President’s Turn 26-02: Moving to new website and applications

NMWT Members,

The February club meeting will feature Rex Funk who will demonstrate several post-turning embellishment techniques. And at JCH the following Saturday, Rex will lead a turning session focusing on turning finials.

January 2026 offered another successful turning event at JCH, this time Scott Kershaw led a demonstration and tutoring of the process of turning apples (also applicable to other similar fruits). Attendance was once again just under 20, but to be honest, I did not really see much of what was going on as there were half a dozen or so people who came for sharpening instruction which kept me with my back to what Scott was doing.

We gave the new grinder a real workout (thank you Charles Lial), running it constantly for the first few hours. It was way too hot to touch by the time we noticed and gave it some time to cool down. I don’t know if the last couple of turning events have addressed the backlog of members needing sharpening assistance, but if not, we will bring additional sharpening rigs to the February 14th event in order to address the current need for instruction. Of course, a single demonstration or sharpening session will not be sufficient on its own, so sharpening will continue to be addressed at future events for those needing refreshers.

I want to encourage all members to check out the new website. We are beginning the process of moving various functions to the new NMWoodTurners.com website and will start to utilize the corresponding Google Workspace applications replacing the separately billed alternative previously used (Constant Contact, Zoom, etc.). Please take note that the membership renewal process is now active on the new website. The old website is planned to be decommissioned mid-February. Your feedback is requested and needed in order to produce the best possible website.

Thank you and see you at the Feb. 7th meeting,

Mark