>The demonstrator for our turning club will not be able to show up tonight and I have been drafted to fill in. The powers that be have asked me to demo mounting bowl blocks on the lathe. I often use a chuck and a woodworm screw. Could some of you throw out a few other ideas? Maybe some slightly unusual ones that work well for you? I already know many other ways to mount things, but did not want to stifle your creativity. Also, what would you like to see if you had the chance?
>Barry, don't try to demo something you normally do not do. Just show how you mount your work and tell them there are other ways.. Tell what works for you. Tell what adjustments you make if the piece is irregular or punky or whatever. You can't do a demo on how other people do it.
>Right On,TD. Amen! "Age quod Agis" (Do what you do) Like "Turn to Safety" it can be annoying, but IMO not a bad reminder for woodturners.
Barry, I think demonstrating _your techniques and asking the same questions you posted here will generate lots of interest, valid questions and comments on 'better ways'. I'm sure your program will be an enjoyable and informative evening for all.
NEVER do something in front of a group that you don't do in your own shop. It takes a real professional BS'er to be able to do that.
Should you ever want to show other things than what you are familiar with, they should always be practiced them in the privacy of your shop. Discovering the details of some new technique is not something you should be doing in public. Since you don't have the time to practice them before the meeting, forget them.
If there were a 2nd Rule, it would be something about getting the audience involved.
Do your short demonstration, and then become the moderator of a group discussion. Make the group become a part of the presentation, and they will leave thinking that this was the best presentation they have seen in a long time.
If you don't want to do that, I would suggest another topic.
>Thanks to all. I called upon the group for someone who had never mounted a bowl. One unsuspecting member raised his hand. I brought him up and walked him through a couple of ways to do it and then let him turn one. We mounted it between drive center and tail stock and he roughed it and cut on a chuck foot, reversed it and hollowed the bowl. We gave it to him and he said he was going to take it home and finish is as his first bowl. Went well. He had all the toys, Nova DVR and chuck and gouges etc, just had never gotten to a bowl. Bet he will now.
