Woodturning resources around Leesburg, FL?

[Truffuls]

I'm down in Leesburg, Florida visiting my dad until just after Xmas. I'm going through dt's and could use a bit of woodturning mojo.

I can't seem to find any local sources for woodturning supplies or local clubs to see about getting some lathe time.

Could anyone send me suggestions? Is there any local wood to the Leesburg, Florida that I should target to take home with me? Along that line, anyone know where I can get my hands on a Stihl chainsaw for a good price down here?

Missing my Stubby and all my wood.....

 

[Lyle Jamieson]

The Florida Symposium is January 9-11, 2009. What better place to see great talent, get charged up in the instant gallery, and get tools and wood from many vendors., and have some great fun with fellow turners. www.floridawoodturningsymposium.com See you there, Lyle Jamieson

 

[Truffuls]

Yea, I'm leaving Dec. 29, a week or so short of the event. :-(

Supposedly there are "lots of turners" in Leesburg, but I can't find one. Can't find any woodworking stores or anyone who might have access to a lathe.

I knew I should have brought the mini lathe, grinding wheel, tools...

 

[bob elliott]

Melissa,
Here's a few places, probably about 45 miles from Leesburg.

Amazon Exotic Hardwoods
328 Commercial Street
Casselberry, Florida 32707
http://www.amazonexotichardwoods.com/

Woodcraft
8155 South US Highway 17-92
Fern Park, FL 32730
(407) 260-5002
this store is considered to be their Orlando area store
http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=314

These two establishments are within 1-1.5 miles of each other.

Local woods: camphor, cherry, pecan, hickory, hackberry, maple, oak, elm and more...I'm assuming you drove down since you mentioned you want to buy a saw too?

As far as the Stihl saw goes, it seems you have to search the newspaper for sales since you can only buy them from an authorized dealer and there has to be a few dealers up around Leesburg / Tavares / Eustis area.

 

[Barry Elder]

If you go to the Stihl website, they have a dealer locator. Prices are pretty much fixed at a high level. Enjoy the sun!!

 

[craterdog]

Woodturning Resources

Melissa,
I don't know about the clubs up in that area because I live in Delray Beach, about 3 hours south. I can suggest several woods that grow in the area, including Norfolk Island Pine, Eucalyptus and Citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, etc.) If you get into South Florida, there are a lot more like Mahogany, West Indian Rosewood, Sapodilla, Crabwood, Silky Oak and Ear Leaf Acacia. Enjoy!

 

[Wipedout]

May I suggest you post this request on the woodnet.net turning forum - you may have better luck there

Just a thought

Robert

 

[bob elliott]

I'm down in Leesburg, Florida...I'm going through dt's and could use a bit of woodturning mojo.

I can't seem to find any local sources for woodturning supplies or local clubs to see about getting some lathe time.

Could anyone send me suggestions?.....

Melissa,
Here's another, about 13.7 miles from Leesburg. It's known as The Villages, a retirement community. I know they have a woodworking group which includes woodturners. The Villages has a woodworking shop of some kind. Possibly your father knows someone who lives there and they would be able to get you in.
http://www.thevillages.com/comevisit/lpp.asp

 

[bob elliott]

Here's the link to the Villages Woodturner Group. http://www.vwc704.com/vwcturn.htm
On that site they list the following open times:

Woodshop Availability and Closings
The Woodshop is open from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday thru Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays and major holidays.

The Woodshop will be closed as follows:

January 16, 2008 - Certification Training

May 26 - Memorial Day

July 4 - Independence Day

September 1 - Labor Day

November 20 - Thanksgiving

December 24-25 - Christmas

December 31 - January 1, 2009 - New Years

Additional days of certification training will be posted as appropriate for June through December