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I successfully juried into the League of NH Craftsmen

Donna Banfield

Donna Banfield

TOTW Team
Joined
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On Thursday afternoon, I successfully juried into the League of NH Craftsmen. For those who are unfamiliar with this organization, here's a link to their website.

http://www.nhcrafts.org/

Below is a photo of one of the pieces that was presented for examination during my jury session. It is a Pin Cherry vessel, turned as an entire log on the lathe. After turning and hollowing I held the piece with a carving mount held in the banjo, and while the piece was rotated 90 deg. (or on it's side) I used a jig saw to cut the leaf pattern that I drew with a charcoal pencil. Then I used an arbortech with an industrial carbide cutter to rough out the undulating curves of the leaves. The remainder of the carving was done with hand tools and a Weecher Power carver. The final dimensions of this piece are 9" high x 9" wide (at the top) x 2" wide (at the base).

Was this a lot of work? Yes; roughly 6 weeks, 5-6 hours a day, 7 days a week. Will I do it again? Absolutely! Learned a few things while doing this; the next one won't take quite as long. I did burn up my power carver in the process, so I am looking to replace it, and am asking for opinions on the power carvers out there. My next one will need to be a heavier duty than the Weecher, and that class of carvers, because this type of work is where I see my future headed.

Critiques and comments appreciated
 

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Congratulations Donna! It's a beautiful piece!

I hope this new status continues to open doors for you in the future.

Rob
 
Donna, you created a beautiful piece, no wonder the jury selected you for membership. Congrats.

I'm fascinated by the turning/carving process. If you have "in-process" pics I sure we would all love to see them.

Thanks for sharing your accomplishment and the results of your efforts.

Cheers, Tom
 
Carver

Donna, I have the WheCheer and I agree. It is good for small carvings but not adequate for hogging off wood. When I get a new carver I will be buying an AutoMach. It is a very beefy carver. I have used it and the difference between it and the WheCheer is remarkable. Outstanding work. I can see why you burned up your WheCheer carving this piece. Congratulations.
 
Congrats

Just beautiful, Donna. I don't know if I could undertake such a project, knowing that one slip of the wrist, mind, or failed equipment could ruin 4-6 weeks worth of work!!!!(Similar to Matt's 5 foot cherry vase). Gretch
 
Thanks all, for your words of praise and encouragement. TJ, I did not take any progress photos when creating this piece. I was so absorbed in getting it completed within the time constraints that I didn't have time to think about that. But it's something I will do in the future.

Dick, the Automach is on my short list. My husband is helping me with my research (I am very lucky to have a supportive and encouraging spouse in this endeavor), and reading the carving forums for input. All the reading he has found on the Automach have been positive reports.

Gretch, I started with two identical pieces. I turned and hollowed 2 Pin Cherry logs, cut and rough carved the leaves on both. When the time came to begin the detail work, I picked the 'better' of the two and continued working on that one exclusively. Because, like you said, a slip of the wrist or tool, could ruin several weeks of work.
 
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