We meet on 3d Wednesday of every month in Los Altos, CA. Guests are always welcome.

Next Meeting

November 20, 2024, 7-9 PM at Bridges Church, 625 Magdalena Ave, Los Altos 94024.

Program

So you wanted a handle on that bowl? Demo by Tom Gaston.

Tom Gaston's Salt Cellar with a turned spoon inside. The lid is lying nearby.

President’s challenge:

November: Egg shape, any tool!

Inspired by Eric Lofstrom‘s October demonstration where he showed turning eggs by practicing the skew-chisel skills.

Two turned egg shapes that show a difference between surfaces: one egg is sanded, the other one is turned with a skew chisel.

For more details email us info@westbaywoodturners.com


Recent Newsletters

  • September Program: pen turning presentation by Jerry Galli. President’s challenge: not a bowl.

    Woodturners Newsletter, October 2024
  • August Picnic: show & tell woodturning projects and a note about Randy Pi’s collection of unique woodturning creations.

    Woodturners Newsletter, September 2024
  • July Program: discussion about homemade jigs and tools. President’s challenge: use holes as a way of embellishment.

    Woodturners Newsletter, August 2024

Review all newsletters.


  • Hands-on Open Shop – My Take

    23 October 2023 – Thanks to Claude Godcharles for making the Palo Alto Adult School wood shop available for the hands-on follow up to David Vannier’s “Grind, Grind, Grind” presentation at the October 2023 meeting, and to those who helped stage, mentor, demonstrate, explain, and clean up. About 15 to 20 people attended and participated…

  • Drying Wood

    Drying Wood

    Drying wood is a crucial step in woodturning, with techniques varying widely. Common methods include boiling, bagging, and sealing, each offering distinct advantages in reducing cracking and speeding up the drying process. Turners often choose based on wood type, available tools, and personal preference. Understanding these methods helps produce stable, beautiful wooden pieces

  • Food Safe Finishes

    Food Safe Finishes

    Food-safe finishes are essential for woodturning and woodworking projects that come into contact with food or drink. When selecting a finish, consider if it forms a surface film or penetrates the wood, whether it uses drying or non-drying oils, and other key factors to ensure safety and durability.