Siouxland Woodworkers – January 21, 2010

The meeting held at Alan Pedersen’s shop and was called to order by Terry at 7:30 p.m. on the 21^st.  As always Alan had treats strategically placed everywhere as well as bags of popcorn.

Alan Pedersen began by showing the group how he has been using chemicals to emboss/engrave an image on many types of various items.  This first demonstration was short as it was necessary to place the object in an acid mix and place under a heat lamp.  As the rest of the meeting progressed, the item would be ready for the actual demonstration.  He advised that 45 minutes is the rough time necessary.

Nominations were held for club officers.  There was a nomination to retain Terry McCarther as our club President.  A second was quickly made and a unanimous decision was heard.  If I recall, I believe Terry’s response was “Gee, thanks”.  Terry then asked for volunteers to sit on a board to share ideas for activities at meetings and social events.  Volunteers were:  Don Dorn, Alan Pedersen, Brad Hopp, Red Dwyer, Brian Wieseler and Marty Calkins.

Marty Calkins announced that during his upcoming trip to Texas, he has the opportunity to bring back some Mesquite wood.  He said it is priced anywhere from about $5.00 a bf – through $15 for wider boards.  He advised that it is beautiful wood for furniture making.  Contact Marty if you are interested.

Mel Wieseler advised that he has acquired a good amount of Maple tongue and groove flooring which can be easily turned into viable wood for projects.  He said he would make anyone a great deal on it so contact Mel if interested.

Dave Attrill made a laminated dish shaped like a heart for Valentine’s day.  It is similar to the Christmas tree he made in December but approached it slightly different.  This one has Aromatic Cedar for base, walnut and what appeared to be oak.   Ron Ericksen must be a good influence because Dave has also began turning and brought some candle stands complete with captured rings and some Christmas ornaments.  Never too early for next year, right Dave?  It was very nice work.

Ray Sturdevant showed two pieces that he brought.  One was a picture frame that he did which had perfect miters with contrasting splines and had Midwest Walnut for veneer that he cut.  He also showed a box he said was essentially the first woodworking project of his son who made it for his mother.   This piece also was veneered but he used French Walnut and it also had contrasting splines.  If this was his first project, he certainly has a future in woodworking.  

Alan Pedersen showed how he made the medialions and other shaped tokens including brass and glass etching.  He has used two processes with one being an acid base and one being more of a chemical base.  He said that the new way is what he prefers because it’s less messy.  He demonstrating the mix and explained the process of how it begins with stickers made by a sign company to the end result of a polished project to be used to identify your work in a creative and flashy way.   Allan has always been somewhat of an “inspector gadget” (should see his GPS system!) and his manner of rotation of the container of acid and the light used was no exception.  Allan, being always generous offered any club member his help and product that is interested in this process to make their own.  To illustrate the process, it was necessary for Allan to bring out a quite a few things and that didn’t escape members.  Thanks for going through the trouble Allan.

Bill Nooney showed the club how he brings plane irons and chisels to a point where they effortlessly slide through receipt paper.  As the pieces floated away, it was obvious the iron he was holding has a razor edge.  He went on to explain his process which includes just two waterstones and a course diamond stone or water stone to establish a bevel.  While time didn’t allow a full demonstration, Bill illustrated how the back must be brought a perfect flat surface and he showed how it would be done.  After establishing a primary bevel, he demonstrated how a secondary bevel is placed.  This allows the iron to be sharpened many times in the future in less than two minutes.  He went on to explain the chip breaker of a plane and how he prepares them to properly fit the blade.  A demonstration of a shaving showed members that they can be thin enough to see through.  Bill has said that he would help any club member that is interested in sharpening.  I can personally attest that he teaches it well and has great patience.  Thanks  Bill.