Meeting February 2022

Meeting Notes

The February 2022 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held over Zoom on the 5th of the month.

Attendees: In attendance were Mike Peacock, Jim Cerra, Scott Hendricks, Rick Workman, Steve Ackmann, Joe Kopec, Ed Nikles, Patty Jennings, Carol Pastor, and new member Joe Pansini.

Opening Disscussion: The opening discussion involved the on-going issue of covid that necessitates our meeting over Zoom. However, with the decline in Covid cases over the last several weeks, the thought was that we may be able to meet in-person again in March. We will continue to watch the covid news and make a determination on an in-person vs Zoom meeting for March as the meeting date approaches. Note that currently, the March 2022 meeting is scheduled to be held at Steve Ackmann’s home, but Steve mentioned that his workshop is in an unheated garage, and it may be better to move his hosting to a later date. An alternate site will also be chosen ahead of the March meeting.

Mike encouraged any members who haven’t yet paid their dues to please do so.

Mike also pointed out that member Harvey Fein has a feature article in this month’s American Woodturner.

Joe noted that he had attended a virtual AAW Woodturning symposium and in the discussion sessions he found that many woodturning clubs have been facing many of the same challenges as we have during the pandemic. Joe mentioned once we get together in-person again, he will share some of the solutions and suggestions he heard during those meetings.

Treasurer’s report: Rick Wortman reported ten (10) of 14 members had paid dues so far. Further, we received some funds from sales at the Peters Valley gift shop, as well as a donation.  The balance in the checking account was $785.00. Our largest expense of $516.00, our liability insurance, is pending. There was some discussion of why this insurance is needed for meetings, and the sense was that it was required by Peters Valley in order to meet in their woodshop. Rick stated that the policy we have has been provided by The Hartford, through the auspices of the AAW. Some thought that individual members homeowner’s policies should be adequate. Mike Peacock will discuss with Kristin Muller, the director of Peters Valley, regarding this requirement.

Rick noted that we have received some income from the sale of members turnings that had been donated to our shelf in the Peters Valley gift shop. Rick also stated that Erika Hewston, director of the PV gallery and gift shop will include club items in their online store.

Demonstration: Scott Hendricks put together a PowerPoint presentation and video of the Munro Hollower 2 Carbide hollowing tool and the details of the associated parts and accessories he has put together to use it. Scott also provided a video of the tool in action. Several minutes of Q & A ensued after the demonstration.

Show & Tell: Several members submitted photos of their recent work to Mike Peacock prior to the meeting. Items shown were:

Rick Wortman:

• Walnut Bowl with actual walnut cross sections epoxied into the rim
• 2 Natural Edge Pin Cherry Bowls
• Ash Bowl with epoxy rim

Joe Kopec:

• Walnut Bowl-reworked
• Cherry Bowl with open metal lid used as a potpourri

Jim Cera:

• Almond Shaped Turnings (something he learned at a recent demonstration)
• Pens (he has fun doing them, they seem pretty easy to do, and people love them)

Coincidentally, this month’s American Woodturner has a feature article on creating an Elliptical Vessel.

Ed Nikles:

• Cheese and Chips server: Made from an old cutting board countertop with a granite inset
• Lamp from maple
• Bud vase with a large check that was filled with CA glue and pigment
• Walnut bowl with epoxy decorated rim

Scott Hendricks:

• Mulberry vase with alcohol stain and gold paste rubbed into the grain
• Large burl bowl

After the show and tell there was a brief discussion of the mechanics of the 1-on-1 skills sessions provided by members. Members can arrange for a lesson on a particular skill or technique from another member with that particular expertise. We agreed that the recipient of the lesson would pay $30 for a 2-hour session that would be donated to the club. It is up to the participants oaf a given session to work out the details — time, place and any time/fee for a lesson that goes beyond 2 hours. between themselves Mike Peacock asked that members contact him with topics they fell confident and comfortable in teaching so that a list of possible sessions could be developed and published.

There being no further business for today, the meeting adjourned at 1:35 PM