September, 2007 Meeting:

"Techniques and Tools for End Grain Turning "
John Horn
tools           

Most of us know that a bowl gouge is the preferred tool for most bowl turning where the grain runs 90 degrees to the bed of  the lathe, but end grain turning is completely different in both the turning technique and the tools used.  If a person looks at the tool catalogs, there will be a wide variety of tools for sale to solve the difficulties of end grain turning.   Some of the tools are complete systems of components that are quite pricey to say the least.  How is a person to decide how to select the tool or system of tools that will perform the task at hand?   Is it necessary to get a large loan at the bank just to turn a few end grain vessels?  Obviously, there are a large number of options, some of which are relatively inexpensive and others which are very expensive.  

 By understanding the theory of how end grain wants to be cut, both the tools and technique choices become much more manageable.  The demonstration will include information about the features and limitations of most of the end grain hollowing tools on the market and which tools and techniques would be best suited for different projects.  

 Educated as an instructor of high school musicians, John has spent a major portion of his life teaching a variety of subjects from high school band and choir to adult computer applications.   Now he teaches regular classes at the Woodcraft store in Addison and one-on-one sessions on woodturning topics in his shop for beginning to intermediate turners.   When he is not teaching and attending woodturning meetings, he stays busy turning contract jobs for corporations and individuals on one or more of his three wood lathes.

 By understanding the theory of how end grain wants to be cut, both the tools and technique choices become much more manageable.  The demonstration will include information about the features and limitations of most of the end grain hollowing tools on the market and which tools and techniques would be best suited for different projects.

A member of the AAW, he is active in both the Woodturners of North Texas and the Golden Triangle Woodturners.  He has served as secretary, president and activities director of the WNT and as one of the founding members and secretary/newsletter editor of the GTW. 

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