Midland Chapter - February 2023
Our demonstrator for our February 13th meeting at the Carpentry Store in Naas was Dan Sheridan. It was nice to see so many members attend. Dan demonstrated turning a sycamore bowl and he was very clear in his delivery. He showed many skills and techniques and informed us of the essential bowl turning tips. He discussed design, shape, measuring, correct posture, importance of sanding and finish, sharpening and shaping tools especially using a scraper to fine cut a finish on a bowl. It was a very informative and enjoyable demonstration. We hope Dan will return in the future as members learnt a lot from him.
It was a brilliant day out at Robert O’Connor’s woodturning class at his studio in Gorey. There were sixteen attendees. Robert showed us various techniques such as design, scorching, ebonizing, colour, finish and sharpening of tools. He demonstrated turning a lamp in ash, beading on a bowl in sycamore, bowl with beaded rim made from maple and a bowl with verdigris wax finish. Robert also showed us how to make one of his unique stone wall bowls from ash. He takes his time with the speed of moving the tools and makes a good finish. Thanks to Robert everyone had a great day.
The Carpentry Store in Naas held a two-day woodturning training course by Seamus Cassidy. Members who attended made a bowl, candlestick and a garden dibber. Seamus covered a lot over the two days sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. Thanks to Seamus for a fantastic tuition.
We would like to congratulate Emmet Kane who was elected President of the IWG and to all those who were elected to the committee.
Finally, the Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Country Living, 18th February edition, wrote an article on the Midlands Chapter and also put a video up on their website. We would like to thank Caitriona Bolger who was the editor of the article who gave a great insight into the members, their achievements and what the Midlands Chapter is all about. We would also like to thank Paddy O’Connor for an excellent demonstration and for everyone who participated on
