The WoodWorking Show Clinics

I just went to th show in Atlanta this past weekend. I sat in on several of the A-Z clinics at the show. Kirk Deheer from Craft Supplies USA did all of the clinics. They basically have a lathe set up along with a sharpening setup. There is a camera also with a TV monitor to allow viewers to better see what is going on up close and the presenter wears a microphone so that you can hear. Basically each of the clinics ran a little less than an hour. Chairs were just set up out in front of the lathe. I would guess there were probably 50-75 at each clinic. Basically, the demonstrator would turn one item in each clinic. He would always take questions as he went or at the end he would answer any questions that came up. I'm going by memory here, but I believe the clinics were:

Turning Green Wood - I found this one very good and informative. He turned a green wood bowl. Keep in mind I've only been turning a couple of months though, so it may not be new information to more experienced turners.

Basic Pen Turning - I really liked this one and it got my interested in turning some pens. He made one pen and talked us through the process.

Sharpening Your Tools - This was a good session as well. It was just a lot of info to digest for a beginner.

Basic Bowl Turning - He turned a bowl from dry wood and talked us through the process.

These were the sessions I saw in on. I think they had one on Decorating Your Turnings (Using carving and painting on your turned items) and an Intermediate Pen Turning clinic. I missed both of those because I was looking around the show.

Overall, I give the clinics high marks, but again I am a beginner so I'm soaking everything up like a sponge because I don't know much yet!