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Shed Notes
Issue 297 — January 2013
Issue 305
September 2013
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 25 September 2013, 1930 - 2130
Venue: The SHED, Lions Youth Haven, Kambah Pool Road, KAMBAH ACT 2902
Wood — A Personal Journey
This will be the theme of the speaker at our September meeting:
furniture designer, maker and teacher, David Upfill-Brown. David
arrived in Australia in 1982 from a background of sculpture in Africa, and
training in furniture design and making with John Makepeace in the UK.
David established a workshop with Christopher McElhinny at
Cuppacumbalong, in Tharwa.
David has fulfilled many private, corporate and public commissions, and
has featured in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, and internationally.
He has work in collections in South Africa, Australia, Chile, several
Pacific nations, the UK and the USA. He was on the assessment panel for
Accredited Professional Members of Craft ACT for several years. He
taught independently at his workshop in Tharwa, and at the Wood
Workshop of the ANU School of Art. In 2000, as founding Academic
Director, he helped establish the Australian School of Fine Furniture in
Launceston, Tasmania. In 2004, as Lead Instructor, David helped
establish the flagship 9-month Comprehensive Program at the Center for
Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA, where he also became an
exhibiting member of The New Hampshire Furniture Masters and the
Furniture Society. David is also a foundation member of our Guild.
David now focuses on creating pieces for exhibition (next show from 14
Dec 2013, at Bungendore Woodworks Gallery), and on teaching at Sturt in
Mittagong, and at the CFC in Maine. (See: www.davidupfillbrown.com)
Contents
Presidential Palaver ....................... 2~3
Editorial Effluvia ............................... 4
Coming Events .................................. 4
SIG Reports ................................... 5~7
Feature Article: Rust Removal ..... 7~8
Off-Cuts:...................................... 8~11
 Membership / Handmade ............. 8
 Sponsorship / Odd Joints .............. 9
 Exhibition Comments ........ 10 & 11
 Raffan Recommends .................. 11
For Sale..................................... 12~13
Commission Request ....................... 13
Ads .................................................. 14
Please note that the opinions expressed in articles in this Newsletter are those
of the authors alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, or positions, of
the Woodcraft Guild of the ACT Inc as an organization.
Executive Committee of the Guild:
A/President: Dan Steiner
[email protected]
Vice Pres:
Dan Steiner
[email protected]
Secretary:
Satnam Singh
[email protected]
A/Treasurer: Andrew Hewat
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Rod Tier [email protected]
Correspondence: The Secretary, PO Box 1411, WODEN ACT 2606
Website: http://www.woodcraftguild.org.au
ABN 79 748 587 157
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 2
Annual Exhibition
The Guild held its 31st Annual Exhibition during the Timber and Working with Wood Show. The
Exhibition was another success, despite a lower-than-normal 79 entries in the 12 categories of competition.
The Club Grand Champion prize was won by Shannon Henry, for her pyrographed bear on a burl slice. A
special Judges’ Discretionary Award was presented to Robin Cromer for a music box with a marquetry
image of the carillon and central basin of Lake Burley Griffin. Details of the category winners and photos
of winning entries are on the Guild’s website. Congratulations to Exhibition Coordinator, Allan Dawson,
and his hard-working sub-committee for a successful Exhibition.
Woodcraft sales were coordinated by Dave Callan, and achieved a record level, boosted significantly by the
sale of a $3,300 rocking horse by Rod Walker. The Guild received $777 income from sales, including its
10% commission on members’ sales. Demonstrations of carving, scroll saw, pyrography and toymaking
were watched and appreciated by scores of visitors.
The Guild’s Annual Raffle, with a total prize value of some $2700+, kicked off at the Exhibition with some
$1350 in ticket sales. Tickets will continue to be sold until 27 October, when the prize winners will be
drawn at the Home & Leisure Show at EPIC. Thanks to Allan Dawson and his team of ticket sellers.
