Newsletter Vol 36 / Issue 05
Greetings
This newsletter creeped up on me. First it was more than two weeks away and now it’s past due. If time flies when you’re having fun, I must be having a hilarious time.
My monthly “What I’m Thankful For” item is a no brainer – Friends. Some of my favorite friends are a direct result of belonging to Tennessee Valley Woodworkers. I’ve kept my sanity through a very strange year by working with good folk like Jack Kincella, Vince Zaccardi, Henry Davis, Dean Lutes, and many more. I’ll be glad when we can meet face to face again.
Now let’s get started with Splinters!
Great News From UTSI
Starting next month Tennessee Valley Woodworkers will be able to meet face to face in H111 again! It’s been a long time (over a year) but things may be getting back to normal. Thanks to Governor Lee and the folks at UTSI for opening these facilities and allowing us to meet again. I’m sure there will be more news during the Zoom meeting.
Zoom Meeting May 18
We will have our next Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, May 18th from 6:30-8:30. The program will be three short videos evolving from last month’s meeting – videos on a simple work bench plan, how-to sharpen hand plane blades and How to Build a Krenov Style Block Plane.
Please join us by following the instructions below to:
- By Sunday, April 20th – Provide pictures and descriptions of your Show & Tell items to tnvalleywoodworkers@gmail.com
Descriptive information for each photo/related set of photos should include:
Woodworker Name:
Project Name:
Wood(s)/Materials Used:
Finishes applied:
Lessons Learned (if any):
April Show & Tell
Here are the items that were shown in last month’s Zoom meeting.
Pete Miller showed pens he’s turned from acrylics and finished with one step acrylic friction polish. Pete noted during his lessons learned that turning acrylics is different than wood, especially if wood has been placed in the acrylic. The wood seemed not to be completely adhered to the acrylic material and he had a blowout even though he applied CA glue to try and stop blowout. He learned about blowout when drilling the blank even though he used a bit designed for acrylic. The blowout occurred when the bit went through the acrylic. Pete changed to a brad point bit and had no blow out. He also noted when you are turning a pen and start to take the acrylic down to the bushing size GO SLOW because when you start to round the blank on the ends to meet the bushing size it could grab and cause the blank to chip. Lastly, Pete learned keep your tools really sharp as it makes a difference and once the blank is rounded you start to get nice acrylic ribbons coming off the blank. During the Q&A, fellow turners supported the use of very sharp carbide turning tools for acrylics.
Loyd Ackerman showed a TV Credenza, 66”L x 18”D x 22”H made of Oak Plywood and solid Oak. He applied Min-Wax Golden Oak Stain and Satin Lacquer for the finish. Loyd recommended for finishing that a period of several days between staining and applying lacquer to allow the stain solvent to evaporate. Loyd shared a lesson learned when using rare earth magnets for latches. Don’t forget to confer with a Club member for advice when matching magnets on the door and the carcass frame “catch”. The Tip from Advisor/Wood Club Member Chuck Taylor: Be sure to watch magnet polarity, so the magnets hold the door instead of repelling the door. Critical information to know before gluing the magnets in the door and the carcass frame!
Richard Gulley and Vince Zaccardi collaborated on a pair of oak Mission Style Tables for use on the recently remodeled UTSI Auditorium Stage. Loyd Ackerman assisted with the table plans. The stain used was Mohawk Honey recommended by Jack Kincella. Jack applied a glaze to cover some worm holes/tracks and sprayed with a satin finish. The Mohawk Honey is an oil-based stain and works very well. It has a reducer if the user wants to lighten the stain. Mohawk has a tremendous shade variety and, while costly, it is very easy to apply. Table construction was basically mortise and tenon done on a pantorouter. The project was started long ago (about the time we did the auditorium hand rails.) But there were delays then COVID and, well, that says it all. Richard planned to deliver the first of next week.
Internet Links of Interest
Pete Miller sent me this – Interesting CA glue product. Never saw it before and thought the club might be interested.
Several links from Kreg’s Build Something website.
One more link. How would you like to have a dart board where you never miss? Take a look at this – you’ll be amazed! (Or maybe I have a low threshold of amazement.)
https://www.markroberbuildinstructions.com/auto-bullseye
TVW YouTube Channel
Sorry I haven’t followed through on the video posting. I thought the problem was not enough hours in the day. I’ve had to revise that theory. I think it’s a case of not having the endurance to take advantage of the hours available.
Here’s the link to our channel –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCBMvw434qQ5ND7wjeWat3w/
Carver’s Corner
The Splinter Carvers continue to meet first and third Saturdays of the month from 8:30 am to 10:30 am (whether Jim’s there or not). The shop is located at 201 Jolliffe Acres Ln, Tullahoma. Tools and wood are available at the meetings, just bring yourself and try your hand at carving!
Sweeping Up
This from Jim Jolliffe:
“You might be a woodcarver if you strop your knives while you wait for the blood to stop flowing.”
I found these two on Pinterest –
That’s all for this month. Watch out for SPLINTERS!
Submissions to the newsletter are more than welcomed. Send funnies, tips, or other content that may be of interest and you may see it in a future edition of SPLINTERS.