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April 2019 Meeting

The April meeting of the Nittany Valley Woodturners will feature a presentation by local wood turner, Ken Fisher, demonstrating Turning apple forms with a customized jig. A former Marine and Retired President of MCS Bank in Lewistown, Ken is a self-taught turner since 2011.

The bowl of “apples” on the lower left represents what Ken will be demonstrating. As you can see, Ken also likes to turn burls, which he gets from Joe Peachy, whose Amish shop we hope to visit in June. Time will be allotted for questions and answers for an interactive session.

In addition to the usual wood auction we will be auctioning some exotic woods recently donated to the club.

Be sure to bring pieces you’ve turned (or attempted to turn) and would like to share. We’re especially eager to have you bring pieces that may be giving you problems – whether in terms of design or tool technique. If you have a blank for which you’d like some advice regarding orientation or maximizing the available wood or the best way to mount the blank for safety – all questions are welcome.

Nittany Valley Woodturners is always looking for new members who are interested in woodturning. Our club is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW).

We hope to see you at our next meeting on Thursday, April 4, 7-9 pm at the Mount Nittany Middle School, 656 Brandywine Dr., State College, PA

For easiest access to the school wood shop, park in the rear down the second driveway near the dumpster. You may also park in front and find the woodshop in the far left hand corner of the building as you enter.

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March 2019 Meeting

Mark Mclaren demonstrated how to make a twig (weed) pot.  He also shared several design principles which everyone found very helpful.

  • Woodturning Design
    Design Elements: (things that can be manipulated or modified in some way). Common to many areas of our
    environment, photography, architecture, landscaping, pottery, etc.
  • Color/Value: Color should suit the overall shape. Value: Light vs dark within the piece (grain, etc)
  • Texture: Rough, smooth, etc. Finish to be used. How does it feel in the hand
  • Shape/Form: How will the object appear from different angles? Does appearance change with perspective?
    • Pay close attention to where flow changes shape or direction. Sharp or smooth, in between not good. o Catenary Curve: (Seen in our environment) Pleasing to the eye.
    • Where does curve end, above or below horizon?
  • Scale: Size of object should match the intended use.
  • Proportion: Relative comparison of the individual elements within the object. Curves, beads, coves,
    embellishments, etc

    • Avoid placing a design element (bead, direction change, etc) near the center line.
    • Rule of 3s. Elements or changes at 1/3 point.
    • Box lid should be 1/3 of the overall dimension.
    • For bowls/platters: Base should be 1/3 diameter of piece.
    • For closed forms: Opening at top 1/3 diameter.
    • Golden Mean: Used by Greeks and Egyptians. (1:1.618) 5:8 ratio. Used for the overall dimension of the
      object being turned.

Design Principles

  • Center of Interest, Balance, Harmony, Rhythm. Style: Modern, rustic, natural, wabi-sabi (organic, imperfect, dull, soft vague shapes, etc.
  • Plan before you turn (draw it, mark the blank, etc), visualize during turn, make changes as needed while turning.
  • Keep it simple, imperfections are ok and interesting, do what feels right for you.
  • Turn, explore, tap in to your creative side.
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February 2019 Meeting

The February meeting of the Nittany Valley Woodturners will feature a presentation by club member and long time turner, Dan Kozar, for an overview of the fundamentals of woodturning. Topics to be covered will include lathe set-up, mounting, chucks, various types of tools and their intended use, and general information and insight that will be useful and informative for the novice or experienced turner. Time will be allotted for questions and answers for an interactive session.

In addition to the usual wood auction we will be auctioning two pieces of exotic woods recently donated to the club. A piece of Leapordwood and a piece of Bocote will be auctioned.

We will also have our usual Show & Tell. Individuals are encouraged to bring your recent turnings to share with the group. Time will also be provided for group discussion of a particular challenge or success.

Nittany Valley Woodturners is always looking for new members who are interested in woodturning. Our club is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW).

We hope to see you at our next meeting on Thursday, February 7, 7-9 pm at the Mount Nittany Middle School, 656 Brandywine Dr., State College, PA

For easiest access to the school wood shop, park in the rear down the second driveway near the dumpster. You may also park in front and find the woodshop in the far left hand corner of the building as you enter.

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December 2018 Meeting

Our December meeting will feature a presentation by club member, Ken Vasko, on Turning Christmas Ornaments.  Ken will demonstrate his technique on a few popular themes that everyone can enjoy on their own lathes.

Join us on December 6, 2018, 7-9 pm at the Mt. Nittany Middle School wood shop, 656 Brandywine Dr., State College.

We will also be having our usual Show & Tell so please bring any items that you want to share.  The club is always available to help with any challenges that you may be having in addition to enjoying the masterpieces.  We will have a few special items to raffle off for the wood auction so bring some extra cash or check book with you.  Also, the $25 annual dues are due this month or next.  Cash or checks will be accepted at the meeting.  Thanks to those who have already paid.

JoAnne Westerhaus will be providing Holiday refreshments to allow for Holiday sharing with one another.  Thank you JoAnne.

It is also time to elect new officers.  If you are interested in helping the club in a leadership role please let us know.  If you are a member please be sure to be there to vote for our next officers

 

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September 2018 Meeting

Greetings from Nittany Valley Woodturners.  We hope that everyone has had a fun filled summer.  Nittany Valley Woodturners have had a busy summer with the demonstration tent at the People’s Choice Festival and the Youth Woodturning Class at the Mt.Nittany Middle School.

NVW will kick otf the new turning season on September 6, 2018, 7-9 pm at the Mt. Nittany MIddle School woodshop, 656 Brandywine Dr., State College. The program topic for the meeting will be Sharpening Turning Tools, Chain Saws, and Bandsaw blades. Tool sharpness is an essential skill when it comes to turning so this is a meeting that you will not want to miss.  (Park in rear of building near dumpster for easiest access to woodshop).

Nittany Valley Woodturners is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners who’s mission is to organize, inform, and educate woodturners.  Anyone interested in learning about woodturning is encouraged to attend our meetings as we are always looking for new members.

We hope to see you at the next meeting of the Nittany Valley Woodturners.

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Summer Introduction to Woodturning Class

Each year our club holds a summer Woodturning Class for middle school students.

The Summer Introduction to Woodturning Class was held from July 23 to July 27.  Instructors were members of the Nittany Valley Woodturners and the course was sponsored by the State College Area School District and held at the Mount Nittany Middle School.  The morning class started with 5 students but one student went on vacation, so a total of 4 students completed the week long class.  The afternoon class has 6 students for the entire week.  Coursework included 15 hours of instruction in the equipment, tools, and safe operation of a wood lathe.  Each student turned beads and coves, honey dippers, snowmen, ring holders, and a 3-legged stool.  Other items included eggs and spinning tops.  The major project during the class is turning the legs for a three-legged stool.

The pictures show the final stools for the classes and the Certificate of Achievement each student earned during the class.

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People’s Choice Demonstrations

Each year our club demonstrates turning wood at the People’s Choice Art’s Fest and 2018 was no different. 

Many people stopped by the booth and 27 people added their email to our list.  Thanks to everyone who demonstrated, set up, tore down and cleaned up.  Way to represent the hobby and club.