Granddaughter needs help....

[Ruth Niles]

My 9 yr. old granddaughter, Haleigh, is a natural at the lathe. I'm in PA, she's in FL, for the past 3 yrs. when they come up to visit, Haleigh just wanted to "turn something". After several months searching, I found a mini lathe (in FL) and she got it for Christmas. My son said Christmas morning, walking into the livingroom, seeing safety glasses poking out of her stocking, she swung around to Michael, grinning announced, "I got a lathe!". Michael asked how she could be so sure and she said, "Dad, you wouldn't get me those if there wasn't a lathe hiding somewhere!"

The guy selling the lathe also gave her lots of pen blanks and lots of pen kits. They don't have larger pieces of wood yet and they found a few videos on youtube but stilll have questions. Since I've never turned a pen, I'm of no help. They live in Englewood, near Venice. If you know anyone in their general area that might be able to get together with them, Haleigh would be thrilled. This is Haleigh Christmas day.

Ruth

 

[JRutten]

Looks like a good chance for the Sarasota Woodturners to get them while they are young and eager to learn.

 

[Don Leydens]

Sorry I can't help you with living near by, but your story is heartwarming and a pleasure to behold. I love to see young people at the lathe! She looks focused, has good posture and tool handling. Excellent work. I expect to see some of her future work in the Gallery section. I bet it would please her as much as all of us! Nice work.
Don L.

 

[loberg]

Penn State Industries have a free DVD about pen turning. It's not bad. Try the local shop teacher. Maybe a late stocking stuffer--a membership in the local turning club for a year. Like all the rest of the turners here I would have her over in a flash if she was around here.

 

[Odie]

It's great to see kids interested in other things besides electronics.

Don't get me wrong.....electronics are here to stay, and have their place in the scheme of things......but, if you think of it, some of our kids are losing touch with the real physical world. A lathe is one thing (among others) that will keep that connection "real" for our kids.....

ooc

Here's my son earlier this year.......

 

[Ruth Niles]

It's great to see kids interested in other things besides electronics.

Don't get me wrong.....electronics are here to stay, and have their place in the scheme of things......but, if you think of it, some of our kids are losing touch with the real physical world. A lathe is one thing (among others) that will keep that connection "real" for our kids.....

ooc

Here's my son earlier this year.......

Nice picture of your son. You are right about the electronics but it's not the kid's fault, it's the parents who buy the kids all the electronics because it's a lot easier for them. I know I'm the last generation that the kids have to leave all electronic, PC games home when they visit me. We play games, make a camp fire and toast marshmellows, play on the lathe, play lawn games, etc.

 

[craterdog]

Granddaughter Needs Help

There are 2 AAW Chapters near Englewood. One is the Peace River Woodturners in Punta Gorda. Their web site is www.peaceriverturners.com. The other is the Sarasota Woodturners. Their web site is www.sarasotawoodturners.com. Your son should contact them and see if they can help.
Tim Carter

 

[Ruth Niles]

There are 2 AAW Chapters near Englewood. One is the Peace River Woodturners in Punta Gorda. Their web site is www.peaceriverturners.com. The other is the Sarasota Woodturners. Their web site is www.sarasotawoodturners.com. Your son should contact them and see if they can help.
Tim Carter

Thank you, Tim, I forwarded the info to my son. I should have found that info myself but I just wanted everyone to see a picture of Haleigh...... 😀