 II’m 47 and have
lived in the central Ohio area my whole life. I currently live near a
small town called Plain City just 20 miles west of Columbus, with my
wife Kelli and two teenage daughters Lindi and Ashley.
As far as jobs, I have worked in the automotive industry for the last
30 years as a machinist, moldmaker and Manufacturing Engineer.
Sense I was a kid I have always had a strong interest in making things.
I grew up next to cabinet shop, so I always had plenty of free wood to
make things. I got a lot of ideas for projects from all of dad’s
handyman books.
I started woodturning about 20 years ago by turning small items like
pens and key chains. The lathe I started out on was a small metal lathe
that I had to rebuild from pieces a friend had given me. Several lathes
later and I turned my first bowl from maple burl. Even with a screw
hole in the bottom, it is still one of my favorites. After that first
bowl I really didn’t do much turning due to the demands of family and
work. In 2003 a friend wanted me to turn some end tables in the shape
of chess pieces for his wife. Problem was I didn’t have a lathe large
enough to turn them. Luckily I had a friend who had a lathe that could
handle the job. After turning them with his help, I haven’t put down my
tools sense!
Until then I was unaware of all the different forms of turning. I
joined the local turning club and was amazed at all the different
things that could be turned. With a Delta midi I wanted to turn larger
items. So, I converted a large metal lathe I had for woodturning. I
started picking up architectural work for extra income and soon found
out it wasn’t quite adequate for the job, so I purchased the lathe I
have today which is a 4224 Powermatic with an extension bed that can
handle a 9 ft long piece. My shop is 24’ X 40’ and ½ is for metal
machining and the other ½ for wood.
To me woodturning is the most satisfying part of woodworking. I guess
because I
feel I have more freedom and I’m not held to any blue print with tight
tolerances. Plus, it has more advantages over flatwork. You can use
green wood, it’s free, if you screw up like me you can make a
quick adjustment or burn it!
I sell a few pieces occasionally, but give most away to friends and
family. Last year I had a piece chosen “April Showers” by the Ohio
Designer Craftsmen for “Best of 2008” Of the more than 300 artists, 105
pieces were chosen by 82 artists. Until now I haven’t done any shows
nor have I had any pieces in galleries. My hope and goal is to someday
be able to do both.
Like others I
stumbled across WR in 2006. I am very thankful for the
help and support this site has offered to me and find it a great
recourse for learning the art of turning.
Thanks,
Mark Damron |
