• January Turning Challenge: Thin-Stemmed Something! (click here for details)
  • Conversations are now Direct Messages (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Gabriel Hoff for "Spalted Beech Round Bottom Box" being selected as Turning of the Week for January 6, 2024 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Hands on

J

Jake Debski

Joined
Apr 24, 2004
Messages
745
Likes
0
Location
Cowlesville,Western New York
I just walked in the door after spending the day at a Keith Tompkins hands on demo, and me and several of our chapter members are pumped.
There are many excellent turning teachers out there today. They can show you the how of turning but Keith is superb at explaining the why. And to me that is priceless. His capabilities with the tools of the trade are alone worth the cost of a session. Keith will get our chapters endorsement any time.
 
I have to agree Jake, that was an excellent demo. He had so much great information to share, even if you don't turn some of the stuff he does. Although, that rose was pretty cool 😎, and I may have to try it sometime. I really enjoyed hearing how he goes through the process, and I am going to try to incorporate that into my own turnings.
 
Hands on with a good instructor can be an amazing experience. So far I have had the luck to take short courses with Mike Darlow and Mike Mahoney, and next week I get to learn from Richard Raffan and I can't wait. It will be a whole lot better than spending the week at work.

On thing I have also found to be an excellent learning advantage is this forum and all the guys who have years of trail and error behind them. With the few posts I have made and the many I have read, these mentors have proven to be more valuable to those of us starting this obsession / hobby than a one or two day course.

To all those guys out there that share their experience, thank you.

Bruce
 
Jake Debski said:
I just walked in the door after spending the day at a Keith Tompkins hands on demo, and me and several of our chapter members are pumped.
There are many excellent turning teachers out there today. They can show you the how of turning but Keith is superb at explaining the why. And to me that is priceless. His capabilities with the tools of the trade are alone worth the cost of a session. Keith will get our chapters endorsement any time.
Click to expand...

One of the first Totally Turning Symposium demonstrators I saw was Keith Tompkins (at his first demo of that type, as I understand it), before I had even turned my first (only - so far) pen...
I have been to every demo of his I could, since... No matter how many times I've seen it. To your point, it IS the "WHY" that I think makes him such a good demonstrator/instructor.
He made segmenting (complex segmenting) seem dooable, even for a novice with limited tools and less experience (me).
I still haven't made any of the jigs, or done any of that type of segmenting, it seems like there is always something getting in the way... But when I set aside the time and get into it, I'm SURE I'll get a competent outcome, as much from his demos as from any skills I have acquired.
In Japan, Keith would be a Living National Treasure... High praise I know, but his work, his demeanor, his skill as a teacher and his patience make him worthy (IMHO).
 
Last edited:
Hi Jake and Brian, Thank you for the kind words about my class and demo. It's a very rewarding feeling to know that my presentations are helping other turners achieve their goals. George, thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I have watched the progress you have made as a turner, from an absolute beginner to an award-winning artist. I was thrilled to see a piece of your work displayed on a billboard promoting a major craft exhibit...perhaps I have been a small part of your success. Thank you.
 
Keith,

I just looked at the Small Treasures exhibition at Del Mano. Some incredible turned art with that wow factor in almost every piece. Your three pieces are deservedly in fine company.
 
Hi Jake, Thank you. I think every turner dreams of having their work displayed in a major show or exhibit. It's a bit surreal when it actually happens! It was good to meet you!
 
For all you fans (which includes me) of Keith Tompkins and his work, you'll be pleased to know that he has a major article on design in the upcoming issue of American Woodturner.

I took a look at del Mano's Small Treasures exhibit and indeed Keith's pieces are quite lovely! --Betty
 
I’ve enjoyed Keith’s presentations too and I look forward to his article. Once you have the basic skill set down your interest turns toward design and what you can do to improve and innovate on that. It seems like so many presenters are stuck on hashing over basics, which so many people still need, but I like to hear more about design concepts, inspiration, and how to apply these to one’s work. Keith does a good job with that. Hopefully more presenters will start to offer more in this area too. There is probably less of a demand though because so many people never turn enough to even master the basics let alone become ready to develop their design concepts.


- Scott
 
Wow....thanks for the very positive comments. BTW, please feel free to contact me with likes and dislikes concerning my demonstrations. I'm always trying to improve. Speaking of design and proportion, my head is now way too big for the rest of me.
 
Keith T. said:
Wow....thanks for the very positive comments. BTW, please feel free to contact me with likes and dislikes concerning my demonstrations. I'm always trying to improve. Speaking of design and proportion, my head is now way too big for the rest of me.
Click to expand...

If you ask those (that I know) who know you, that is the one area of perception where you are weak...😱
Your head is STILL well proportioned, in spite of all your success.😀
 
George Guadiane said:
If you ask those (that I know) who know you, that is the one area of perception where you are weak...😱
Your head is STILL well proportioned, in spite of all your success.😀
Click to expand...

George,

Keith's, "lack of airs" is also one of the things that make him such a fine teacher. And yes a more proportional view of his success and ability would certainly be beneficial to him. 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top