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A Good Turn Daily
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: October - 2022
One good turn deserves another – especially for the members of the Western North Carolina Woodturners. They meet every second Saturday (except for the winter months) at The Bascom.
My uncle was a woodturning wannabe. He made some of the finest shavings this side of Mt. Mitchell. Vessels, not so much. But he never joined Western North Carolina Woodturners. Had he done so, I am certain he would have taken the right turn. The WNC Woodturners are a group of crafts people committed to learning-from, and teaching-to other turners from rank beginners to accomplished professionals. The group, sanctioned by the American Association of Woodturners, meets the second Saturday of every month (except December thru February) at 10:00 A.M. John Tagliarini, recently elected president, calls the meeting, opening the floor to old and new business, then invites club members to share insights and demonstrations. John, an active turner for 12 years, says, “Our members are passionate about turning. First and foremost, we stress the importance of safety in any situation where power tools are in use.” He also encourages all members, even if (especially if) a newbie, to take advantage of the active mentoring programs within the organization. After you’ve paid $25 annual membership dues, you are entitled to participate in all the monthly programs. There is something for everyone in the club. Some members focus on the marketing of wares. Others specialize in typical turning like green or exotic wood. Some are fascinated with carving turned vessels. Tips on seasoning and preparing wood for turning are there for the asking. Other techniques like wood-burning, burl-work, segment-turning, inlay, resin, lathe purchases, tools, resources, and more are subjects welcomed by members. Everyone is on his/her personal wood-turning journey. Whether you are turning shafts for writing pens, handles for tools, holiday turned gift ideas, the men and women are there to welcome your knowledge, ideas, questions, or that magical idea for the next impossible thing: turning a lampshade, a cat handle (once and for all get those cats under control), a one-legged stool, a watch-face (but you can’t turn back time), a banjo – the sky’s the limit, and the fun’s in the trying. See you at the next meeting, October 8, 10:00 A.M. at The Bascom. Contact John Tagliarini at [email protected] or Billy Love at The Bascom, (828) 526-4949, for more information. by Donna Rhodes
photos by Susan Renfro
