12 Sept 2023 – Hands on Night

Despite the rain, the nights drawing in and the temperature significantly down compared to the previous few days it didn’t deter twenty seven members and one potential new member turning up to the hall for September’s hands on evening.

As usual the early team had set up the lathes, this month complete with the recently purchased CamVac dust extractors, and generally made the hall ready for the evening’s activities. Using the lathes this month were Chris, Darren and Zak. At the request of a member John M showed him how to strip down, clean and reassemble the chuck that he had brought in whilst Mick was on hand to show members how to sharpen tools using the Proedge.

Darren took charge of our guest attendee and having gone through all of the health and safety matters demonstrated various techniques before letting him have a go. Thanks to Darren’s expert tuition our guest reported that he had had a very good evening, learnt a lot and was looking forward to becoming a member.

Zak and Chris took to their lathes and had their usual interactive sessions, giving advice, listening (sometimes!) to suggestions and generally engaging with the members.

The shop was busy again during the evening and the recently introduced cashless policy worked well. Hanks to Paul, Dave E and Rob C for keeping the sales flowing. Thank also to John C who does what might be regarded as one of the most vital jobs of the evening, that of ensuring everything is available to provide the members with tea and coffee.

On the table were some fine examples of pieces turned by a few of the members.

All in all a good evening of woodturning and social interaction, an uplifting counterpart to the rain outside.

Thanks Alan S for the write up and Chris C and Alan for the photos.  For more photos of the evening please check out the Gallery.