Club Night Report

Wednesday 11th September 2019

Club Night Photos for 11th September 2019 - Guest Demonstrator - Phil Irons

The demonstrator for the September meeting was Phil Irons - who showed a number of techniques to include - burr bowl turning, power carving, filling with metal inlay, gilding/ leafing and finishing a large urn base.

Phil started with a small poplar burr blank. The use of 2-prong drive centres and ring tailstock centres was strongly recommended. Unfortunately, despite Phil's best efforts, the burr proved to have too much rot and the project was eventually abandoned.

The use of acrylic size - both clear and red was shown and applied to a carved hollow form that had already been sprayed matt black. This was carried out early in the evening, so that the size could be allowed to go 'tacky' - and was then used (later) for the gilding/ leafing demonstration using gold and copper leaf - applied with a squirrel hair brush and bamboo tongs.

A large partially turned oak urn was used to show some power carving to enlarge existing cracks that were then filled with a mix of 2-part epoxy resin and metal powder.

The final demonstration was to show Phil's home-made depth gauge being used to check the depth of a hollow form - which was then mounted and the spigot base turned off/ finished.

Phil showed a diverse mix of rarely seen techniques, along with loads of practical advice and good practices. A very full and thought-provoking evening. Thank you Phil!

The display table showed a number of interesting items.

David Branscombe showed a yew dish with a lovely pattern and a mushroom shaped tooth-pick holder in ash. Richard Branscombe presented a fine spalted beech potpourri pot with an aluminium ring in the base. Richard also showed a burr elm bowl with two turned recesses - one of which had been gold leafed.
Roger Hoare displayed a stunning large open segmented vase made with plywood. A lidded vase on a stand was shown by Tim Mortimer - turned from wormy elm, filled with epoxy resin and brass powder. The stand and finial were made in oak that had been stained black with a steel wool and vinegar mix. John Sawyer brought along a large tent pole finial made from beech.