Steve's Shavings in February

I continue to be amazed at the local talent of woodworkers and their willingness to share some incredible works of wooden art. January’s meeting of the TWA featured Erik Wolken of “Works in Wood” from Chapel Hill. Eric demonstrated his unique style of functioning sculpture in wood.
    If you know of a local woodworking artisan for a future program, please share with our Program Chair, Jeff Leimberger.
    This month Chris Schwarz is visiting us and providing a FRIDAY, (the 22nd) meeting followed by 2 workshops on Saturday (the 23rd) and Sunday (the 24th). Even if you are a power tool woodworker, I assure you that you will come away with an enhanced appreciation of the many capabilities of using hand tools. Besides - using hand tools is safer and they don’t make fine dust. My philosophy of woodworking; "whenever possible, making wood shavings is better than making dust".
    I was reminded recently of the need to be ever vigilant about safety. A devastating fire at the home of a long-term friend that started in his shop which is located on Walnut Street in Cary. The fire apparently started in one of the shop electrical fixtures. This also got me thinking of our personal safety when doing  woodworking projects. I am often reminded of my Grandfather who operated a flooring mill in West Virginia before coming to this area, here .he ran a saw mill in Morrisville. He was replacing the cutter knives on the flooring machine when the power was inadvertently turned on and he lost two fingers. Later, he lost the sight in one eye when a sliver of wood become a projectile. After retirement, he had continuing loss of hearing and developed a respiratory disease. I recall as a kid going to these mills and hearing the wood processing machines screaming loudly and brown snow covering everything in sight. Today we know better...we are responsible for our actions and being responsible means thinking before doing. Safety starts with mental processes. Woodworking as a hobby or profession can be very dangerous and no amount of safety gear or advise can replace thinking safe. Always visualize and rehearse your actions when working with tools. If it seems uncomfortable or awkward it is likely unsafe. Focus on the task at hand, without distraction, being overly tired, or in a hurry. This is when mishaps occur...not accidents. ALWAYS wear eye protection, protect your ears and lungs from long-term impacts from noise and dust. This is why I try to use sharp, properly tuned, hand tools whenever possible. Safety should always be #1 on the list of things to do when startin g all projects.

Please bring a friend who shares our passion for woodworking to our next TWA meeting Friday, February 22, 2013 at Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop - 3141 Capital Blvd. - Raleigh, beginning at 7 pm.

Now ~~ let’s go make some shavings~~

President: Steve Steinbeck