President's Message 

April 2014

 

A couple of years ago I wrote a President's message about the best $200 I ever spent.  In that message I stated that my first lathe, a harbor freight model #34706, was the best $200 I ever spent because it was the purchase that got me started in woodturning, something I'm extremely passionate about.  It was also the worst $200 I ever spent because that initial $200 investment has ballooned into countless thousands of dollars over the years.  A bigger better lathe (twice), a bigger better bandsaw, chainsaw, etc.  To be honest I'm scared to add it all up.

 

Over the years I've made a couple other $200 purchases that I feel threaten to claim the title of the best $200 I ever spent.  The first is my vacuum chucking system.  I put my system together for about 200 and while it doesn't work on everything I make (particularly pieces with large voids or very small items) I find myself using it on the majority of my projects.  One of our members did a demo on vacuum chucking at the March meeting and more than a dozen club members purchased a kit that he had made available.  I hope that those that purchased the systems as useful as I've found mine.  I suspect we'l have quite a few additional vacuum chucking enthusiasts in the club going forward.

 

Another recent $200 purchase that's in the running for the best $200 I ever spent is my new 180 grit CBN grinding wheel.  There ar several brands on the market with most right at the $200 price point.  It seems a little silly to have a $200 grinding wheel on a $100 grinder but it's hard to argue with the results.  Those not familiar with CBN wheels may not understand the hype.  The long and short of it is this: Cubic Boron Nitride wheels are nearly as hard as diamond and replace and even supersede regular aluminum oxide grinding wheels in almost every aspect that I can think of.  They're built around a machined steel hub so they'll never go out of round, they'll never develop a groove, never get smaller, and they're machine balanced.  They cut cleaner, cooler, and sharper than than standard wheels.  The only downside I can think of (other than the cost) is that they should not be used to grind softer steels like mild steel or soft metals like copper, brass, and aluminum.       

 

Last, I have to plug an upcoming $200 expense.  The 2014 AAW National Symposium in right around the corner and while the registration cost is slightly higher than $200 I believe it will be one of the best woodturning investments you can ever make.  The number and caliber of demonstrators is top notch.  Numerous events and activities such as the vendors area, Beads of Courage, Return to the Community (Empty Bowls), Instant Gallery, Youth turning room, live and silent auctions, Craft room, and more appeal to woodturners, spouses, and the general public.  Many events are open to the public free of charge so spread the word among your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else you can think of.  It will be a significant amount of time before the AAW National Symposium returns to Phoenix.  Pittsburgh has been announced as the host city for 2015 and Atlanta will host in 2016.  The Desert Woodturning Roundup will also take a hiatus in 2015, returning in February 2016; It will be nearly 2 years before another woodturning convention will be held in the Phoenix metro area.  I strongly encourage you to attend.

 

I'd like to hear from you.  What are some of your favorite purchases?  Any purchases that you regret?

 

Jason