Members are encouraged to buy tickets, and sell to friends and work colleagues from now until the
end of the Raffle. For ticket books, contact Allan on 6282 1088, or at [email protected]
Memberships
Guild Membership Secretary Mike Nash reports that, as of the end of August, 251 Guild members had paid
their annual subscriptions. For those previous members who did not manage to renew by the discretionary
deadline of 31 August, it will now be necessary to complete a new Membership Form, found on the
Guild’s website, and forward it to Mike Nash at [email protected] or to P O Box 1411,
Woden ACT 2606.
Guild Leadership
As most members will by now be aware, our Guild President, Fred Buckley, suffered a heart attack in early
August, and is recovering at home. Fred has stepped aside from his role, and as Vice President I am now
Acting President until the AGM in October.
Treasurer, David Weisser, has also been diagnosed with a serious illness, and has resigned from his
position. David is resting and has received the OK from his doctor to travel overseas to visit family. David
will continue as a Guild member, though he will not resume a role on the Committee.
On behalf of the Committee and all Members, we wish both Fred and David good health in the future, and
look forward to seeing them back at the Shed.
AGM Postponed
As previously advised, because of the significant changes to the Executive, with Andrew Hewat stepping
up as Acting Treasurer and myself as Acting President, it has been necessary to postpone the Guild’s
AGM by one month to 30 October. A formal AGM meeting notice, and end of year report, will be
circulated to Members in October.
Committee Nominations
The Guild Executive and Committee strongly encourage Members to nominate for executive and
ordinary committee positions for 2013~14. Several Committee members are stepping down as of the
AGM, and we ask all members to consider supporting the Guild as a Committee Member. Nominations
can be lodged through Nomination Forms available on the Guild’s website at http://
www.woodcraftguild.org.au/?page_id=2385 . Completed nomination forms should be sent to the Secretary at
[email protected], or to PO Box 1411, Woden ACT 2606, no later than 28 October 2013.
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 3
Events
Governor-General’s Family Picnic Day – 21 Sept 2013, at Yarralumla. The Guild accepted an
invitation to participate at the Family Picnic and to sell members’ woodcraft to the public. The Guild’s
usual 10% commission on sales will be donated to the designated charity, “Dollars for Dili”. My
appreciation to Owen Stewart and Dave Callan for coordinating this event, and to the members who offered
items for sale. Tickets for our Annual Raffle were also sold.
Home and Leisure Show – 25-27 October 2013, at EPIC. The Guild has again been invited to
participate, and we will be demonstrating selected woodcraft skills and seeking new members. Woodcraft
items will be on sale, as well as Raffle tickets. The Raffle draw is on 27 October, at this Show.
Open Day - November, at the Shed. (Date and timing to be announced next month) Dave Callan is again
organizing this key event, and will be seeking a few volunteers to show visitors the Shed’s facilities, and
spruik the benefits of joining the Guild. Sausage sizzle, too . Past Open Days have attracted much interest
and new memberships.
Marymead Fete – 09 November, at Marymead, Narrabundah This event focuses on children. Robert
Hogg is organizing our stand, and there will be emphasis on toys, some turning, and sales of woodcraft,
with ALL proceeds donated to support Marymead.
Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets – December (dates TBA) The Guild is again applying for space at
the Old Bus Depot Christmas Markets. This will be a wonderful opportunity to sell woodcraft to Christmas
shoppers. Owen Stewart is coordinating, and we will provide more information next month.
Training
In response to continuing interest from members, particularly those newly joined, an Introduction to
Woodturning Course will be held on 23 & 24 November at the Shed. Dan Steiner is coordinating.
An Introductory Course in Basic Woodworking with hand tools is also being considered for November.
Details to be announced soon. Dave Callan is again coordinating this course.
Projects
In my absence overseas, the landscaping work at the rear of the Shed was completed over winter. The
retaining wall has been extended and painted, an agricultural drain to remove rain from the area installed,
and then gravel cover laid by a team of Guild volunteers. Preparations have also been made for spring
planting of grass and shrubs in this area. Fred Buckley led this work, ably assisted by Mike Nash, Bruce
McKenzie, Bill Thompson, Leigh Brown, Stuart Storey, and several others. The area is looking wonderful.
Negotiations with LYH
As previously reported, the Guild has been approached by our landlord, the Lions Youth Haven, to
negotiate a new agreement for our continuing occupation of our Shed site at Westwood Farm. This process
commenced in May 2013, and some progress has been made, though some details need to be finalized in
coming weeks.
