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Ted Merklin

T

Ted Merklin

Joined
Feb 10, 2023
Messages
3
Likes
2
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Hello,

Very new to actually turning, but I spent a lot of time during quarantine going down a rabbit hole of turning channels on YouTube after a cherry tree came down in my yard and I wondered what could be done with it. My grandfather was a hobbyist flatworker and I've always had a need for creative outlet - music, photography, etc. Turning really appealed to me. I've done a few "classroom" projects at Rockler and Woodcraft around the Pittsburgh area (picture related), but now I'm planning to dedicate a part of my detached garage to set up a modest area, and I'm hoping I can glean some insight and inspiration from the folks here. The fallen tree has since been turned to firewood after I learned about the proper way to store the rounds (which I did not do) but I have other trees on my property and access to other sources so I'm not too worried about that.


Below, my only turning projects - ornament + wire hanger/stand done at Woodcraft, bar tool handle and small dish done at Rockler. All have flaws in the finishes - and the two woods in the ornament have lost their friction fit, so the bottom finial drops out all the time, but were fun projects nonetheless. I think bowl turning was the most fun - and frustrating in the moment because the Rockler class setup was kind of a "1 bowl" situation where the Woodcraft ones let me keep try to keep turning ornaments with the time left in the class.

IMG_8281.jpg


Anyway, thanks for the add.

Ted
 
Gerald Lawrence said:
Welcome to the forum. You will have better results with your learning search if you find a woodturning club. Many people to answer questions and demos to watch
Click to expand...
Thank you - both for the "welcome" and the advice, as it was kind of the way I was leaning before - the classes are a nice way to spend an afternoon, but lack some of the in depth conversation I tend to like in my hobbies and pursuits.
 
Ted,
I don't have any experience with that club other than I've see a couple members post here. I'm going to join Butler woodturners this summer since it's only 20 minutes from my house.
 
Hi Ted, welcome from Chattanooga! You’ll find a bunch of wood nerds here that will take you to depths unheard of—this place is a great resource. Nice looking first projects. Throw some CA glue on your finial. No one has to know ;)
 
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