AAW forum swap interest? Poll

[Michael Anderson]

Hi all,

I’m wondering if there is any interest in doing a turning swap with other members here? I’ve been involved in a few via other forums and they’re almost always pretty fun and satisfying. And, they’re great motivation (especially for newer turners) to make something “worthy” of another turner. Anyway, I put together a little poll to gauge interest, as well as identify the type of swap that would be most engaging. You must vote to see the results. Majority wins. The poll will close one week from now (upon posting this thread).

If there is a bunch of interest, I am happy to organize the swap. I know there are holiday swaps galore, so I’m thinking that our deadline for this one could be the end of September. Aside from the poll, all thoughts/comments are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Russ Braun]

We have done a Holiday swap for years over at the SWT site. It is fun and I have developed a great collection of pieces. Participation is always a challenge but worth the effort!! Sign me up; fair warning, my piece will be segmented, lol!!

 

[Michael Anderson]

fair warning, my piece will be segmented, lol!!

If it wasn’t, I would think it was a fraud!

 

[Sam Fleisher]

Hi all,

I’m wondering if there is any interest in doing a turning swap with other members here? I’ve been involved in a few via other forums and they’re almost always pretty fun and satisfying. And, they’re great motivation (especially for newer turners) to make something “worthy” of another turner. Anyway, I put together a little poll to gauge interest, as well as identify the type of swap that would be most engaging. Only one vote allowed (can not change answer) and you must vote to see the results. The poll will close one week from now (upon posting this thread).

If there is a bunch of interest, I am happy to organize the swap. I know there are holiday swaps galore, so I’m thinking that our deadline for this one could be the end of September. Aside from the poll, all thoughts/comments are appreciated. Thanks!

Could you explain the swap with categories more? Like me, I have only really turned bowls. Would there be a separate category for each type so you could choose or a type would be decided and you fit or you don't?
Never participated in one before, how does it work? Like a secret santa or would you know who you would be swapping with beforehand so you could adjust for the person's taste and such?

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

Sounds like fun Michael.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Hey Sam, happy to elaborate.:

Could you explain the swap with categories more?

The categories idea would only work if there is a lot of interest. Assuming there IS a lot of interest in the category option (meaning, more than the open category), I would organize it such that you could choose a category and I would pair you (randomly) with someone in that same category. For example, if 16 folks participate and 10 are interested in bowls, and 6 are interested in boxes, I would segregate the groupings accordingly. My personal preference is an open-ended exchange, so that you can make whatever you want, and the receiver gets your specialty/interest. The idea is not to force people to make what they don't want or are not interested in. Also in an open-ended exchange, for example, if you're a bowl turner you might be on the receiving end of a box turner. It would give you an opportunity to have a piece around that you might not otherwise make, as well as possibly foster some ideas for future out-of-your-comfort-zone pieces. Like I said, the categories option would only really work if there is overwhelming interesting.

Never participated in one before, how does it work?

My idea is that (assuming open-ended) once everyone who's interested lets me know, I will collect names/addresses, and then randomly pair folks together. You would receive the name and address of the person you are making for, but you would not know who is making for you. I would give you a deadline for shipping out your piece, and then afterward, I would create a thread where we could post photos of the piece we received from someone else. A few things to keep in mind:

• Everyone is at different levels, and the difference in skill levels (possible intimidation factor) should not preclude you from participating. The major intentions of the swap are to 1) foster the community and build friendships, 2) help you build a collection with pieces from folks you communicate with, 3) give someone a tangible snapshot of your current work/interest, and 4) increase engagement with turning craft in general.
• Do your best work. Push yourself to make a piece that represents your current highest skill level/interest. You should send someone a piece that you would be proud to display in your own home.
• Smaller turnings generally work better. This is to reduce shipping costs, reduce space in your home/shop, and in general some restrictions are a good thing for challenging yourself.
• Embrace the spirit of the swap: we're all makers and at different levels. I would be happy to receive a piece from anyone here, as long as they put their best foot forward. The idea that someone would spend valuable time to make something for me is pretty special.
• Ideally, you would make a piece for the swap specifically, but we live in a real world. Sometimes time isn't there, or circumstance prevent you from making a new piece. In that case, you probably have something you made in the past laying around that you would be proud to gift someone (or maybe even interested in re-working an older piece).
• I wouldn't necessarily recommend fully tailoring your piece to your recipient. Personally, I would rather get a piece that represents someone else's interest rather than one that is copying my style. Copying isn't the right word, but you get what I mean. That said, it would a cool idea to add an element to your piece that is specific to your recipient (if you want). Ultimately, the decision is yours though--this bulletpoint is just my opinion.
• You must sign your piece. Partly for accountability, and partly so that when you look at your collection years later, you can identify the maker. No anonymous turnings allowed.

I'm positive I'm leaving something out, so feel free to add some follow-up questions.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

Count me in.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Count me in.

Awesome!

 

[David Propst]

I organized a couple swaps 15 or more years ago over at WoodCentral. It was a lot of fun!

 

[Michael Anderson]

I organized a couple swaps 15 or more years ago over at WoodCentral. It was a lot of fun!

Awesome, and for sure! I’ve been a part of several, it have never organized one. Figured it is a nice fun way to give back.