A sub-committee, comprising myself as Acting President, Dave Callan and Robin Cromer, are undertaking
these negotiations, and the full Committee is actively involved in all decisions on this matter.
Dan Steiner, Acting President 0415 133 606 [email protected]
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 4
Editorial Effluvia
POSITION (soon to become) VACANT
Newsletter Editor: Expressions of interest are invited for the position of Guild Newsletter Editor.
Duties involve the monthly collection and collation of contributions to the Newsletter by Committee
members, SIG Coordinators, and ordinary members; followed by compilation, editing, and publication of
the issue on the Guild website. Some familiarity with Microsoft Publisher, photo-editing software (such as
Adobe Photoshop), and web publishing using WordPress, would be an advantage, although informal
training (especially in the latter) could be made available. A passing acquaintance with the nuances of the
English language could also prove useful. Contact the rapidly failing Editor for details.
If no interest is expressed by any Guild member in taking up this responsibility, the November 2013 issue
of the Guild Newsletter will be the last.
Editor
COMING EVENTS
Internal
Next Monthly Guild Meeting:
Wednesday, 30 October 2013, 1930, at the Shed. Speaker: Richard Raffan. NB: This monthly
meeting will be preceded by the Annual General Meeting of the Guild.
Introduction to Woodturning:
Saturday & Sunday, 23 & 24 November 2013, 0900~1600, at the Shed. Details and timings TBA;
expressions of interest should be directed to the organizer, Dan Steiner, on 0415 133 606, or at
[email protected].
Introduction to Basic Woodworking:
November 2013, at the Shed. Details and timings TBA; expressions of interest should be directed to the
organizer, Dave Callan, on 0407 930 303, or at [email protected]
External
Next Triton Club Meeting:
Wednesday, 02 October 2013 – (For further information, contact Burn Alting on 6281 0432, or visit the club’s
website http://www.tocact.org.au)
Canberra Home & Leisure Show:
25 ~ 27 October 2013 at EPIC – Another opportunity for Guild members to display their skills and wares.
Details of Guild involvement and calls for volunteers will appear in Newsletters nearer the date.
Marymead Fete:
Saturday, 09 November 2013, from 0900 to 1400, at Marymead, 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah – the
Guild will be represented by a modest stall, with all Guild proceeds donated to the Marymead charity
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 5
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) REPORTS
(SIG Coordinators: please note the deadline for newsletter input: 2nd Friday of each month.)
Pyrography SIG: Well, what an Exhibition! It was particularly good for the Pyrography SIG,
considering the wonderful amount of awards won by its members. The biggest “Congratulations!” to
Shannon Henry for receiving the Grand Champion Prize for her bear, which I hope will be commented on
more in another section of this newsletter. It was the best possible example of what can be achieved with
pyrography, and was extremely well received by the public. Another “Congratulations!” to Adina
Fitzsimmons for her amazing Third Prize win for her Dragon on Claret Ash, and for the bonus of the
Young Achiever’s Award. Adina is one of our youngest members, and the Pyrography SIG is very pleased
to have her as a member, and for her to continue entering her work in future shows and competitions.
One of our newest SIG members, Bev Bayley (seen at right), was very pleased to have
won Second Prize in Pyrography in her very first show, so a big “Congratulations!” to
her as well. Thank you also to any of those more advanced pyrographers who didn’t
enter, as it did give others a chance to be involved in the competition. Because we have
such increasing member numbers, maybe in future shows there will be an option for a
skill level split between general and advanced!
On another note for future shows, if you were given a three day badge this year, please
hang on to it; and thank you to all the demonstrators and volunteers for making the
2013 show another success.
The next Pyrography SIG will be on the second Sunday of the month as normal, making it 13 October, and
I hope to see everyone bright and fresh and ready to get working on their next Annual Exhibition project.
Vivien Laycock 0438 877 711 [email protected]
Carving SIG: The August meeting attendance was 12. I gave the second part of the Basic Carving
Course, which consisted of :
a) Use of special tools - Knives, Veiner, Fluter and V tool.
b) Securing your work piece.
c) Roughing out - use of the Bandsaw.
d) Mechanical chisels and cutters.
