A Visit with the Grumbines (Long) *LINK*
Kevin Kelly, WV
>Until this month, my turning experience consisted of playing around on my Mercury with some spindle turning, trying to learn tool control and basic cove and bead stuff. I'd never tried a bowl before, but I really wanted to. So when the opportunity arose to spend some time with Bill Grumbine, I jumped at the chance.
For those of you who are thinking about taking some instruction in turning, let me say this - run, don't walk, run to Bill's Shop. What an experience! He's an excellent teacher; he listens to what you want to learn and then spends as much time with you as you want or need. I told him I wanted to start at the woodpile - log selection, cutting � learning his chainsaw technique is almost worth the price of admission by itself, rough shaping on the bandsaw, mounting on faceplate and chuck, rough turning, tool sharpening, finish turning, sanding - you name it, we did it. Bill not only shows and tells you what to do, he's able to see what you're doing wrong and how to correct it. Bill is gentle and encouraging even with tentative, ignorant beginners such as myself. Some of his instruction is very pointed and precise, such as in foot placement, body movement and hand placement. Other bits are a little looser; how do you use a Oneway vari-grind? According to Bill, the tip protrudes "about this much" and the angle of the jog is set to "about that much." I'm here to tell you, it works.
In addition to the considerable time spent on the lathe (did i mention you get to turn on the Mac-Daddy Poolewood?), you get to enjoy Grumbine hospitality, which is not to be missed. Bill's family is a delight, and they all have a wonderful sense of humor. If you let them, they'll wait on you hand and foot, but they'll also make you feel like another a member of their family. Come hungry, as you will never eat better than you will at the Grumbines'.
Let me add also that this visit for me was not just about a chance to learn to turn. By vocation, i'm an Episcopal priest; within my congregation (which isn't huge) there have been 13 deaths since Thanksgiving, which have placed a considerable strain on my emotional and spiritual resources. Bill is a man of prodigious faith, and the time i spent with him renewed and refreshed my spirit.
There is another message below that simply reads "God bless Bill Grumbine." While i would echo the sentiment, i'd also add that from my perspective, God has blessed him richly, and like any good steward, Bill has put what he's been given to good use.
Included here is a link to the tangible fruits of my time at Bill's. When the pbase pic opens, if you click on the pic, it'll take you to the gallery where you can see some of the work on a big maple blank that's now wrapped in newspaper in my shop. These represent my first ever bowls, and the little pear bowl in my hand is one i'll treasure forever. Bill, thanks for everything.