Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
John Lucas demo in Knoxville
John K Jordan
The ever-popular Sir Lucas did an excellent demo at the Knoxville, TN club. The subject was turned bowls with carved feet and handles. As usual, his presentation was clear, entertaining, and chock full of great turning lessons and tips. Thanks, John!
JKJ
Re: John Lucas demo in Knoxville
john lucas
I had a really good time visiting my friends down there. There was one downside. My long time friend Clay Crowder passed away. Clay was a tremendously nice guy and excellent turner and demonstrator. On the plus side I found out my friend Al Hudson who is 96 is still hanging in there and still doing woodworking. Al is one of the best woodworkers I know of. They said he just finished some chairs fashioned after the Sam Maloof style. I used to photograph for Al and his furniture is spectactular.
It was really nice to see how that group is growing. We had about 35 people and some really great pieces in the Instant gallery. John K gave out Beeswax for people to use as finish. It was hilarious. The sticks looked like slices of cheese so everyone was pretending to eat it. I hate cheese so I thought it would make a better wood finish than food anyway. 
Beeswax
John K Jordan
Yes, the pieces of beeswax looked just like cheese sticks! That was because I was too cheap to give away bigger pieces so I cut bars from my molds in half with the bandsaw.
The funny thing is beeswax is perfectly edible. In fact, like honey it is known to be beneficial, although with much milder effects. Some reported benefits are:
- mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- lowering cholesterol
- help protect the stomach from ulcers
- non-allergenic properties
Just be careful about one thing: Pure beeswax is straight from the honeycomb is yellow. White beeswax is bleached to make it white, usually with chemicals that may remain in the wax.
I love the soft sheen of beeswax on turnings, especially on eastern red cedar. One guy wanted some to mix up a paste finish like Raffan uses. Most people buy it to make lip balm, soaps, and cosmetics.
I processed over 10 lbs of wax I've been saving: melt, filter, repeat, repeat, pour into molds. With the 26 gallons of honey this year I might actually break even!
JKJ
Re: John Lucas demo in Knoxville
Lyle Jamieson
Sorry to hear about Clay. I had him in a class many years ago and we touched base now and then.