Paul Dunn gave his usual sharpening session.
The Annual Exhibition is now in the past, and I will report on aspects of the judging and entries elsewhere
in this issue. For your information — the Tasmanian Timbers stand will not be present next year [that’s
assuming there will be a TW3S next year — a likelihood I consider minimal! Ed].
John Armstrong 0413 021 669 [email protected]
Miniatures & Mandrel (aka Pen) SIG: I am writing this from sunny Darwin, so excuse me if I
have forgotten any details.
Last SIG meeting, Peter Hay came along to give us a very inventive talk on ways to personalise pen stands
as gifts for family or friends. His interpretation of a pen stand is something that not only holds a
beautifully made pen, but also represents something about the person for whom he is making it. My initial
interpretation of a pen stand was just a very nice piece of timber, with grooves in it to hold a pen. Thank
you, Peter, for adding a new dimension to the meaning of “pen stand”, and giving us just that little more to
think about next time we set out to make one.
For our next meeting, on 5 October, Art Pollard will be showing us how to make a desk pen. So, if for
some reason I do feel the urge to return from sunny (and very hot) Darwin, I will open the shed door at
10am, and Art will start his demo after lunch, at 1.30.
Gai Simpson 6231 4139 [email protected]
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 6
Saturday Turning SIG: First, here are a couple of photos of Justin McCarthy’s presentation to the
August SIG meeting on hollowing forms, as described in the last issue of the Newsletter.
At left, Justin demonstrates the Vicmarc Hollowing Tool Support system, which includes a special laser
pointer — the thin black object just to the right of Justin’s head (its red dot can just be seen below on the
form being hollowed) — for accurately gauging wall thickness. At right, Justin discusses his special
techniques for finishing his hollow forms.
On 21 September, Robin Cromer kindly agreed to show us the technique he used to hollow the Toona
(Australian native Red Cedar) pods that he successfully entered in the Guild's Annual Exhibition this year,
as shown below. Robin advised that:
" he inspiration for the pieces that I have done was Peter Hromek, who was one of the presenters at the
T
Brisbane Woodturning Symposium in 2010.
"Those interested can check Peter out at: http://www.saltandpeppermills.de/ (his work is under Holzgefaesse:
http://www.salzundpfeffermuehlen.de/holzgefaesse.html ). Sorry —it is in German!"
I recently purchased some supplies from Timberly Woodturning in New Zealand, and in my feedback I
mentioned the Guild. Timberly (http://www.timberlywoodturning.co.nz/) has offered to supply us with
high-quality Starbond CA Glue and accelerator at a substantial discount (the final price will depend on
quantities and postage, but work on an Australian Dollar value of around 10 - 15% less than the listed NZ$
price). We would have to order at least a box of 25 mixed bottles. If you are interested in purchasing any
CA glue or accelerator, please let me know (I'll be wishing I delayed my own order!!), and I will place an
order on our behalf with Timberly.
I'm also looking for volunteer demonstrators for some of the SIG meetings later this year. Thank you in
advance to Richard Raffan, who has offered to demonstrate toy-turning, and Dan Steiner, who has offered
to demonstrate finishing techniques (the dates for both presentations to be confirmed). Please let me know
if you can also assist as a demonstrator, or can suggest someone.
Mark Hoare 0424 952 255 [email protected]
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 7
Toy SIG: The Toy SIG demonstrations at the TW3 Show this year were quite successful, despite some
problems with power outages caused by our rogue bobbin sander (thanks to Dan and the Committee for
agreeing to the purchase of a new Triton replacement!). The Toy group successfully demonstrated, by the
use of a small bench-mounted bandsaw, two drill presses and a bobbin sander, that good results could be
achieved without the need for purchasing expensive machinery. There was a lot of interest in our display,
particularly from members of regional Men’s Sheds who were looking for toy patterns.
A reminder to members that the Toy SIG will once again have a stall at the Marymead Fete on 09
November 2013. The proceeds of all items sold at the stall go directly to Marymead. Last year, a record
amount of $735.00 was raised, and I am hoping a similar amount, if not more, can be raised this year.
