Hello Ken,
It would be easier to say what I have not been experimenting with lately... :-) I have recently completed some long term tests, which have been quite interesting... Among these and some other things I'm working on include:
1.) Cryogenic testing and wear resistance on turning and carving tools. 2.) Advanced Boiling Protocol with pre-shock. 3.) Pressurized and Passive Steam Treatment of blanks and roughouts. 4.) Epoxy Finish Spraying Protocols. 5.) Ultraviolet colour loss and related prevention using TTD's and HALS's. 6.) Advanced Texturing Protocols for "Fluid Texturing", including new tools. 7.) Advanced Bandsaw sharpening protocols. 8.) Advanced Protocols for visually transforming wood into pottery. 9.) Advanced Protocols for visually transforming wood into porcelain. 10.) Optimised pigment/mica spraying with binary epoxy atomized steams. 12.) Advanced precious metal and stone inlay techniques. 13.) Vacuum assisted impregnation of colour and surface texturing additives. 14.) Advanced wood stabilization techniques for wood turners. 15.) Wet vs. Dry Sharpening optimised methods and advantages of each. 16.) Pneumatic assisted hollowing techniques.Well, there are a few of the many I'm working on... Grass does not get much of a chance to grow under my feet. :-) I typically have more than 50-60 tests on the boards, or in process each year. Some of these tests cover several years and include hundreds of hours of testing and research.
My UV degradation testing for example, has spanned more than 7 years and has been very illuminating to say the least. All of my work is strictly aimed at benefiting the wood turner, although many of my protocols are adaptable in other disciplines. Take care and all the best to you and yours!