshop where various tools are made for the market, but to his credit ,not once did he turn into a salesman like other turners have in the past. A thoroughly enjoyable evening
A really good night well attended.
Yes this was a well presented demonstration, with good explanation and camera work.
Another great demonstration by an excellent tutor. From the basics of rounding and making a tenon to hollowing using a jig with a camera system there was something for the absolute beginner to the more experienced and adventurous turner. In the second half his ideas for embellishment were helpful for those of us looking for inspiration. I don’t share his keenest for air tools, a Dremel or similar with an appropriate cutter should do the job without having the bother of an air line!