Donations of toys and other small woodcraft items suitable for sale at the stall are being sought, not only
from Toy Sig members, but from the Guild membership in general. Your donations will greatly help this
worthwhile charity, so please help us stock the stall.
The next meeting of the Toy SIG will be held at the Shed on Sunday, 29 September, commencing at
10.00am. I am looking forward to a good roll-up, and I hope some of the new Guild members who have
expressed an interest in toymaking are able to join us during the day to meet the group, and see firsthand
what we do.
Owen Stewart 6286 2045 [email protected]
********************
Feature Article
REMOVING RUST FROM STEEL
BY ELECTROLOSIS
Jan Reksten
Occasionally, kind and well-meaning people have given me old tools that they have either inherited ,or
have never used, and don’t want for whatever reason. These tools are often rust-affected, and in need of
restoration before they can be tuned and used again. Some years ago, I had a sizeable collection of these
things, and decided that I would do something about bringing them back to life.
An article was drawn to my attention on rust removal using electrolysis, and this method proved to be very
effective. The method uses the interaction of a small, low-voltage electric current and a suitable electrolyte
solution, and it works by returning surface rust to metallic iron. The rust scale is loosened, and can be
easily wiped or brushed off, leaving remaining ‘healthy’ metal unaffected in any way. Importantly, the
method is completely safe to use, as the voltages and currents are low; there are no noxious fumes or
hazardous solutions; and it is impossible to ‘over-clean’ an object. Rubber gloves can be used to protect
the hands if you feel the need.
The equipment required is a 12-volt car battery charger, a large plastic tub, a stainless steel (or iron)
electrode, water, and washing soda. The advantage of using a stainless steel electrode, rather than an iron
one, is that an iron one will be eaten away with time. The electrode should ideally be about 30mm wide
and as long as can be submerged below the surface of the water in the plastic tub. Use about one good
tablespoon full of washing soda to every five litres of water, and dissolve it in the plastic tub. When
connecting the battery charger, the polarity is crucial. The electrode is connected by an insulated wire (of
the same general capacity as that on the output terminal of the battery charger) to the positive (red)
terminal, and the object being cleaned is connected with the same sort of insulated wire to the negative
(black) terminal. Good contact is important, and a spring-loaded metal clip attached to the object being
cleaned is ideal for this purpose, especially when dealing with heavily-rusted objects. In the case of the
wire from the positive terminal, it should be connected to the electrode by drilling a hole in the electrode
and connecting the wire to it with a small nut and bolt to ensure good contact. The object to be cleaned is
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 8
water solution. Wooden handles, and so on, should be removed where possible, or tools such as chisels
submerged in such as a way as to keep the handles above the surface of the solution. The electrode works
best if it surrounds the object to be cleaned, as the cleaning is, to a certain extent, ‘line-of-sight’. When the
power is turned on, as long as there is good contact, fine bubbles will rise from the object.
The time taken to complete the process will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the
electrode and the object being cleaned, as well as the amount of rust involved. The typical cleaning time
for objects that are moderately rusted is a few hours. Objects can be tested by trying to wipe off the rust. If
it is not completely clean, continue the process for a while longer, and test again until it is clean. Heavilyrusted objects can be left overnight. The loosened rust is rubbed off with a rag under running water, or, if
need be, a plastic pot-scrubber can be used.
The solution will last more or less indefinitely, but becomes fairly disgusting-looking after continued use.
It is, however, non-toxic, and can be disposed of easily, although it is probably advisable not to clog drains
with the junk that is produced.
It is obviously important to remember to dry the object thoroughly immediately after rust removal, to avoid
surface rust forming again. Cleaned objects can be dried by wiping with an old towel and blow-drying
with a hair-dryer. Note that the process will not remove pitting caused by rust, only the rust in immediate
contact with unrusted metal. The surface of the previously-rusted metal is left black in appearance, and the
unrusted metal is untouched.
********************
OFF-CUTS
Miscellaneous Items of Interest
2013~14 MEMBERSHIP CARDS
Almost all of the 2013/14 membership cards have now been printed. They have either been collected, or
have been placed on the table in the amenities area at the Shed awaiting collection. Country members’
cards have previously been mailed out, on the understanding those members are less likely to visit the Shed
to collect them.
