Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/2/05, 2:26 AM #1

Jennifer@Indy.USA
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Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Keith was in Indy this weekend for a two day demo and I got to catch today's part of it. I just wanted to say what a great day it was. Keith is a top notch demonstrator and has a way of inspiring just about anybody. I know I just wanted to go home after it was over and make something beautiful! Sadly I headed straight to work. Keith didn't tote any fancy Hi-Tec tools with him; instead he brought a modest collection of gouges, skews and a well thought out, home made wall thickness measuring device. He showed us that you can make beautiful things with minimal tools. He did a great job at advising us to think ahead of what are doing when create something. To hold a vision of what we want the end result to be and try to bring it to fruition. We had some great discussion about design and photography and even heard a great story about Keith's Pine Car Derby creations that would probably leave a few Boy Scouts in tears if they had to race against him! Disqualified I say! : )

It was a real treat to meet Keith and see his expertise in action. I am so glad I got to go.

Thanks Keith! Fantastic job!

Jennifer

PS: I have pics that I'll post tomorrow after I get some sleep. I'm a walking zombie after this weekend of fun and work...and I still have 5 hours to go :(

ugh.

- - -

Hello Everybody! I figure I've been hanging around WoodCentral for a few years now so I might as well officially post a Bio. I'm Jennifer and I reside in the heart of the Midwest in Indianapolis. You'll usually find me hanging out on the turning side of WoodCentral, but I check the Main forum too. I started woodworking about 25 years ago mostly interested in flatwork; small furniture and other items to use around the home. Then I discovered the lathe and became obsessed with it. I've been turning for about 23 years now. My love and excitement for turning has taken me into the world of teaching and frequent demonstrating. Lots of experimenting with textures, color, burning over the past several years. I've recently begun dabbling in metal clay work and have started incorporating it in to my turnings too. It's another toolbox full of toys! When I'm not turning, I'm hanging out with the love of my life and most honest critic, my husband Clay. In order to keep the lathe spinning and the lights on I spend the other part of my day at an ABC television station directing the evening newscasts.

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/2/05, 3:09 AM #2

Jim Shaver Oakville, Ont.
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Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

Jim Shaver Oakville, Ont.

>Hi Jennifer,

Between the Indy Fest, and the demonstration today I think that you must have had an amazing weekend.

I am looking forward to seeing your images.

I had no doubt that Keith would put on a great show.

One day....One day, eh!

take care,

Jim

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/2/05, 10:53 AM #3

Terry Quiram, Roanoke Illinois
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Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

Terry Quiram, Roanoke Illinois

>I got the chance to visit with Keith and watch him turn at Ray's Indyfest. I would like to have seen Keith's demo.

Terry

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/2/05, 5:42 PM #4

Mike Hamilton
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Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

mike hamilton

>I was able to attend Keith's demo this weekend also. I got to take in both days and found it very enjoyable. Design discussions were the common thread but there was no feeling of redundancy from being there both days. Lots of neat bits of inspiration (that is the point of demos isn't it?) and more than a couple chances to make fun of Al Crandall and Duane Leach.

Regards,

Mike Hamilton

Plainfield, IN

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/2/05, 6:23 PM #5

keith zimmerman, Normal, IL
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Me too...

keith zimmerman, Normal, IL

>I was also fortunate enough to have been able to meet and spend some time talking with Keith at IndyFest. He was gracious enough show us a hollowing techique with a spindle gouge. I tried it myself on Saturday with success.

keithz

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/3/05, 1:28 AM #6

Keith Tompkins
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Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

Keith Tompkins

>Thanks Jennifer. It was great to meet all of you too! What a great group of people. I hope I was able to inspire people in some small way. I know I arrived home very excited to have spent some time in Indy....I wish I could have spent some more time at Ray's.

I learned some things too....there are sure a lot of talented folks out there! Duane Leach presented me with one of his bowls as a surprise gift....it's as nice a turned bowl as I have seen. I will post a photo of it when I recover!

You need to figure a way to clone Al Crandall so we can all benefit from his machinist knowledge and his wit.

I sure was made to feel welcome. Thanks, Keith

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/3/05, 1:36 AM #7

Keith Tompkins
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Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

Keith Tompkins

>Hi Terry, I wish I had more time! It was great to meet you,Keith Z., Mike, Ray and several others. I hope I can get back.

Re: Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

5/3/05, 4:56 AM #8

Ray Thompson - Middletown,IN
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The world is not ready

Ray Thompson - Middletown,IN

>for a clone of Al. ;-) He will just have to work harder on his tools.

Ray

Keith Tompkins Demo in Indy

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