Our previous opportunity to observe Jean-Francois was one year ago. He returned today to again demonstrate his multi-axis turning technique that portrays his world renowned talent. He is a native of Southern France. He began spindle turning with his father. This progressed to hollow turnings and then his present multi-axis technique which he has perfected to the ultimate. For most of us it would appear that what he turns is nearly impossible - however, he his work appears effortless and nearly routine. He has taught around the world and his pieces are found in the finest collections. He has developed numerous tools including the Escoulen Chuck, face plate, and the spindle turning Bedan. During the past month he has taught two weekly sessions at Arrowmont.

Jean-Francois' demonstration began with a wonderful slide show covering about fifteen years of his work. He showed his spindle work, small boxes and then his multi-axis work with magnificent details. His work cannot be placed into any one category: it is old, present and futuristic. It is serious but, at times, borders on humorous.

Following the slide show Jean-Francois showed the use of the Bedan in spindle turning. He uses the corners of the tool - either the left or right at any one time. He turns quite rapidly and the tool rest is centered above the midline of the work piece. The tool is used with the bevel up and the flat surface as the bevel.

He next turned a very delicate piece using the 5mm Bedan. One end was turned as a number 2 Morse taper. A live center was used in the tail-stock. A very small finial was turned with the tail-stock removed and only the Morse taper used. The piece was supported with the right hand to control vibration and the tool used with the left hand.

Next a large 24 inch piece was turned. This was a laminated piece and was turned into a table leg. The large Bedan was used to define details of the piece. When using the Bedan nearly all shavings are directed back toward the turner. A large roughing gouge was then used to round the piece. The width of the various turned areas is defined by the size of the Bedan used. It was of interest to note that Jean-Francois covers the Bedan with his hand to prevent shavings from hitting his face. By using the Bedan he creates a surface that requires very little final finishing. He turns a full size table leg in about ten minutes. A full length tool rest is used to save time moving it.

Third, an off-center, multi-axis turning was done. Opposite end corners were placed in tail and head stocks. Jean-Francois began turning in the center of the piece using the Bedan. There was little vibration of the piece because both ends were of the same weight. The axis was then changed to the center of each end and a second cut made on the right side. The third and final cut was made with the axis opposite from the first. The cut was again made to the right side of the piece. A flat live center is better than a pointed one to avoid splitting the piece, especially when the axes are at the edges of the piece.

Fourth, a somewhat larger piece was used. The axis was between opposite corners and the "V" cut made. The axis was then changed six more times along a diagonal to achieve the final form. Jean-Francois prefers to use one or two diagonals for axis selection to achieve the most pleasing forms. He stressed that finishing the cuts as smooth as possible was essential because hand sanding the "V" grooves was difficult and time consuming. This was done with the shallow gouge and then completed with the Bedan. This completed the morning demonstration.

Afternoon Demonstration: this began with multi-axis candlestick turning. A large piece was used which made it more difficult due to the distance from the wood when turning. A V-cut was made in the center and a bead formed with V's on either side. These were finished with the Bedan. Opposite corners were then chosen and a second V-cut made to the right of the bead and a third to the left of the bead. Up to this point two axes were used. The top of the piece was completed using the gouge. A band saw would have saved time cutting away the large areas. A third axis was then chosen near the second one in order to turn the base. After sanding, Jean-Francois applies Danish oil and finishes with buffing.

The second and major portion of the afternoon demo was devoted to turning a box using the Escoulen Chuck. The piece was rounded using the large roughing gouge. The Bedan was then used to form the bottom of the box and the lid. A taper was turned on the left end to fit into the 40mm Escoulen Chuck. The design of the chuck and its use was discussed. [The Escoulen Chuck is quite unique. It attaches to the head stock as does any other chuck. Similarities, however, end at this point. The chuck can accept several ball shaped inserts of various sizes. These accept the taper turned on the work piece. Once the taper is inserted into the chuck various angles can be achieved for the multi-axis turning without changing centers. In addition to the inserts a faceplate has been developed that also fits into the chuck and can be adjusted to various angles.] The piece was fixed in the chuck and the lid and bottom separated with a saw. The base of the box was hollowed using a ball end mill two flute 3/8 inch. Then a Sorby scraper was used to smooth the interior. The entire base was sanded and the interior was coated with shellac using a paper towel. Cloth should not be used to avoid finger damage. Once finishing was completed a new axis of 10 degrees was set on the Escoulen Chuck. It was stressed that the cove and the solid base must be lined up to give the effect of a pleasing, sweeping curve.

He returned to initial axis was so that the base could be formed. This was about 6 degrees. The base was then separated. This gave a slight angle to the base - about 4 degrees. The top of the box was then turned. A tenon was turned and the top completed with the base attached. The base was then removed and the lid hollowed, scraped and sanded. A ball was then turned on the top of the lid. This was achieved by turning a tenon to fit the lid. The axis was then changed 4 degrees and the ball turned off-center to create a depression in the ball to accept a long 1mm finial which Jean-Francois turned. Several off-sets were turned at 2 degree changes to create the top of the finial. This was inserted into the pre-drilled hole in the ball and the piece completed.

All I can add to this demo is that what Jean-Francois Escoulen does is truly remarkable. As John Hill stated, "He is the world's foremost multi-axis turner." This demo was very detailed and trying to describe it somewhat difficult. The video tape of the demo will be available at the August meeting.

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