Spinning Wheels
Wood Identification
Country Chair Making
Wooden Clock Cases
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Spinning Wheels
This covers the history, evolution and practical construction of spinning wheels
which is of especial interest to woodturners. I have a database of makers of old
wheels including many from varied parts of the world. The talk is illustrated with
slides, along with a variety of jigs and devices which I use to aid construction
for the novice. Both segmented and hoop rim wheels are discussed. I also explain
how steam bending of hoop rims is done. I have studied spinning wheels for over
20 years now and done restoration work on these and looms for museums and country
houses. The event has been successfully extended to a whole day spinning wheel
workshop, where I cover just about anything you might want to know about making
spinning wheels.
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Wood Identification - hands on
Introduction covers the varied methods of wood identification working by
example where possible. Students are encouraged to bring along old chairs
and other smaller items of furniture, and deduce what constructional wood(s)
are used. Members then work individually with bags of wood samples each
containing 30 specimens of timbers indigenous to the British Isles.
A little botany (not too complicated) is included, and microscopy briefly covered.
I bring along a microscope for people to view a wood sample. If enough microscopes
can be procured the event can be extended to a day so that students
can have a go at this.
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Country Chair Making
The emphasis is on country chairs of regional origin, e.g. NW spindle and ladder
backs, Thames Valley Windsors, West Midlands (Clisset), East Anglia (hollow
seat), William Morris chairs etc. I also touch on American chairs such as Shakers,
American Windsors etc. Most use woodturned parts and so are of interest to
woodturning clubs. I have a wide variety of simple jigs which can be brought along
to show people how to do it. These include jigs for steam bent back posts, slats
and spindle work, drilling angled holes etc. I also do rush seating and cane work
and can demonstrate these skills. The event can be extended to a full day.
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Wooden Clock Cases
My involvement with clocks is through a book on Wooden Clock Cases written
some three years ago, and I occasionally give talks on this topic. Cases range from
bracket (i.e.table), wall clocks (including Viennas), and long case clocks. I also
made an all wood skeleton clock which was popularly received in Practical
Woodworking. Viennas, dial clocks and long case clocks often have some parts
which are woodturned so this will be of interest to woodturning groups. The
Viennas particularly have split turned features and a demonstration of this can be
included.
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