Article: David Ellsworth TLC Class June 2012
July 25, 2012 16:18, submitted by Tina Collison (author: Chris Christos, photos by Christos and Melissa Gunther)
David Ellsworth TLC Class
June 15 2012: Ox Creek Community Center
What a great opportunity to learn from the best of the best in woodturning. The workshop was Friday, June 15. Our instructor was David Ellsworth. More important it was like having an old friend mentor you for the day. If you ever have an opportunity to attend an event in which David Ellsworth is giving a class or demonstration it is well worth your time to attend.
We started the day with a demonstration on making an open bowl with a natural edge. David makes it look easy as well as understandable regarding the proper methods. Highlights of the Open bowl with a Natural Edge: Lock the Tailstock down tight. Tip: You can use a short length of pipe approximately 10 to 12 inches in length. Inside diameter slightly larger than your Tailstock handle. You can enhance with a pipe cap on one end. Note: The item is held between the Prongs (Longspur for green wood/shallow for dry woods)
Place the edge of your tool at the center of the work piece, not below.
The first cut a roughing cut, get rid of the wood that is a danger to you. Nibble away.
You are not designing the bowl at this early stage. Once you have the basic shape and make a tenon you can place in a chuck.
Special note in making vases, do not use a chuck use a faceplate. Recommend using a six-inch faceplate.
Regarding design: Develop the form not the design. When the item is complete is when David indicates he has the design.
Regarding the question of” going uphill or downhill.” David replied, “It depends if you are right handed or left handed.”
Line up your tool rest, feed slowly and discover where the wings tip is.
Recommendation; Keep you feet spread apart and unlock your knees.
Recommendation: Do not drill, this causes heat and may create cracks in your work.
We all form habits, some good some bad. Attempt to establish a flow and rhythm and once you have it stick with it.
Recommendation: Watch the outside edge of the bowl, not where the tip of your tool and the wood.
Caution: “Relax” When nervous “Nasty Things Happen”!
Recommendation: “Don’t limit your experience”!
“Minimize the amount of equipment, but become really efficient with what you have available."
Caution: Safety "Do not use double sided carpet tape on a faceplate, it can come unstuck”
We also had several “Mini demonstrations” which included: Tool sharpening, Sphere making, Hollowing, Jam chuck use and making.
Interview:
After the workshop ended, I had an opportunity to conduct a short interview with David. Here are a few of the highlights that he shared:
“A teacher must remain a good student” and “must be accessible to the student."
“Be receptive to change.”
“There is more than one way to make a bowl.”
“When encountering a difficult situation, return to the foundations of the basics.”
Author: Chris G. Christos
David Ellsworth, Steve Hunter, Steve Miller, John Benton, John Stroud
Norm Lantz, George Sims, Mike Heiser, Kevin McLaughlin, Sid Guy, David Ellsworth.
David Ellsworth, Bob Luciene, Steve Hunter, Steve Miller, John Stroud.
