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family demos

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family demos

#1

family demos

linda

>Hello. I am wondering what most of you do when you are in the position of giving a lathe demo to family or friends. They have seen your work but really have no idea of how you made it or what a lathe is for that matter. You show them the machine and they are impressed with the size of the metallic structure. Now what? You can impress them by making some shavings fly around but you probably won't hold their interest for half an hour or so while you make something. What you need is something fast, impressive and simple. What do you usually do?

Re: family demos

#2

Re: family demos

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA

>Hi Linda

I do this all the time. I usually have a small piece of wet wood lying around - prepared in advance if I have warning that people are coming - that works great for turning a little bowl quickly.

Remember, people already know about the finish you achieve, etc, so you do not need to worry about getting a gallery quality piece done. You are just showing them the mechanics of how it happens. This way you can blow through a piece of wood and get it into a recognizable shape before peoples' interest starts to wane and wander.

And, if you have anything happen that is not up to spec - i.e. the shape isn't what you would like, you can always cover it up with one of my favorite phrases - "for the purposes of this demonstration" - and move on. No one will care that it is not perfect, and they will all enjoy the time you took to show them how.

Bill

Re: family demos

#3

Re: family demos

Don Orr

>Bill's idea is, as always, excellant. I have done much the same when I know someone is coming by. Usually I have a small piece of wood ready and make a quick finger top in about 5 min. and give it to them. They seem to get a kick out of their "souvenir".

Re: family demos

#4

Re: family demos

Dinyar Chavda

>I have taken a slightly differentapproach, because it usually has been an individual family member who is interested. When they ask to see me make something, I usually tell them that it is boring just to watch someone turn, but that if they want, they can come over and turn a bowl. Depending on their aptitude, they can usually turn a rough (but decent) bowl in about 2-4 hours, and it becomes one of their most treasured possessions (even if it splits afterwards). When I go to their house afterwards, it usually occupies a place of honor!

Dinyar

Re: family demos

#5

Richard Allen

Re: family demos

Richard Allen

>Hi Linda

I figure family and friends are a captive audience and I take that opportunity to let them turn some wood. Some people like turning wood and I find I am watching them after some short instruction. Some people don't want to touch the tools and I figure that showing them the shop is all they are up for. These are usually one on one opportunities.

I especially like when a couple comes by for a visit. One of them will express some interest in my hobby and I will spirit them away to the shop. We emerge latter with a "lathe turned object" (often a small bowl that needs sanding and finishing). The other half of the couple usually has some comment about the mess and how long it took. But they all guard the turning like it was made of gold. I have seen some of these ad-hoc turnings months and years latter and they continue to hold a place of value in their homes.

If a visitor comes by while I am turning something I will just continue along with whatever it is I am turning.

Often a friend will admire something I have made and ask me to make one for them. These are friends and I value the time we spend together a LOT more than the money they might be willing to exchange for one of my turnings. I usually respond with "How about I help YOU make that?". As often as not there is a BIG smile and we work out the details. The hours spent in collaboration/mentoring with friends and family are some of the most satisfying times I have spent at the lathe.

Good Luck

Richard

Re: family demos

#6

Brad Vietje

Re: family demos

Brad Vietje

>I usually make something they can take home, like a spinning top. Most people are fascinated to see how the spinning wood can be sculpted by a sharp tool.

My nephew and neice, 22 and 20, were both so interested that they spent a few hours each learning to make basic spindle shapes at a family gathering. Next time I get together with one of them we'll do some more turning -- probably a top, then move on to a simple bowl...

Now my brother wants a lathe, too !

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: family demos

#7

Re: family demos

Don Orr

>I have to say I like Dinyar's and Richard's responses much better than mine. I think the idea of working together and sharing time with family or friend sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks guys!

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