7 Sep 2014

Sometimes an ordinary day turns out to be a little special, a little crowded even.

I noticed that in the booklet that they distribute Aldi stores are selling a wood lathe at GBP 89.99. Now it just so happens that I have been dreaming of doing some wood turning ever since I saw a film of an Indian fellah in Calcutta turning wooden trinkets for tourists. What was special was that he had a tiny and crude lathe that he worked with a bow; zig-zaging back and forth with his left hand to revolve the block of wood, and holding the cutting chisel with his right hand then steadying it all with his right foot. His method and skill were a joy to watch. Need less to say, I went to Aldi this morning and bought a lathe. There was a notice that said they were limited stock and after I got mine there were only 7 left. My lathe has an electric motor of course, I don’t need a bow.

When I got home I set it up on my workbench but without the extended bed fitted as that is only needed for long items like stair rods. After a search I located a batten of wood and sawed off a ten inch length then assembled it between the lathe centres. The tailstock centre is a live one, that’s to say it revolves with the workpiece so doesn’t get hot from rubbing the centre point. Supplied with the lathe are three cutting tools that looks to all the world like chisels. I got the gouger and set to and had an interesting time cutting away and practising how to best shape the wood.
I was quite pleased with the first attempt but couldn’t do any more as we had an invite to a barbecue at my son’s house as four family member’s have had a birthday in the past two weeks. (this is always a trying time of year for me), so I then had to pack it away.

The sun shone and we all had a good afternoon with a beer and burger and laughing with the children. Lauren demonstrated her ‘Alice in Wonderland’ abilities by squeezing into a small house.

As we sat about we heard two aircraft overhead that sounded odd. When we looked up we saw that it was a Spitfire and a Hurricane flying together. Sadly, there was no sign of the Lancaster Bomber the usually make up the display. On going out into the street for a better view we saw a few neighbours also out looking. A rare free treat for us all.

All in all it’s been a day to remember with fond memories.