Beautiful Wood

Norm Evans is a man of many talents and he has worked around the church in various capacities over the years. As many will be aware, he loves working with wood and he has turned out a number of the wooden items used in the church. We asked him to tell us a bit about his hobby.

 During my life I’ve made use of most things wood, metal and plastic, using a plane, saw, drill and both hand and electric tools. But about 30 years ago I was intrigued by what could be done with the turning of wood using a lathe, and how it could bring out the beauty of the timber, for there is beauty in most woods.

 I suppose wood has been used as the oldest form of heating since primitive man was first on the planet. Fire, possibly caused by lightning, provided man’s first fire and so, in early days, when he moved he carried his fire with him, possibly in an earthen vessel. Fire was so valuable it was consigned to the Chief Priest to protect.

The world was covered with dense forests and man has used it in large quantities for all sorts of building materials and products for the home and businesses.

 What is needed to turn wood? Firstly, a lathe. When I looked for one I found plenty in the shops, but to get one the size I wanted was too expensive, so I decided to make my own. The lathe I wanted had to be strong (therefore it would be heavy) and at least 6 feet long, as I wanted to make things like walking sticks and large round pieces. You can tell my age by the use of the old measurements!

 I obtained some steel, cut it to size, welded it to the shape I required, drilled holes in it to take the lathe head (the part that holds the timber being turned), and mounted a large electric motor to turn the wood.

 Turning tools were also needed. These come in various shapes and there are hundreds of types with both straight and curved ends. They need to be very sharp and I acquired an electric grinder and a fine emery stone to keep them sharp. Over the years I had about 20 different turning tools. Leather gloves, a mask and goggles are essential safety wear. I also used a metal compass to make or mark circles, and, of course, marking pencils. Other equipment included a powered sander, lots of sand paper, glue and polish.

 Having set myself up, I then needed wood. Any wood will do, but it must be dry. If it’s wet or even damp, it usually cracks when it eventually dries. So it must be dry. I have used a piece of a peach tree that had been lying in the backyard for some time. Most wood has a grain, but some timbers are better than others. If you want a really good result it is usually necessary to use an imported wood, such as mahogany, ash or Tasmanian Huon Pine. The Huon Pine doesn’t have much grain, but it polishes beautifully. John Blight brought me back a small piece of blood wood from the back of Bourke. The wood was very hard and dry and the small vase I made is a thing of beauty.

 Several years ago, while up the North Coast of NSW, I found a wood called Camphor Laurel. It is regarded as a pest up there because it grows so fast. It’s not very hard but it has a lot of colour in it. I have used it a lot and made some very nice vases and food showpieces with it.

 The loss of sight in one eye caused me to give up turning. It can be dangerous. Twice, while turning at high speed, the timber came out of the chuck, went through a window of the shed, breaking the glass, and finished out on the drive. It is a lovely hobby, but you have to be careful.

 The smell of timber being turned is very pleasant - especially the smell of Camphor Laurel. That smell will always be with me. Woodturning is an interesting hobby and it can be profitable. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

 Norm Evans

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