 

[Isaac Fisher]

Sounds fun. I’m in

 

[Michael Anderson]

Sounds fun. I’m in

Great!

 

[Bill Boehme]

Sounds interesting. Michael, I could set up a dedicated swap/collaborative forum if you would be willing to be in charge of it. We can discuss details of indentured servitude in a private conversation. I'm not in favor of wood bartering/swapping ... that can be done by private conversation.

 

[odie]

Don't know if I'd use it, but feel it's worth giving it a try to see if it would work out for the better.....

 

[Michael Anderson]

Indentured servitude

Sounds good, Bill. I think there’s potential there, and am happy to take on the responsibility.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I took the liberty of modifying the poll so that people can choose two categories and also can change their vote.

 

[David Martin]

Being brand new at this I think I'm liable to get the better end of the trade, but it would be nice to see something from a more experienced turner to be able to gauge my progress by.

 

[Dan Oliphant]

Count me in also. Where is this poll?

 

[Michael Anderson]

@David Martin no worries. The spirit of the swap (I’m paraphrasing comments on another forum) is that everyone gets who they get. If someone is concerned about their match, they don’t have to participate. Everyone puts their best foot forward, and we’re all the better for it

@Dan Oliphant excellent! The poll should show up at the top of this page/thread.

 

[Darryn Achall]

Have not participated in anything like this. Sounds like fun tho! Maybe one of the stipulations would be a thread where pictures of items are posted?

 

[Michael Anderson]

Maybe one of the stipulations would be a thread where pictures of items are posted?

Absolutely, I agree.

 

[Ron Solfest]

Thanks for offering to take this on. I’m interested, but not sure yet if timing will work out for me

 

[Michael Anderson]

but not sure yet if timing will work out for me

I certainly hope it does. I know lots of folks would love to get one of your laminated bowls

 

[Andrew Hale]

Sounds like a blast, count me in!

 

[Michael Anderson]

Sounds like a blast, count me in!

Sweet!

 

[Richard Patrick]

Sounds like fun to me….count me in!

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Interesting! It sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[Michael Anderson]

Richard and Gabriel, thanks for the interest!

 

[Russ Braun]

Being brand new at this I think I'm liable to get the better end of the trade, but it would be nice to see something from a more experienced turner to be able to gauge my progress by.

David, the spirit of a swap is you provide the best effort/ piece you can. No one will ever be disappointed with receiving someone’s best. Imagine owning an early Malcolm Tibbetts piece. Everyone has a starting point/ early phase to their turning journey for sure!!

 

[Michael Anderson]

David, the spirit of a swap is you provide the best effort/ piece you can. No one will ever be disappointed with receiving someone’s best. Imagine owning an early Malcolm Tibbetts piece. Everyone has a starting point/ early phase to their turning journey for sure!!

Absolutely right, Russ!

 

[guy laizure]

I am interested as long as I don't have to ship outside of the United States.

 

[Michael Anderson]

I am interested as long as I don't have to ship outside of the United States.

Great! Definitely understandable given shipping rates and unreliability these days. I would do my best to pair folks within their countries if desired, and if there’s an odd number, I’ll take the hit myself and trade internationally. Valid point Guy, thanks for bringing it up.

 

[Robert Santore]

Interesting idea. It reminds me of homebrew swaps I've participated in and enjoyed.

If it does become a thing, I'd give it a try. The collaborative blank swap also sounds like it could be both challenging and fun.

 

[Richard Coers]

What I have learned about swaps over the decades is that you need to set very low expectations about what you get. But it's really not about what you get.

 

[Tom Gall]

Michael, will there be an "official" sign-up sheet when the time comes ... details, dates, etc.? Or are you going to have to weed through all these posts to make a list?

 

[Michael Anderson]

The collaborative blank swap also sounds like it could be both challenging and fun.

For sure! I’m involved in a collaborative swap right now. It does add a bit of challenge to it, but also forces you to adapt and think out of the box a bit. Fun stuff indeed!

you need to set very low expectations about what you get. But it's really not about what you get.

You’ve definitely participated in many more swaps than I have. Of the ones I’ve been involved with, the only time I’ve been disappointed was when someone didn’t sign their piece — I have a cool little lighthouse I got on a Reddit swap, and I have no idea who made it aside from an anonymous username.

will there be an "official" sign-up sheet when the time comes ... details, dates, etc.?

Hey Tom. I’ll make up something official and *easy*. This was just to gauge interest. Looks like a lot of folks would be willing, which gives me some ideas. Stay tuned once the poll closes

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

Blank swap is out of the question for me , I have a shop wall 24 foot full of wood and more in the floor. Finished piece is the answer and then maybe min and max size.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Blank swap is out of the question for me , I have a shop wall 24 foot full of wood and more in the floor. Finished piece is the answer and then maybe min and max size.

I hear you there, Gerald. That option was mostly filler for the poll, but I’m glad it got picked a few times. Most folks here are probably full to the brim with wood. Others maybe not so much.

 

[Jonathan Silwones]

Great idea Michael. Thank you for the effort. I'm all in!

 

[Michael Anderson]

Great idea Michael. Thank you for the effort. I'm all in!

Wonderful!