It is my intention that any cards remaining uncollected at the Shed after Tuesday 24 September will be
mailed to members over the following week.
Mike Nash, Membership Secretary, 6262 5096 [email protected]
“HANDMADE” — ANOTHER TYPE OF SALES OULET
'Handmade' is a Canberra-based company with a shop in City Walk. It also acts as the organiser of four
two-day markets each year, held at the Convention Centre on Constitution Avenue. The markets are very
popular, but at the June market it was noticeable that there were only three stalls with serious wood articles
for sale. Likewise, the shop is under-represented in woodcraft.
The shop operates quite differently from most, where you might expect to receive, say, only 50% of the
sale price. At Handmade, they rent you display space, with a metre-long shelf costing about $50 per week.
This is for a minimum of three months. You set your prices, and they record the sales and reckon up at the
end of each month, with a charge of 10% per item for bookkeeping, restocking, and so on.
I thought that, as a long-term sales opportunity, this may appeal to some of our members, who could share
the renting fee, and expect overall charges in line with our own sales regime. It would also provide a
publicity spot for Guild brochures. If you are interested, let me know.
John Armstrong 0413 021 669 [email protected]
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 9
SPONSORSHIP FOLLOW-UP
On behalf of the Guild, I would like to thank all of our sponsors, without whose generosity the Exhibition
and Members’ Competition would not have been possible.
In particular, I would like to thank our local sponsors, Fyshwick Building Supplies, Thor’s Hammer,
Turners Builders Supplies, Dunstone Designs, Masters Home Improvements, Bunnings Tuggeranong, and
Monaro Timbers.
Monaro Timbers offer a 12½% discount to members on production of your membership card (make sure to
request the discount before they make out the account!)
Our sponsors’ logos are displayed on the doors of the equipment cupboards in the Shed, and I strongly
recommend that, if you are considering purchasing an item of equipment, timber, or other supplies, please
consider these companies and support them.
Collect Your Prize Certificates
Would the following members please see me at the next monthly meeting, to collect their certificates from
the Exhibition and Members’ Competition:
Jock McGuire, Ray Halpin, and Jim Venis.
David Dunnet Sponsorship Coordinator
ODD JOINTS
Alan Casimir writes that a friend recently sent him the following email:
“While in Paris, we spent a fascinating half-day in the Musée des Arts et Métiers (http://www.arts-etmetiers.net/) - basically a technology museum, with a much longer history than anything similar in
Australia.
One section was on building technology, including
older timber and woodwork techniques. I took the
two photos attached because, apart from the skill
required, I could only wonder at why such joins were
required. I thought you might find them interesting.”
Alan comments: “I cannot visualise any use for these
joints either. Perhaps a Newsletter reader can?”
[The top one looks very similar to a puzzle that
someone brought into the Shed a while back, which
consisted of an apparently “impossible” four-sided
dovetail joint, which had been made by joining larger
pieces and then trimming them back.
But perhaps the simplest answer to Alan’s
query is:
“They are French.”
Ed.]
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 10
THE 2013 EXHIBITION:
SOME COMMENTS ON THE COMPETITION
This is the second year since we withdrew the Open categories from the competition. The overall number
of entries was 79, with the breakdown as shown in the table below.
Category
1. Boxes (Not
Turned)
2. Carving and
Sculpture
3. Furniture
4. Marquetry, Intarsia and
Scrollsaw
5. Models
6. Pyrography
7. Toolmaking and
Restoration
8. Toys and Games
9. Woodturning –
Between Centres
10. Woodturning Faceplate
11. Woodwork General
2013 Entries
2012 Entries
Awards
(No. of Members)
17 (5)
19
1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC (3)
5 (3)
12
1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC (2)
4 (4)
11 (4)
6
11
1st, 2nd, 3rd, C
1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC (2)
1 (1)
7 (4)
2
12
1st
1 , 2 , 3 , HC, C (2)
3 (1)
8
Grand Champion
1st, 2nd, 3rd
5 (5)
7 (5)
6
3
1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC (2)
1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC (2)
14 (6)
24
1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC (5)
5 (5)
4
1st, 2nd, 3rd
Total: 79
Total: 107
st
nd
rd
As you can see, the 2012 Exhibition had 107 entries, so this year there was a decrease of 26 %. The
number of members who entered the competition this year was 27.
