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Hello from Maine!

Ifer Thompson

Ifer Thompson

Joined
May 7, 2023
Messages
5
Likes
8
Location
Auburn, ME
Hi all - I’ve been an AAW member and lurker in these forums for awhile and it feels like it’s time to finally introduce myself. I started turning on Christmas Day 2022 when my partner and I gifted ourselves our first lathe. Like many (most?) I quickly became hooked. We live in an area that doesn’t have its own turning club and the closest club meetings are about an hour away so I’ve been really grateful for this forum. Your collective knowledge and generosity are truly an invaluable resource. As I continue to grow and improve, I can feel my confidence starting to also increase . . . Making the idea of sharing my work with others less scary than it initially was. I notice that I’m craving the company and insight of other turners - thus my introduction here. I’m also considering making the trek to existing club meetings in spite of the distance or, perhaps, exploring what would be involved in starting a turning club that is more local to me (though that seems a little ambitious). In any event, thank you for having me. Here are some recent examples of my work. I’m a bit impatient to find a style that is unique to me but, for now, I’m quite happy continuing to try anything and everything and just seeing how it goes . . .Thank you for having me.
 

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Hello!

Nice work. I like your use of coves on some, a design feature not often seen.

Ifer Thompson said:
I’m also considering making the trek to existing club meetings in spite of the distance
Click to expand...

I can recommend the drive. Turning clubs offer so many benefits: meeting other turners, watching demos in person (better than videos since you can ask questions), getting advice on techniques, participating in charity programs, seeing and touching pieces others bring for Show&Tell, showing your own pieces, meeting new friends. Some have wood raffles and/or auction off wood and other things Some have raffles for courses at respected craft schools. Some offer turning supplies at good prices. And many have mentoring programs that can connect you with mentors or let you mentor others. There are members with a huge range of skills. Most clubs both bring in outside demonstrators and have demos by other members - may be an opportunity for you to demonstrate and teach others. There are opportunities to attend special classes and workshops. Most have a social time before the meeting to chat with others, some have refreshments.

And you might well find others who live near you who are also driving the distance!

I'm attending meetings at two clubs and some occasionally attend attend three. The closest club for me is often about an hour drive due to traffic and a 1/2 hour drive home. The other is a longer drive but carpooling is an option.

JKJ
 
Do take the time to check out a couple club meetings - you may find it worth the drive (I'm also an hour each way from my club). Also check if that club (or another in the region) offers on-line attendance (i.e. zoom). A lot of clubs do and while it's not the same as being there, a live demo is usually way better than most YouTube.
 
Another possible path to growth in your journey is hands on instruction. This mode of education is much more effective for me than demos or videos (passively watching someone else). If you already have a turner whose work you admire, you could ask them about a day or two of hands on instruction in their shop. I agree with all of the points that Dave and John make above, but don't often attend the meetings of my clubs in person, mostly Zoom.

Welcome, wishing you a great woodturning journey and safe turning.
 
Dave Landers said:
Do take the time to check out a couple club meetings - you may find it worth the drive (I'm also an hour each way from my club). Also check if that club (or another in the region) offers on-line attendance (i.e. zoom). A lot of clubs do and while it's not the same as being there, a live demo is usually way better than most YouTube.
Click to expand...
That’s a great suggestion. Thank you.
 
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