A chapter of the American Association of Woodturners

President John Sheets called the April, 2011 meeting of the Mountaineer Woodturners to order at 10:00 with 21 members and 1visitor present.

John Gregor gave the treasurer's report and stated that the DVD usage/rental activity has been good. A general discussion of a few shows and galleries, which are available to the membership, followed.

Joe Smith PP, introduced Freddie Dutton and three fellow members of the Columbus, OH club.

Dr. Ed Miller, an avid wood collector, brought examples of many species of wood, most as simply and nicely turned bowls. He answered several questions about exotic woods.

Richard Ruehle is also somewhat a collector, but more in the emphasis of woodturning. Richard does many sales venues during the year selling his turnings.

Freddie Dutton brought some cowboy-style hats he had turned. One remarkable one was from bleached box elder. He noted that the bleaching of red-streaked box elder will lighten the white portion of the wood while intensifying the red areas. Freddie also displayed a home-made captured hollowing rig he uses for hollowing large vases.

Mark Damron is an engineer who likes making tooling and jigs. He showed a jig for threading boxes, and also a mandrel and stock preparation suggestions for making wooden rings (as in rings worn on the fingers for jewelry.) Both Mark and Richard brought large vases they had turned which were very impressive.

Richard Ruehle also generously donated two Australian red mallee burls, which were raffled off with the proceeds going to the club. The lucky winners were your humble president, John Sheets, and Larry Weese. The club realized a contribution to its treasury of around $50-60 from this venture.

After the presentations were finished, the meeting was adjourned to the Cedar Lakes cafeteria for a memorable lunch consisting of a single hotdog, sauce included.

There were nice items for show and tell.

Robert Buford had a spalted mango bowl (left) and a spalted pashaco bowl (right).

John Sheets displayed a cherry burl bowl with a charred rim (left), a cherry bowl with distinctive grain (center), and a butternut bowl (right),

Bob Lett had a natural edge oak burl bowl (left) and Byron Young brought a bamboo lidded box.

Dave Jones had a number of cherry and apple pieces.

Gary Gibbs had 4 lidded boxes and Larry Weese brought a collection of small turnings.

Tom Schottle presented a foil-trimmed platter and Dave Jones did the chestnut saddle bowl.

Doug McGrew brought a nice walnut and cherry pepper mill. Next time we’ll try harder to get the picture.

Thanks to Freddie Dutton, Ed Miller, and Richard Ruehle for their informative presentations and the display of beautiful pieces.