A quick catch up to my Kennet Valley pals prior to next Tuesday.
Firstly welcome to a few new members who are receiving this email for the first time, it is not my normal email – just a quickie before the AGM, normal service will resume forthwith.
I have had a busy day today, it was quite cathartic, but also something that made me think about what I have in my own workshop.
Let me explain. In a recent email to woodturning club members I mentioned Linda – the lady who lost her husband (Mike) unexpectedly, and subsequently his workshop was left as it was when he last used it.
As you know we are looking for a way to assist Linda to sell what he had in his workshop.
Today I spent about 6 hours in the workshop trying to clear up and find out what is actually there. I felt it important to try to both present the items for sale better – but also to try to make sure all of the items were grouped together properly.
There were/are chuck jaws all over the workshop, pen blanks in every corner, air brushing items spread out and so on. Also, there are so many painting and texturing items that it is hard to get them all in one place.
This workshop is clearly a place that was enjoyed – but I could not help feel that it was enjoyed by someone with a life that was incomplete.
I am not privy to the details – but I do know that Mike’s life ended not only prematurely – but quickly. He left behind a legacy of beautiful wall hangings which were both turned and painted in this workshop.
There was more wood there than you could shake a stick at, more than I can imagine someone should ever have. Clearly a lot of turning was planned, using these items, which will not now be made by Mike.
That got me thinking – I wondered how much of the wood I have been hoarding in my own garage will ever be used – how much of it will be left untouched when I finally go to that workshop in the sky? I decided that I need to pull my finger out and make use of the wood, and to enjoy the tools I have bought so that whoever gets them after my demise will be getting well-worn tools. That is easier said than done of course because we all lead busy lives.
Let me give you an example – the opening to this missive was typed last Wednesday 30th Jan, this paragraph and the remainder of the mail is being typed on Thursday 7th Feb. Between those two dates I have done no turning at all.
Today I am went back to try to finish clearing, cleaning and cataloguing the items – it is a long job. I also need more photographs of the extra items I have found. An example – I have found gold leaf and the accoutrements for applying it. I have found three – count them – three Proxon machines.
Today I found he had a new vacuum chuck.
I bought a vacuum check in October – I haven’t used it yet!!
Anyhow – the message is short and simple – I am going to get into the garage, try to turn the wood I have – wear out the chisels I own, eventually listen to the rattle of a well used lathe, and spend more time in the workshop enjoying the hobby I looked forward to undertaking in my retirement.
See you all at the AGM next Tuesday – I will show new photographs and also hopefully list out the items for sale.
Phil Boulter
Vice Chairman
Kennet Valley Woodturners
M:07836 274345
H: 01635 826009
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