Tom Lesser

[Tom Lesser]

Greetings, All.
I'm still a relatively new turner and have been a member of the local AAW chapter ... Mid-Maryland Woodturners ... since late 2016. The skill and imagination displayed by the members of MMWTC, other area clubs and the articles and tips from AAW are a great inspiration. I watch way too many videos, but the knowledge that is out there just waiting to be soaked up is simply incredible. Thank you to all who are so willing to share. I'm turning on an old tube-bed Craftsman which I have modified; I've added a hand-wheel and replaced the motor with a treadmill motor that gives me speeds from about 275-3000rpm, so I can turn small bowls in addition to spindle-type work.

 

[hockenbery]

Welcome to the forum. You have a nice set of turnings.
There are a lot of good clubs in Maryland.
Quite a change from when we left Annapolis in 2004. Chesapeake and Capitol Area(norther VA) served all of Maryland and Delaware.

 

[Tom Lesser]

Thanks for the compliment. Yes, there are more clubs now. We have members who are also members of Catoctin Area Turners (Leesburg, VA), Montgomery County Woodturners, and Apple Valley Woodturners (Winchester VA & Shenandoah valley). Lots of talent all around. Lots more to learn.

 

[John Torchick]

Welcome to the forum. I'm impressed with your turnings, especially the yarn bowl with the curly Q in the side. It's interesting how you modified the lathe to be variable speed. AAW membership and a chapter membership are well worth the investment. Our local chapter, Dalton Area Woodturners Guild, has members who belong to more than one club. Hard to find time for one club. Hmm, DAWG named by a UGA graduate or fan?

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

welcome aboard. Looks like you have a good jump on turning and club meetings.

 

[Tom Lesser]

Thanks, John. The yarn bowl would have been an unqualified success had I not broken off part of the curly Q while sanding ... but it glued back nicely and my daughter-in-law seems to enjoy using it. The designs of all the others were largely influenced by what was left after assorted catches, punky wood and mis-steps on my part. But each goof has taught me something new.

 

[Tom Lesser]

Thank you. It's quite enjoyable. My wife gave me the lathe for Christmas about 30 years ago, and I've used it regularly to make things go around (wire wheels, buffing wheels and an occasional tool handle) but never did any serious turning until I took a workshop with a professional turner in Baltimore ... and found out what a really sharp tool could do. Club demos and a little coaching .. and a better grinder ... made all the difference. I'm addicted.

 

[Emiliano Achaval]

Greetings, All.
I'm still a relatively new turner and have been a member of the local AAW chapter ... Mid-Maryland Woodturners ... since late 2016. The skill and imagination displayed by the members of MMWTC, other area clubs and the articles and tips from AAW are a great inspiration. I watch way too many videos, but the knowledge that is out there just waiting to be soaked up is simply incredible. Thank you to all who are so willing to share. I'm turning on an old tube-bed Craftsman which I have modified; I've added a hand-wheel and replaced the motor with a treadmill motor that gives me speeds from about 275-3000rpm, so I can turn small bowls in addition to spindle-type work.

Welcome to the Forum. I'm impressed by your turnings, good job, it pays off to join a club! Aloha

 

[Bill Boehme]

Welcome aboard, Tom. You have some very nice turnings.

 

[David Hill]

WoW! Great things from that lathe!
I'm nearly always impressed by what we do to improve our machines---plus that one has important history.
Welcome from SE Texas!