BWG Next Meeting

Demo # 1 ---Natural Edge Wing Bowl: Turning a thin natural edged winged bowl from a green log or crotch section. Turning green wood thin allows the wood to warp and move thus allowing the wood to influence the final shape which adds interest to the piece and helps prevent cracking. Design and layout considerations regarding limb orientation, crotch figure, keeping or eliminating features or flaws in the wood will be covered. The basics of bevel-supported cuts along with two of the most important fundamentals of turning - sharp tools and good tool control will be emphasized along the technique and finesse needed for turning thin on interrupted cuts. Using and sharpening negative rake scrapers will be explained.

Demo # 2 --- Square to round Bowls, Vases and Hollow Forms: Demonstrate the process I use to create a bowl, which is square on top and tapers to round at the bottom. Starting with a square blank that has been prepared on a bandsaw to taper the sides, the remaining exterior corners will be turned to a convex or concave shape leaving the four angled sides, and then the interior of the bowl will be turned into the square top. Techniques for sanding and/or embellishing the different surfaces of the forms will also be discussed. I will show a variety of ways blanks can be cut on the band saw which will start you thinking about how many different design possibilities there are for square to round bowls, vases and hollow forms.

Demo # 3 ---Thin Stem Natural Edge Goblet: Turning a natural edge goblet from a green limb using mostly a 1/2" or 5/8" side ground bowl gouge. I will explain limb selection, pith orientation, drying to help avoid cracking and some discussion on using and sharpening negative rake scrapers. Emphasis on tool control, improving skill with the bowl gouge and learning the technique and finesse needed for turning thin stems on goblets.

Rudolph Lopez began his relationship with wood over 30 years ago as a craftsman of fine furniture and cabinetry. With an education in drafting and design and many years working as a professional photographer, his transition into woodturning has been a seamless flow into another creative endeavor. Recently Rudolph was chosen as one of the four Emerging Artist by the American Association of Woodturners for 2012. He teaches in his own studio in Tampa, FL., conducts workshops and demonstrates at club chapters and at state and regional symposiums. www.rudolphlopez.com