This is not the place to canvass the reasons for this decrease. It is clear, however, that the 2013~14 Guild
Committee will need to review the situation. The revised rules this year for both the Competition and the
Display were aimed at making the entry conditions easier, by removing any restriction on the number of
entries in any category. This freedom was only exercised in Category 1, “Boxes (Not Turned)”. This did
not lead, however, to a diminution in quality, and the judges made a point of declaring that all those entries
not getting an award should be commended for their high standard overall.
The Display section was different, with 32 entries this year, compared with 30 for 2012. The rule changes
allowing previous entries to be displayed, and the removal of a limit on numbers, appear to have had no
significant effect. Only one entry had been displayed previously.
I had the pleasure of acting as Steward for the judges, Andrew Gittoes, Evan Dunstone and Myles
Gostelow. It is always very pleasing to be in the company of people who really know their game. They do
not quote some authority; they don't 'wing it'; they just tell it like it is. Their professionalism was selfevident. Their critiques during the prize-giving, and in individual meetings with members, were very much
appreciated, and many members spoke to me of their satisfaction with the honest, but helpful, advice given.
It is worth noting that we have heard it before, and we heard it again from these judges — the finish gives
a piece the “wow factor”, and is what distinguishes the prize-winners.
John Armstrong 0413 021 669 [email protected]
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 11
THE 2013 EXHIBITION
The Guild held its Annual Exhibition, including competition in eleven categories of woodcraft, at the
Timber & Working With Wood Show (TW3S) held at EPIC from 30 August to 01 September 2013. As
John Armstrong has noted elsewhere, 27 members entered 79 items this year – a significant decrease
compared with last year’s 107 entries. There were, however, 32 entries in the display section, compared
with 30 last year. Shannon Henry won the Grand Champion prize for her superb pyrographic portrayal of a
bear. You can see all the prize-winning entries on our website. More than 40 volunteers demonstrated
carving, pyrography, scrollsaw work and toymaking, and helped to sell our products and raffle tickets.
Twelve members sold items worth in total $6,921.
Attendance at the Show was markedly less than in previous years, caused, I believe at least in part, by the
complete absence of the local publicity we had expected from the Show’s organizers. Raffle sales were,
therefore, well below what we had expected. Preparation for the exhibition was made difficult by the
unfortunate serious illnesses of our President and Treasurer in the weeks leading up to the Show. In this
context, the TW3S organizers added to the difficulties by allowing us barely a week to complete and return
a range of documentation required for our participation in the Show. I wish to thank all those whose efforts
contributed to making the Exhibition a great success, despite all the unforeseen problems.
Allan Dawson, Chair, Exhibition Sub-Committee, 62821088
[email protected]
RAFFAN RECOMMENDS
Here’s another couple of items of interest, to turners in particular, recommended by Richard Raffan.
The first is a demonstration of turning an eccentric (in the rotational sense) goblet — Richard’s comment is
“Not at all my thing …, but it's a pleasure and rare event to watch a decent turner on You Tube”. The clip
is of particular interest for its demonstration of the skilful use of the increasingly rare Ring Tool, proving
that (if you can figure out how to sharpen the bloody thing) it can do quite a decent job of hollowing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW7lG_z2q1U
The second is claimed by its creator, Peter Anders (shown at work below), to be “Le Plus Grand Bol du
Monde” (The Biggest Bowl in the World), measuring (if my schoolboy French is up to the mark) 4 metres
in diameter, 1.2 metres in height, and 2.5 cubic metres in volume. The ‘lathe’ is the power take-off from a
jacked-up tractor, and that’s one hell of a tool rest! More details (en français, naturellement!) can be found
on: http://www.couleursbois.com/dhtml/fr-FR/journal/galerie/anders.php
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 12
FOR SALE
WORKSHOP MACHINERY
Elektra Beckum Bandsaw BAS 315; four spare blades; manual. This is a European made
bandsaw, with a throat of 305 mm (12”). In good condition, with wheeled base included. Asking price
$450.
