Splinters
SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER ! If you think you can trust
old MR. GROUND HOG. In any case it’s time to think about coming out of
hibernation and getting out in the shop again. NO MORE EXCUSES! We can start
dusting off those plans. Take another
look at that list of things to do...even if it’s gotten a little bit longer.
Phil Bishop. President. opened our meeting on a very stormy
night. He welcomed our visitors Mr. Tyler~ Mr. and Mrs. Brumall, Kenny Smith.
and Phillip Tucker. Phil reported on our activities during the past year and
said he was looking forward to another good year with such things as some type
of active demonstration at Old Timey Day, a bigger and better show at the
Annual Picnic, and continuation of our participation in the Toys for Tots
program.
SECRETARY’S MINUTES FROM JANUARY MEETING
Discussing new business, Mayford Clayton showed a book and
suggested we try ordering such things as pegs, drywall screws, and dowels at
bulk rate.
Phil then turned the program over to Tom Cowan, Program
Chairman. First, several members showed gifts they had received for Christmas.
Then, Henry Davis showed an innovative set of miniture furniture that was cut from
a block of walnut and closely resembled a puzzle.
After that, Ray Cole gave a demonstration on a thread
cutter. Ray said he would be glad to share his cutter with other club members.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
APOLOGIES TO ESTILL SPRINGS MEMBERS
A word to the wise, “Never cross a woodworker from Estill
Springs.” Our last newsletter was mailed on Friday morning before 7:00 AM. Some
folks received their newletters that day. Just ask our honorable President.
Some of our “friends” in Estill Springs received their newsletter as late as
Thursday of the following week. Needless to say——I heard about it——those folks
can be a “nasty bunch”. My apologies. I think we broke the code———if we drop
them inside the Post Office—no problem. If we drop them outside, in the box,
they get routed through Chattanooga via Mount Pilot.
While we’re on territorial issues, we missed all of you
Tullahoma folks who were wise enough to stay at home last month during the rain
storm. Your concern for safety was smart considering the nasty weather. Tom
would have stayed at home, too, if there had been any dinner on the table.
NEXT MEETING
As usual our nest meeting will be on the 3rd Tuesday which
will be FEBRUARY 16, TUESDAY AT 7:00 PM AT THE DUCK RIVER BUILDING across from Wendy’s.
Tom Cowan, our program chairman. has set up another fine
program. The Honorable Henry Davis has graciously consented to unravel the
mysteries of the elusive BOX OR FINGER JOINTS. This type of Joint is both
decorative and strong and it lends itself well to almost any project. Once you
see how to do the setup, you’ll be able to amaze your friends and maybe even
your spouse. Maybe we’ll learn how to take some of the trial and error out of
the setup. I always end up making a lot of scrap before I’m convinced I’ve got
a good setup. Once your over that hump, it’s a “piece of cake”.
If you’ve got any examples of projects using finger (BOX)
Joints please bring them to share. We’ll also have our usual “show and tell
time——everyone’s invited to bring goodies, new tools, old tools, new projects,
old friends and anything else to share with us.
THE FUTURE
Cowan is planning on
setting up a Saturday Seminar with John Jordan——a professional turner from
Antioch. He’d like to fit it in before Mid—March——come prepared to talk it
over. Again, please let us know what programs you’d like to see in the future.
If the turning seminar is anything close to our seminar with Paul Pitts in
November, you won’t want to miss it.
SPOTLIGHT
We’re resurrecting a fine tradition started by Joe Pawlick.
From time to time, we’ll be talking to various members—dust another opportunity
to get to know each other. Don’t be surprised if you’re next.. .don’t worry,
these will be EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS. Nothing the National Enquirer can print.
This month our spotliqht is on Howard Coulson, a faithful
and longest standing member of Tennessee Valley Woodworkers. After retiring
from 40 year of operating his own photography business, Howard now has time for
his interests in woodworking. Did I say retired? Far from it. because Howard spent
his first “retirement” year helping his son Doyle build his new home——pouring
concrete, building cabinets, and you name it. Howard refers to it as “punching
the clock” at Doyle’s. Sounds more like “don’t throw me in that briar patch.” A
rewarding experience, I’rn certain.
Before retirement, Howard built a 20 x 36 shop with a heater
and air conditioning, no less. Now that’s planning. Howard’s favorite
tools——beyond the usual——are the drill press (compliments of his son Doyle) and
the lathe. When it comes to a favorite wood, Howard likes the grain, color, and
texture of walnut, but Tom Cowan may be converting him to cherry.
Howard”s recent projects include: Doyle’s oak cabinets, a
poplar computer desk for his daughter, Brenda Clark, and of course, his famous
train whistles. About those train whistles: they seem to sell themselves—— it’s
nice to know that people are willing to pay for your work. That’s good for the
ego and helps you buy wood for the next project. Howard joins Henry Davis and
myself as a regular reader of WOODSMITH magazine. He’s got their issue on
truing and squaring tools hung “permanently” in his shop. Howard leans toward
polyurethane finishes and will be trying his Christmas present, a spray outfit,
as soon as the weather permits.
Howard says his next project will be replacing his kitchen
counter tops in his home. Thank you for the opportunity to get to know you a
little better——a fellow woodworker.