Nov 032017
 

Brian kindly gave new (and old) members a refresher on edge rebating using both the Workcentre and the Router Table – as well as some handy hints using the sliding extension tables and cutting multiple lengths.

in case you wanted another look, there are quite a few videos online – here are a few that cover some of Brian’s presentation.

 
Chris finished up the meeting with some great suggestions for the next year’s meetings on workshop design.

Check out some of what we covered at https://www.woodsmithplans.com

Aug 172017
 

Chris gave club members a fascinating and informative evening looking at woodworking mistakes, how to avoid them, how to fix them, and a comprehensive range of books, articles and videos to help.

If you didn’t get the handout, make sure you see Chris at the next club meeting.

Meanwhile, these are some of the books Chris made reference too – just in case you want to get them for your own library!

Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking

The Woodworker’s Problem Solver

Joinery – Fine Woodworking

Foundations of Better Woodworking

Understanding Wood Finishing – Bob Flexner

And these are the videos Chris made reference to –

Bob van Dyke – Glue Squeeze Out

Thanks Chris for a great evening.

Jul 072017
 

Fred, from the Woodcraft Guild ACT, is no stranger to the club, and he didn’t disappoint with another great evening on Finishing.

Fred demonstrating his polishing plane

Fred demonstrating finishing

 
Members may want to check out some of the specifics of Fred’s methods similar to his presentation on Box Finishing in 2014.

And for those impressed by Fred’s polishing plane, check out this video

 
Thank you Fred for another wonderful evening.

May 102017
 

Members were impressed and enthused by the presentation of guest speaker Robin Cromer on timber identification using only a magnifying lens (and years of experience!)

Robin’s extensive career included working with the CSIRO, and he made reference to the CSIRO Macro Key for Hardwood Identification. The book is out of print, but copies can be borrowed from local libraries.

 
Members might also be interested in the The Australian Timber Database which gives a comprehensive list of timber species used in Australia.

Thank you Robin for an informative and memorable night!

Apr 162017
 

We had a great night of demonstrations, enthusiasm and inspiration.

Thanks so much to Scott and Briony. Scott’s demonstration of the Dremel range had many of us ready to rush out and buy this versatile tool, and Briony’s scroll saw demonstration and her beautiful art works were an inspiration.

 
Hugh completed a great night with a slide show of some of his great wood working projects from around the house – many thanks Hugh.

 
Don’t forget the plank competition at our next meeting in May – happy woodworking!

Mar 232017
 

Chris started our March meeting off with an interesting video by Paul Sellers on his technique for repeatable, large scale dovetails.

These are the videos he presented in case you missed them.

 
Chris then demonstrated the practical (and beautiful) Rip Fence Accessory System he made from plans purchased from Woodsmith

We also had a great discussion on creating an inventory for your workshop – very useful!
(Members can download a copy of Chris’ inventory from the Member’s page).

And we finished off a great evening with a demonstration of Peter’s new Triton TWX7 Workcentre – envy!!
 

Feb 012017
 

We had a great evening learning from professional wood restorer Garry McLaughlin on sanding and finishing – thank you so much Garry!

In the break Garry showed us his Facebook page, which has a great video of bringing a 1885 Singer Sewing Machine back to its former glory.

Garry covered a whole range of issues, including paper types and grit, sanders, techniques, wood preparation, sealing, staining, shellac and wax.

So many practical hints – including the double two fold half sheets of sandpaper to cover all aspects of hand sanding – and protection from splinters to boot.

Garry also covered a quite a bit of the history of finishing, simple things like the different grit to use to best restore old woodwork, and the whole range of waxes that will last – including the Gilly Stephenson range.

A great start to the year – looking forward to next month!

Dec 072016
 

Members had a great evening at our annual barbeque and competition – and many thanks to our chefs who coped so well without a barbeque!

There was a good selection of entries in this year’s competition –

 

With many thanks to our judges, who gave some great assessments and feedback on member’s work.

And the winners were –

Workshop
1st : Peter Barton for a pair of chisels
2nd: Brian Copeland for a clamp rack

Toys
1st: Bruce McKenzie for a bulldozer

Boxes & ornamental
1st: Graham Aitchison for pair of model delivery trucks
2nd: Peter Barton for Jewellery cabinet

Indoor furniture
1st: Chris Mobbs for dresser-top valet unit
2nd: Peter Barton for chair
3rd: Hugh Hutchinson for apothecary cabinet

New Entrant
1st: Antoni Podolak for bird house

John also showed members one of the seven dolls houses which will soon be presented to Communities@Work. Many thanks to the doll’s house team, Burn & Judy for the workshop and cake!, and Moray & Agnew who very kindly sponsored the project.

 
And Bruce displayed a small selection of the beautiful toys he has prepared for donations this year.

Another great year – see you all in 2017!

Nov 042016
 

A fascinating evening as Dave, and Scott, from DRIVE Marine Services gave a demonstration of their great range of products – including Bote-Cote, Aquacote, Purbond and Pour on Gloss.

dave-mug-shot scottles-portrait-tidied-up

 
As Scott said at the end of the meeting – these guys are the experts, don’t rely on the web, give them a ring!

Dave’s website has a whole range of projects, including his lovely burl table.

burl-table

Click on the picture above to see more about Pour on Gloss.

Dave also mentioned Australian Architectural Hardwoods and their use of recycled timbers – check out their site by clicking on the picture below.

aahardwoods

 
Thanks to Dave and Scott for a great evening!