NEOWTA is hosting Kirk DeHeer for a woodturning demonstration and hands-on classes. The demonstration is Saturday, July 20, 20204. Classes are July 21, 22, and 23. Both the demonstration and classes are scheduled 8:30 am – 3:30 pm each day at the NEOWTA clubhouse located at 10117 E 50th St, Tulsa, OK.
About Kirk: In addition to being a popular instructor at the Dale L. Nish School of Woodturning at Craft Supplies USA (where he also teaches a Signature Class), Kirk has both demonstrated and assisted in multiple venues. Known for his clear explanations and sense of humor, Kirk has demonstrated at The Woodturners Worldwide Online Symposium, The Rocky Mountain Woodturning Symposium, The Utah Symposium, and numerous woodturning clubs around the country. Kirk has also taught at the John C. Campbell Folk School and appeared at many trade shows. He emphasizes fundamentals, sharpening, and tool techniques that give students a firm foundation on which to build their skills.
Demonstration Topics
- Tool techniques for turning a calabash bowl
- This demo shows the tools and techniques used to turn a green wood round bottom bowl. This demo has a lot of tool techniques and tips and tricks that will help every turner regardless of skill level. This demo will show the tool techniques Kirk uses to cut the wood in a way that is pleasing to the wood. This also shows the efficiency of the lathe.
Topics covered include calabash bowl design, cuts used to rough and refine the shape, cuts used on an undercut shape, removing all evidence of how the bowl was mounted on a lathe.
- This demo shows the tools and techniques used to turn a green wood round bottom bowl. This demo has a lot of tool techniques and tips and tricks that will help every turner regardless of skill level. This demo will show the tool techniques Kirk uses to cut the wood in a way that is pleasing to the wood. This also shows the efficiency of the lathe.
- Tornado salt or pepper shaker
- This is a kit-less spindle project that can be very simple or complex depending on the outside shape and how the inside is hollowed.
- Demystifying Hand thread chasing
- Kirk discusses the tools and materials needed for hand thread chasing along with an easy to follow explanation of how to hand chase threads and create an heirloom threaded box.
- Techniques covered include mounting the blank, thread chasing tools, thread chasing speed, woods suitable for thread chasing, hollowing end grain, grain matching
- Additional topics may be covered (time permitting)
Class Information
- Classes are suitable for all skill levels. Turners will be guided to start a project appropriate to their skill level and increase with each subsequent project. For example, a turner that is not comfortable with initially exploring the techniques used for creating a calabash bowl might be encouraged to create a slightly more basic bowl initially and then move into the calabash form.
- Planned class topics will be calabash bowl forms and lidded boxes (subject to modification). Multiple day enrollees will build their skills with increasingly more complex versions of class projects.
- Eye protection is mandatory during the hands-on classes (no exceptions). This means safety glasses with side shields (student supplied) at minimum. Face shield in combination with safety glasses is highly recommended. Face shields are available for use, but turners are also encouraged to bring their personal face shields. Failure to comply with the mandatory eye protection requirement will result in dismissal from the class (no refunds).
- Enrollees may be required to pay a modest fee for materials to cover those costs (amount TBD).
- The classroom workstations at NEOWTA are fully equipped with full size Jet and Powermatic lathes along with basic tools and chucks. Students are encouraged to bring their own cutting tools. Grinders equipped with CBN wheels are available for sharpening either freehand or with Wolverine sharpening system. The club’s vari-grind jigs are not angle adjustable so students must bring their own to accommodate their specific gouge grind needs. Club tools must be sharpened by or under the supervision of an approved club member.
- Dust masks are highly recommended.
Demonstration: Saturday, July 20, 2024 • 8:30am – 3:30pm
Cost: $35 for NEOWTA club members, $50 for non-members (Lunch is included)
Classes: July 21st, 22nd, 23rd • 8:30am – 3:30pm
Cost: $110 per enrolled day for NEOWTA club members, $150 per day for non-members (Lunch is not included on class days…sorry). There are numerous fast food options nearby or you may bring your lunch. Refrigerator is available for your use. Single day enrollments are permitted. Multiple day enrollments are encouraged to get full benefit of Kirk’s guidance and experience. Classes are limited to 9 enrollees each day.
Membership: NEOWTA Club membership cost is $60 per year. This option might save you some money. The club’s general meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except December). General meetings are live streamed via Zoom for club members. More club information can be found here
Class Registration: Contact Dwayne Watt at (918) 914-9430 to register for classes or for more information. Further inquiries can also be made via email at neowta.events@gmail.com
Payment must be made in advance for classes (no refunds). Credit card payment can be taken over the phone.
Payment for the demonstration can be paid in advance over the phone via credit card, at a club general meeting (May 21, June 18, July 16), or at the door on July 20 (PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE arrive early if paying for demonstration at the door!).
Doors open no later than 8:00 AM each day. In NEOWTA woodturner time, that means closer to 7:30 AM!!