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Utah Symposium Day One

Joined
Oct 29, 2005
Messages
886
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11
Location
wetter washington
Website
www.ralphandellen.us
The day’s events started with opening remarks by Mike Mahoney, and short intro from each presenter and a few comments from Dale Nish. This was followed by a light brunch, provided by the Symposium. During the brunch and I had a long chat with Russ Fairchild, whom I knew was originally from my area, but just how much I didn’t know until I talked with him. His wife went to school at the “old†School that was just about 100 yards from my home, and he knew the people that planted the Apple trees in my and my neighbors yards, back from when it was a working orchard.

My first rotation was from Curt Theobold, on the history of segmented turning. The earliest piece he had been able to find was a stave built mazer, from Scotland cira 1700. A very interesting session.

The 2nd session was from Richard Raffan on bowls. While this was largely the same material that is in his DVD and Book(s) on Bowls, there was one interesting happening. Some joker, and it had to be a joker, put Rex Buringham’s personal tool sharpening station at this rotation location. The same one the Richard and Dale Nish would be using. The joke is, neither Richard nor Dale are what you call large men, while Rex, well, his name fits. I didn’t get to see Dale trying to sharpen, but Richard was on his toes, literally.

The 3rd session was by David Nittman on making a turned bowl look like it was made by basket weaving. A subject I have been every interested in and was thrilled to learn more about

The day ended with a Swap meet and a session from David Nittman and Cindy Drozda on the creative process. I’m afraid I spent the entire evening with the swap meet, and ended up with yet more wood…after failing to bring any of the large Big Leaf Maple I could have sold.


TTFN
Ralph
 
Hi Ralph,

Thanks for the report, I really enjoyed it.

As for Russ, he visited my place a few years ago. That guy is a woodturning national treasure. He has forgotten more about woodturning than I will ever know. Please give him my best if you see him again.

Also here is his web site for those who have not seen it.

http://www.woodturnerruss.com/

Also, a small correction. It believe it is Russ Fairfield you spoke with.

Thanks again for the first day report,

Dave
 
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