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Are key chains worth the effort?

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Are key chains worth the effort?

#1

Are key chains worth the effort?

Dave Smith, Longview, WA

>I have been invited to display my wares at the local woodcarvers show the first weekend of October. I was told I could set up my mini lathe if I wanted do some turning. I am considering ordering some key chain kits to turn during the show. An other turner will be turning pens so I thought I would do some thing different. I could turn bottle stoppers but they have not been in high demand at the few sales I have done. Should I stick to the basic key chains? Do the tooth pick holder or whistle ones sell better?

The other turner is Frank Lynn from Kelso, WA. He is an interesting fellow as he only uses scrapers which he makes from planer blades. He advertises his tools in the American Woodturner magazine. Frank told me he doesn't know how to use any other tools. I guess I could turn pens next to him using a spindle master and skew for a contrast in methods.

Dave Smith

Bogged down in flat work in Longview, WA.

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

#2

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

Eaglesc

>How about the pen light kits?

The guy turning the pens is going to get the action.

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

#3

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

Peter Teubel

>You want to draw a crowd around your lathe? Turn one-piece tops! The kids love 'em and they can earn you extra sales. The kids like to watch them being made and their parents can give your other wares a longer once-over (if they're not watching themselves!).

Its just about all I demonstrate at any venue I do. I start with a 2x2x7 piece of wood. I chuck it up square in my Stronghold chuck (yes, on a mini). This gives me enough material for two tops. It takes me 70 seconds to turn one top (no sanding...finish off the tool is quite smooth). When they marvel at the finished product, I tell'em they're available for $3 each or 2 for $5. The kids always beg the parents for them and I tell them its special because they watched it being made right in front of their eyes.

Our club did a local fair earlier this month. I brought two 39 gallon trash cans FILLED with 2x2x7 blanks. They were just about gone in 4 days between myself and one other "topmaster" in our club. All leftover tops are donated to our club's top program which benefit local childrens hospitals.

TIP: Avoid really hard wood. When turning tops at this speed/volume, its hard on the hands. Cherry & poplar are my favorites, due to their relative softness. Honey locust and brazilian cherry are brutal on the hands due their extreme hardness (plus it takes longer to turn...an extra 30 seconds).

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

#4

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

Joe Herrmann

>I found that the cheapr, one piece keychain kits were best for me rather than the toothpick ones. You can get a better variety of shapes because you start--and finish--with a thicker blank. The parts don't cost as much so you don't have to ask so mush for a finished item. When I was doing craft shows, the keychains basically paid everyday expenses for food etc.

However, that said, you can't beat a good top demo!!

Joe

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

#5

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

Fred in NC

>Cheaper keychains can be made without the kit... just a brass screw eye on one end, and a brass furniture or carpet tack on the other if wanted.

I will be in a local show in a few weeks myself.

Fred

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

#6

Lighthouse shaped keychains and light pulls

Fred in NC

>

Re: Are key chains worth the effort?

#7

Hey Pete!

Ron in Drums PA

>What type of tip do you use on your tops? Thx

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