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Hi from old member

Mark Hepburn

Mark Hepburn

Artist & Chef
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Messages
1,648
Likes
603
Location
Houma, Louisiana
Hi. My name is Mark Hepburn. I've been on the forum since about 2014 but for the past few years been in and out of the hospital for a number of reasons. Now finally both my hands, elbow and knee are fully rehabilitated and I'm cancer-free. Woo Hoo! I celebrated by getting a Revo 18/36 that will arrive shortly and I'm really looking forward to getting back into turning and learning from all the great folks on this forum. Looking forward to friendships both old and new, and glad to be back. Thanks.
 
Thanks Will. I've slowed down a bit but hope to be able to get back to my old days :)
 
Hello Mark! What a wonderful new segment in your life - thanks for sharing and I hope you'll love this place (again)!

I also joined earlier (2016) but was away a long time - overloaded with other things including some recent health issues stopped almost everything for me. In my case it was the onset of seizures that made me pass out, quit breathing, no pulse - needed CPR the first time. After a long series of tests proved the diagnosis, medication has stabilized things - although the side effects are "interesting" and did send me to the hospital a couple of times!

(I am SO thankful we have access to good medical care! - many in the world don't :()

I slowed to a stop for a while but I'm slowly getting back to most everything now (except scuba diving and riding motorcycles!), woodturning included. I'm having so much fun! That lathe you are getting should be wonderful.

JKJ
 
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John K Jordan said:
Hello Mark! What a wonderful new segment in your life - thanks for sharing and I hope you'll love this place (again)!

I also joined earlier (2016) but was away a long time - overloaded with other things including some recent health issues stopped almost everything for me. In my case it was the onset of seizures that made me pass out, quit breathing, no pulse - needed CPR the first time. After a long series of tests proved the diagnosis, medication has stabilized things - although the side effects are "interesting" and did send me to the hospital a couple of times!

(I am SO thankful we have access to good medical care! - many in the world don't :()

I slowed to a stop for a while but I'm slowly getting back to most everything now (except scuba diving and riding motorcycles!), woodturning included. I'm having so much fun! That lathe you are getting should be wonderful.

JKJ
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Thanks John. Sounds like you've been down a tougher road than me, and I'm glad you're doing well. I was blessed to have great doctors and support group around me. I do miss my motorcycle but don't miss sliding down the road sideways on it! I guess those days are over, but on the plus side I have lots of great time ahead in my shop. I'm planning on retiring this coming year when I turn 70, and my goal is to improve my skills on the lathe and to use the skew without stabbing myself!:D
 
Mark Hepburn said:
Thanks John. Sounds like you've been down a tougher road than me, and I'm glad you're doing well. I was blessed to have great doctors and support group around me. I do miss my motorcycle but don't miss sliding down the road sideways on it! I guess those days are over, but on the plus side I have lots of great time ahead in my shop. I'm planning on retiring this coming year when I turn 70, and my goal is to improve my skills on the lathe and to use the skew without stabbing myself!:D
Click to expand...

What kind of turning do you like to do or want to get into? There are so many people focused on turning bowls that I personally recommend taking on spindle turning, at least for the fine tool control it can teach!

Maybe you're already an experienced spindle turner, but if not and you find yourself up towards Knoxville this fall or winter, stop by for my unpatented skew lesson - the fee is a good story or a good joke, guaranteed or fully refunded if unsatisfied! :)

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..."

Spindles_misc_A_comp.jpg Spindles_misc_B_comp.jpg
JKJ
 
John K Jordan said:
What kind of turning do you like to do or want to get into? There are so many people focused on turning bowls that I personally recommend taking on spindle turning, at least for the fine tool control it can teach!

Maybe you're already an experienced spindle turner, but if not and you find yourself up towards Knoxville this fall or winter, stop by for my unpatented skew lesson - the fee is a good story or a good joke, guaranteed or fully refunded if unsatisfied! :)

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..."

View attachment 78478 View attachment 78479
JKJ
Click to expand...

I do (did) a lot of lidded vessels with exaggerated finials, music boxes, platters and spindles mostly for skew practice and also tool handles. I was not far from the truth when I said I hope I don't stab myself with a skew :)

I'd love to find myself in Knoxville any time I can. It's a beautiful area, and many thanks for the offer; I'll try to take you up on it.

Mark
 
Thanks Alan! Is that the Axminster Evolution or the JSP Powercap you're using in the photo? my Airshield is getting long in the tooth (like my lungs :D ) and I was wondering how you like yours?
 
Welcome back, Mark. I missed seeing that smiling face on your avatar! So glad to hear that things are going well on the medical/health front. Stay well.
 
Welcome back! Glad you are doing so much better!

I put the motorcycles behind me a while ago - age-related slowing of response time and all that...

I ended up getting the Sundstrøm SR500 and I am happy with it, but make sure you check out what Peke Safety have been producing lately as their line is expanding and a better price point.
 
Pat Wisniewski said:
Welcome back! Glad you are doing so much better!

I put the motorcycles behind me a while ago - age-related slowing of response time and all that...

I ended up getting the Sundstrøm SR500 and I am happy with it, but make sure you check out what Peke Safety have been producing lately as their line is expanding and a better price point.
Click to expand...

Thanks Pat. Yes, I don’t seem to have much motorcycle fever anymore 😊

I’ll check out your recommendations. I’m wanting to get something. I like Alan’s idea but honestly, I don’t miss wearing a mask 😷
 
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