I was not able to be at the meeting to offer some of my tips because I was sick (not COVID, not flu). So, I will offer the tips to you in this blog posting.
In reality you did not need to sit through my blah-blah-blah and explanations. However, you would have had an opportunity to ask me questions. Therefore, if you have any question(s), feel free to contact me by phone or via this email link: larry@sefton.info
Tip One - Tape
When making thin wall and certain other woodturnings, one difficulty is the wood drying unevenly during the turning process. The drying results in wood movement and many times stress cracks. Woodturners employ a variety of methods to control this drying and I have tried most of them (including tape).
Long story short I had to substitute a different tape because my old tape was out of stock. So, I tried 3M Nexcare flexible clear tape. The Nexcare tape exceeded my expectations! It is flexible, stretchable, water resistant, almost clear, easy to cut/tear, and works great with laser guided hollowing systems (the red dot in photo below). The bonus is that the tape enhances the laser visibility.
Bottom line: I will not be going back to my old tape.
The photo shows the tape on a 3-inch thin wall turning (fresh sugar maple) being prepared for a pierced Christmas ornament.
This tape tip has already been accepted for publication by AAW.
Tip 2 - Mixing Small amount of Epoxy
Consider using a disposable plastic spoon for both the mixing stick and container. Break the handle about an inch from the bowl. Add your epoxy to the spoon bowl and mix using the handle. The handle then becomes a great applicator for the epoxy.
Tip 3 - Epoxy Cleanup
Most of us have bottles of alcohol base hand sanitizer in our shops or at home. This hand sanitizer is great for removing un-cured epoxy from your hands and other surfaces.
Do not us the hand sanitizer for thinning epoxy.
As a reminder denatured alcohol is effective in thinning epoxy because it does not affect the physical properties of the substance.
Tip 4 - Variable Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool
If you do not own a Variable Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool, get one. They have a lot of uses in woodturning. I use mine for special and some detail sanding.
It also works great for removing the nub on a woodturning. In many cases it works better than a saw when parting a woodturning still mounted on your lathe.
Tip 5 - Forstner Bit as a Center Marker
Tip 6 - More Tips
Obtain a copy of AAW publication Tips & Tricks for the Woodturner. You can get a copy from Amazon or AAW.
Or search Amazon for "Tips & Tricks for the Woodturner".
