Woodturning a Platter

A suitable diameter for wooden platters generally is about 12-13 inches i.e. ~300 mm; but why choose 19 mm wood? This is the thinnest dressed wood that is practical, and readily available, for platter turning. Often this thickness is available in 300 mm (or greater) widths meaning that a 300 mm blank etc can be […]

Selecting and Drying Turning Woods

By Greg Croker Regarding the selection of wood for turning there is mostly no choice as the tree to be felled is selected for a non-turning requirement or has blown over during a storm etc. Which are the better species of trees to select? In our area eucalyptus trees are predominant with the acacias next? […]

A Job Well Done

By Ludmila Hayes Just finished restoring an old English table with a leather top. It took a long time and was a bit of an effort to fix it, but it looks so beautiful and elegant – I am so pleased with it. Now it’s my favourite piece of furniture in the house! Just to […]

Jane’s Lifetime Love of Working with Wood

Developing a Style in Wood Turning by Simon Begg

I have been turning for ten years’ now and, in that time, I have tried many different designs and styles. Some I love and have spent countless hours developing then there are others that remain hidden away on a bookshelf at my parents’ place. Of the first two designs that I ever had accepted into […]

Wesley Mission Toy Handover

For many years, we have an organised Toy Group that produces hundreds of items solely to donate to our two charities, Wesley Mission and the Salvation Army. As usual, Wesley contacted us in advance to arrange the pick-up. They are always very appreciative of the range and number of items displayed on and around our […]

Woodturning with Brendan Venner

Recently Brendon Venner demonstrated techniques he applies in his woodturning ‘life.’ Brendon showed a complex musk burl bowl about 180 mm in diameter with protruding ‘legs and flanges’ accomplished using AutoCad Computer Design to draw his proposal and then develop an initial design, while on thecomputer, to give the best design possible as well as […]

Visit By The Mayor Of Yeongdong County, South Korea

We received a message a few weeks ago that the Mayor, Sae Bok Park and other members of the Yeongdong city council wanted to visit an Australian Men’s shed to see how it works. To suit them, the visit was set for 3.00pm on 6 April. Eight people arrived, right on time, including a photographer. […]

From Israel to Hornsby Men’s Shed

What’s the best wood screw to use on your next project?

Choosing the right wood screw used to be simple, but technological developments in construction and wood products manufacturing have spawned an extensive range of new screws in recent decades. There are so many choices, it’ll positively make your head spin! Sandor Nagyszalanczy of the Woodworkers Journal offers a brief overview of the history, features and […]