Any woodturners around Smoky Mountains?

Re: Any woodturners around Smoky Mountains?

John K Jordan

>>>I'll be taking my family camping next week in Pigeon Forge. Are there any woodturners around the Smoky Mountains who'd like to trade wood or talk shop?

Shoot, I wrote a reply to this yesterday but got distracted and forgot to send it.

Karl,

There are at least several turners in the area, in Seymoure up the road, in Wears Valley toward the mountains, and close to Gatlinburg based on some I know in our club, Smoky Mountain Woodturners (http://www.smwts.org/). Probably others I don't know about - the club is pretty active but I don't know where everyone lives.

Most people like shop visitors but I don't know if any are interested in trading wood - it might depend on what you have and what you want! If you send me your email address I can ask the guy who does our newsletter if he could send out a group email query.

I always love shop and farm visitors but I don't live that close to Pigeon Forge (a bit north of Knoxville), probably just over an hour drive if there is traffic. Most of the wood I have (besides my exotics stash!) is in relatively small spindle turning blanks from local woods, both dry and drying. I do have some big logs on the ground and a chainsaw but they are probably not much different than what you have access to. Also, the county road service just cut down about 30 trees on the right of way just down the hill. But I suspect you are not bringing the family in an empty pickup truck!

The wood dealer Jefferies Wood Works is right up the road from Pigeon Forge: (865) 573-5876, https://www.facebook.com/Jeffries-Wood-Works-446121655478402/ They have a huge stock of domestic and exotic woods with both lumber and turning blanks. But be sure to bring your American Express card with a big credit limit. I seldom get out of there spending less than $500. I try not go there much...

You just missed the Knoxville woodturning club meeting (Tuesday) but if you are interested in a road trip the Crossville club meets next Wednesday. Several of us drive over from the Knoxville area. It's probably 2+ hrs from Pigeon Forge with the traffic. The demo this month might not be interesting to you but you could meet the turners, see the pieces people bring in. John Lucas is almost always there - that alone should make the drive worth it!

JKJ

forgot to mention...

John K Jordan

I forgot to mention I have a decent sized Sassafras down that I've cut a bunch of turning blocks and squares from. What's left is over 12" diameter. If you can use some of that I can cut some up into squares or blocks - no trade needed! And a guy called me yesterday saying he as a good sized walnut down - I'll look at it in a few days.

JKJ

Re: Any woodturners around Smoky Mountains?

Barry Irby

Karl, Arrowmont school is not far from Pigeon Forge. About ten miles. Might check out what they have going on. And there is a Gallery out there somewhere. Maybe somebody can give you the name and a better description.

Re: Any woodturners around Smoky Mountains?

Karl_TN

Thanks for the info. I'll check into the those links before leaving.

Mostly have oak, black cherry, pear, soft/hard maple, sycamore, sweet gum, red bud and black walnut sitting on the ground waiting to be processed or turned into smoking wood when I get back. Probably similar woods are found in East TN so it may not be worth the trouble hauling any wood with me.

By the way, do you know how to send a private msg to another WC members directly so personal info like emails & phone #'s can be sent?

private messages

John K Jordan

>>>By the way, do you know how to send a private msg to another WC members directly so personal info like emails & phone #'s can be sent?

Registered users should have their email address next to their name on a posted message. I don't remember if that is an option set somewhere. I think you can decide at the time you post or edit.

JKJ

Re: Any woodturners around Smoky Mountains? *LINK*

Clifton C

Jefferies and Arrowmont, I couldn't imagine being that close and not stopping in for a visit...Rudolph Lopez has a class, and Dixie Biggs and Steve Loar will also be teaching next week...A great place to visit.


Arrowmont workshops and classes