Originally a civil engineer, I moved from UK to Australia in 1969. In 1976 I commenced the three-year trade course in woodturning at Sydney Technical College. The teaching was excellent. In 1979 I started a woodturning business which employed 7 turners and 21 lathes, many special purpose. I've written six woodturning books, made three DVDs and had about 200 magazine articles published. Because of the long lag times with American magazines, most of my recent articles have been published in Australia. I'm currently writing two new woodturning books.
My main focus is to provide the best information I can for other turners. Many of my writings are therefore detailed and analytical, and sometimes disagree with advice by other turners and with the promotions by manufacturers of woodturning equipment.
I believe that there is too much focus of non-functional turning. Most turners would, I believe, prefer to focus most of their turning on producing function items for family and friends. As Mike Dunbar correctly states this involves more turning of multiples. It therefore involves more spindle turning, more pre-turning design, and more disciplined techniques. This in turn requires both sound teaching and commitment by pupils (something which I fully accept many aren't willing or able to give). This approach of mine seems to be unpopular, and may explain why I have only been invited to demonstrate at an AAW Symposium once (in 2006), and that only if an enquiry was held.
My main focus is to provide the best information I can for other turners. Many of my writings are therefore detailed and analytical, and sometimes disagree with advice by other turners and with the promotions by manufacturers of woodturning equipment.
I believe that there is too much focus of non-functional turning. Most turners would, I believe, prefer to focus most of their turning on producing function items for family and friends. As Mike Dunbar correctly states this involves more turning of multiples. It therefore involves more spindle turning, more pre-turning design, and more disciplined techniques. This in turn requires both sound teaching and commitment by pupils (something which I fully accept many aren't willing or able to give). This approach of mine seems to be unpopular, and may explain why I have only been invited to demonstrate at an AAW Symposium once (in 2006), and that only if an enquiry was held.