WOODezine - Volume II - Issue II - FEBRUARY 2004
Formerly the Sage Sentinel

Turning Class in Maryland
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, based in Annapolis, is a thriving home for artists of all kinds. Among their offerings are some well reviewed woodturning classes.
Their next Basic Woodturning class, running from March through June, is already full. This is "an introductory class which focuses on the basics of woodturning. Students receive instruction in all of the skills required for proficiency on bowl forms and wood as an artistic medium." There is a $20 materials fee due at the first class, and tuition is $200 for members, and the class meets on Saturday mornings..
The Hall also offers an Intermediate Woodturning class which includes three project oriented classes with each of four instructors. This course is "intended for those who have completed Basic Woodturning or equivalent skill". Students should have access to a lathe to work outside of class.
Visit the Hall online to enquire about available space in upcoming classes.

New Woodturning Section in Woodworker's Journal
Woodworker's Journal print magazine introduces a new woodturning department in their February 2004 issue, available on newsstands now. The host is Steve Blenk, a professional turner from Washington state with three decades of experience. Some examples of his work are shown at left. Blenk is an elegant writer with something worthwhile to say.
To learn more about the Journal, visit them online.

Hand-forged Woodworking Tools
John Lea, a metalworker and turner from Arizona, makes a line of very impressive turning tools with replaceable high speed steel toolbits. Many of his tools are "designed to combat the torque problem commonly found when using simple, bent tools to hollow vessels on the lathe."

Shown at right is his Deep-hollowing swivel tip at work on a bowl. The image is cut away for clarity. John says: "The swivel tip and tool bar together provide a great range of adjustment that allows the turner to remove wood virtually anywhere inside of a hollow vessel.

John's WoodTurning Tools website offers a range of hollowing tools which are hand-made to exacting standards for ease of use and productivity. He has been designing and producing hand-forged woodturning tools since 1986.