Makita SJ401 Scrollsaw; variety of spare blades; manual. A reasonable entry-level scrollsaw.
Asking price $150.
Ryobi 8½ inch (215mm) Precision Sliding Compound Mitre Saw . I’ve found it quite
versatile, and the “precision” in the name is not ironic. With manual. Asking price $150.
Call: Dave Callan 6288 8625
WELDER
MIG WELDER WIA 8mm Weldmatic; single phase; never used. Current cylinder
hire agreement with BOC expires 4/14. Plus photo-sensitive welding mask. Asking
price $1,900
Call: Rosina Wainwright 6247 2965 or 040 333 0004
AUSTRALIAN RED CEDAR
I have available some lengths of Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata, formerly australis). It is beautiful
wood, but plays havoc with my asthma, even if I wear the appropriate masks and use air filters. No sooner
had I finished making a large item of furniture from it, than I also had to make a set of new workshop doors
from Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), and that made matters even worse. I have now decided that, as a
result, I will part company with both species. I still have sizeable quantities of the Australian Cedar left, as
follows:




4 lengths @ 1900mm long and 23mm thick. The widths of the 4 pieces are 98, 215, 220 and 280mm
1 piece @ 745mm long x 450mm wide x 25mm thick
1 piece @ 640mm long x 300mm wide x 38mm thick
A sizeable collection of smaller and thinner pieces suitable for box-making
Asking price $140 for the lot.
Call: Jan Reksten 62813687
OLD CEDAR PEWS
Eight 10 foot (3m) long Cedar Pews, approximately 100 years old, from Hill End and All Saints Anglican
Cathedral, Bathurst.
Call: Greg Cozens 0428 493 327 (Referred to us by Bungendore Woodworks)
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 13
FOR SALE
(Cont.)
Bandsaw / Dust Extractor Combination in sound working
condition.
Centaro 600mm Bandsaw; 2 hp; single phase; 300mm re-saw
capacity and 600 x800 tilting table. To be sold as a complete unit
with dust extractor.
Asking price $1000.
Call: John Perry 6247 9529 for more details.
COMMISSION REQUEST
We have received through the Contact Form facility on our website a request for the manufacture of
wooden martial arts practice weapons. These include bokken (practice samurai swords, as shown below);
jo (short quarter-staffs) and tanjo (walking sticks used as weapons). Bokken, for instance, are
traditionally made of Japanese White Cedar, and are very expensive to import. There are cheap imitations
available, but they are prone to break, which can be very dangerous.
The person making this request, Warren Shardlow,
has indicated that he would be open to advice on the best
type of wood to use, but an Australian native wood with
straight dense grain, such as Jarrah, would seem
appropriate. As far as quantity is concerned, Warren
anticipates that the order would be for 10 to 20 of each
type, with potential for more “once word gets around”. He also expected that a lot of his colleagues would
want their weapons labelled with pyrography.
Warren can be contacted on 0409 321 213, or at [email protected] . He is very keen to explore the
possibility of local production, but understands that the majority of our members are hobbyists, and may
not have the capacity for bulk orders.
********************
MYSTERY OBJECTS
Anybody have any idea what these wooden devices are? (No,
Bruce, they are not antique ‘marital aids’!)
Some of our senior members with trade qualifications may have a
clue, but if you are intrigued, check out the latest issue of the online
newsletter (highly recommended) distributed by Lee Valley /
Veritas:
http://www.leevalley.com/us/newsletters/Woodworking/8/1/
whatisit.htm
Woodcraft Guild ACT Newsletter
September 2013
Page 14
ADVERTISEMENTS
NB: 10% discount to Guild members on Howard products
GUILD MEMBERSHIP
Please see the Guild website at http://www.woodcraftguild.org.au/?page_id=22 for detailed information about
Guild membership, or contact the Membership Secretary, Mike Nash, on 0400 625 0040, or by email at
[email protected] .
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Woodcraft Guild ACT Inc, PO Box 1411, WODEN ACT 2606.
Editor [email protected]