New Member on TV - - - - - Maybe

[BSea]

Those of us at the last meeting met Jeff. For those that didn't make it to the meeting, Jeff is a disabled vet who was injured in an automobile accident. He's confined to a wheel chair, and only has limited use of his arms. About a year or so ago, the VA organized a turning activity that started meeting once a week, and has grown to 4 times a week with 5 lathes (I think 5 is right). To make a long Story short, Jeff started turning pens, and to date has made over 100 pens and sells them through a shop in the Park Hill area of North Little Rock.

Now Channel 4 is going to film Jeff making a pen. It's scheduled to be aired on the 4th of July. I'm not sure what time of day. Ken told me, but that was a few hours ago, and my goldfish mind lost that bit of info. The reason there's a MAYBE in the title is because the story might get pulled depending on what the channel decides is "Newsworthy" that day. So stay turned and set your DVR's to see Jeff in action.

[stonepecker]

If it is possible..........How about a link to the story after it airs?

I would liove to see it happen.
Congrats Jeff.

[BSea]

Originally Posted by stonepecker

If it is possible..........How about a link to the story after it airs?

I would liove to see it happen.
Congrats Jeff.

I'll see what I can do. Hopefully there's a download capability.

[TDE]

Way to go Jeff. I was able to meet Jeff at our last central Arkansas meeting and I actually got Jeff's pen in our pith. Cool pen. Great job. Ted

[terry q]

How can I contact the person running the turning program? I have a huge pile of blanks and would gladly donate.

[BSea]

Originally Posted by terry q

How can I contact the person running the turning program? I have a huge pile of blanks and would gladly donate.

Hi Terry.

Here's the contact information:

VA Voluntary Services
C/O Michael Dobbs
2200 Ft. Roots Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72114

While anything people can give is appreciated, what they really need is for the blanks to be drilled and tubes put in them, and squared. They are for the most part limited to just turning right now. In Jeff's case, The blanks are mounted for him. He turns, sands, and applies a friction polish to the pens. He doesn't have the physical ability yet to assemble the pen without help. I think some of the others are, but they are still just learning. The only kits they use at the moment are funline, and slimline. These both use 7mm slimline tubes.

I know our group is planning on doing some for each meeting we have. Hopefully that turns into a few hundred every 3 months or so.

So anyone wanting to contribute can send:

Blanks: Drilled, tubed, and squared is preferred, but not require.
Slimline or Funline pen kits
Extra 7mm Brass tubes (both kits use the same tubes)

[BSea]

Here's a link to the video of Jeff's interview.

Only in Arkansas: Army Vet Turns Pen Maker - Story

[TDE]

oops

[eharri446]

Please convey to Jeff my commendation on the beautiful pens that he makes and I recognition for not letting a terrible accident keep him down.

[hanau]

Do you think they could use some carbide tools?
I would be willing to donate a set, But the only thing is I don't make any handles.

If I Sent the tools to you do you think your group would be willing to make handles for them?