My second reply here is for the contests.
I had one pen I thought I would enter in the contest. I had not had time to reread the details about the contest catagories, I just showed up with a pen. I ended up putting it in the beginner catagory as it was not segmented or modified in any way.
Fred said you know, you can enter 2 catagories if you want. My wife picked up another pen I had and said "does this work?" It qualified for the modified catagory.
I had no expectation of winning anything. Just entered anyway. I thought the experienced super duper pen turners would take any prize easily with their awesome pens.
Well,,,,,,I was blown away to find out that I had won a prize in the pen contest! (I was out at the car when names were being drawn.)
Not only had I won but had won in both catagories...first place in both! Really!!?...No way! I guess the odds were much better at MAPG than in the PowerBall!
The prizes were over the top! I received gift certificates for engraving from Stan Cook at Mestari Designs, a couple of Sierra kits from Exotics, a Marksman Eagle kit with stars and stripes inlay blanks from Marksman, and a VA Quarter Blank from Seamus Rooney!
To me,this was better than the lottery! I am still in awe when I look at these items. Now, I need to turn something.
Have any of you found that you have no time for turning now because your spare time is spent reading MAPG posts? What Fun!
Again, a very special thanks to the vendors and MAPG for these wonderful prizes. I am truly grateful.