Woodturning – We Need Inductors and Techs

Discussion
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Hi everyone,

Woodturning inductions are back and it’s fantastic to see interest. To keep things running smoothly and make the most of this amazing tool, we need more members to help out.

:person_raising_hand: We’re Looking For:

Inductors

To teach others how to use the lathe, prepare turning blanks and support learning.
Being an inductor doesn’t mean being an expert but it does require:

  • Some experience using the lathe
  • A bit of organisation
  • A self-starting attitude and intrinsic motivation to help others learn and enjoy turning

If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you as an inductor. Active inductors: @Giles and @Destom

Techs

To care for the lathe area and support the whole woodturning system.
Tech responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining tools and equipment
  • Organising the workspace
  • Supporting inductors
  • Improving the online woodturning documentation so members and inductors alike can access clear guidance anytime

What We’re Aiming For

Inductions

We want to run regular monthly inductions so more members can turn safely and confidently.

We currently offer:

  • L1 Induction – Spindle turning with carbide tools
  • Sharpening – Getting tools razor sharp using the Tormek
  • L2 Induction – Bowl and faceplate turning (requires L1 + sharpening)

Lathe Area Improvement

We’re improving the lathe space to make it more welcoming and functional. This includes:

  • Keeping tools in good condition and order
  • Tidying and organising the area
  • Planning for a new lathe — we’ve had 4 members contribute already and will be launching a pledge drive soon

Providing Wood Blanks

We want to offer green wood turning blanks for members to use. These can often be sourced from forestry, landscaping or sawmills . We need help identifying suppliers, collecting logs and preparing turning blanks.

Sharing Knowledge

We want to build better woodturning knowledge. That means:

  • Publishing more woodturning resources on Discourse
  • Making it easier for new volunteers and inductors to get started

Want to Help?

Whether you’d like to teach, maintain the tools, improve the space, help document or just get involved; please DM me (@dario). I’d love to chat and help you find the right way to contribute.

— Dario

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Hi Dario,

I’m a brand new member to Makerspace. I’m an artist and woodturner based out of Wimbledon Art Studios. I’m not in need to use the lathe at Makerspace as I have already have a professional one in my studio. I may be able to help out getting some green blanks though. I pick my vase blanks up from a local tree surgeon but tend to leave the small ones behind. I can maybe grab a few for the shop next time.

Thanks,

Julian

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Thanks @J.Emsley This is good. You can leave the blanks near the lathe and I’ll sort them out. I’m now curious to see the bowls and vases that you make.

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I’ve only been turning as an art form over the last year so I would not say I’m an expert. I purchased an Axminster AP508WL end of last year in order to start making a lot bigger projects. If you would like to see some of my work please feel free to visit my website https://www.julianemsley.com/vessels#0

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