Palmetto Woodturners is excited to present Sam McDowell for February 2024!
Sam has been turning wood since 1994. He began shortly after getting married and moving back to his hometown in 1993 (Sam says "my wife made it clear I could not date anymore"). His first project was walnut chalices that are now used during Lent (Trinity Episcopal). The chalices were turned on an early Shopsmith and the experience had him hooked.
Sam has a Degree in Physics and retired from the US Air force and Air National Guard in 1991, then from US Airways in 2013. Since retiring, woodturning has become a primary pastime. Sam uses mostly cherry burls and ambrosia maple native to Statesville, NC, which he prefers to turn green.
Hands-on Class
February 2, 2024, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Mann Tool & Supply, 802 Chris Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169
Cost: $100 - Class is Full
"Turning cherry burls is no mystery once you understand the basics. Just like any other type of wood, burls are turned either end grain or side grain with respect to the tree. Burls by their very nature DO NOT have a grain bias. Looking down on the end of the tree, if the burl wraps most of the way around it makes a good end grain vase. If it only goes halfway around or less it makes a good side grain vase. The more figure, flaws and holes make a prettier and more expensive piece.
"My demo and workshop try to explain the actual process of turning a burl start to finish, with side topics of dealing with structural issues, using the rule of thirds for proportions and top it off with turquoise inlay.
Note: If you are taking the class you will need to bring the tools you use for hollowing and a 4-prong spur drive. You will also be required to stay to the end to help clean up.
Demonstration
February 3, 2024 (8:30am to 1:00pm - demonstration starts at 9:00am)
Mann Tool & Supply, 802 Chris Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169
Sam will demonstrate techniques for turning burls: "Turning cherry burls is no mystery once you understand the basics. Just like any other type of wood, burls are turned either end grain or side grain with respect to the tree. Burls by their very nature DO NOT have a grain bias. Looking down on the end of the tree, if the burl wraps most of the way around it makes a good end grain vase. If it only goes halfway around or less it makes a good side grain vase. The more figure, flaws and holes make a prettier and more expensive piece.
"My demo and workshop try to explain the actual process of turning a burl start to finish, with side topics of dealing with structural issues, using the rule of thirds for proportions and top it off with turquoise inlay.