Anybody Turn at Shows?

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Pioneerpens

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Does anybody turn pens at craft shows. I have a show at the end of June and it's mandatory to demo your craft during the show. It's a 3 day event. My concern is more about transporting everything more than anything else. I mean it's not really a portable setup that I have in my shop. What/how much should I take? I was thinking I'd have blanks prepped and tubed instead of taking bits,etc. Just kinda wondering what input those of you that have done this before may have. I appreciate any tips/tricks you all may have.
Thanks in advance.

Jennifer
 
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So who is going to cover the liability insurance in case someone gets hurt at this event? Just curious as I wouldn't want some people anywhere near my lathe.
 
I turned at shows, all the time Jennifer.

Take prepped blanks --I did "comfort pens" because the dimensions at the centerband were not critical.

I also told my "audiences" that the resulting pens were NOT as good as the ones I did at home--and I sold the pens "hot off the lathe" for $15 (gave away a few to kids that watched). Used a lot of diamondwood with friction finish and resins, finished with Novus 2 and 3.

Although I would be tempted to do one piece pens now, I am still able to sell them at a premium--so I would avoid showing how to make them (looks too easy).

As Dario once said to me on IAP: "If you think it looks easy, Ed, try slowing down!!" (pretty simple advice, but I used it---and once in a while a pen took nearly an hour).

You will get an "audience" and you will have several other turners stop by to give you "help". Practice patience!!

It is fun to talk with the kids, though.
 
Ed~how many/often would you turn during the day? Like I said, I'm pretty new to the craft show arena, and I'm still trying to work out my set up/display etc. So now trying to factor turning into the mix~my head hurts lol.
 
Pioneerpens said:
Ed~how many/often would you turn during the day? Like I said, I'm pretty new to the craft show arena, and I'm still trying to work out my set up/display etc. So now trying to factor turning into the mix~my head hurts lol.
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When I started doing it, I had a schedule. Every two hours or so.

As I did it at more shows, I kinda went with the flow of the crowd. If someone asked, I would turn. There was almost always a pen "in progress". IF they walked away, the demo stopped.

At a few shows, when I started turning, a nice flow of traffic started buying---fortunately Dawn knew my pens as well as I did--so she would take money while I kept attention---THOSE were GOOD !!

I did have a plexiglass shield between the lathe and the customers, though.
 
Jennifer,
I have a craft exhibit show coming up in June. The requirement for my entry at no charge is to demonstrate the trade as well. This is my first show as an exhibitor and turning pens, or what ever else I can think of. Wouldn't a corn cob be a show for everyone!!!
The show organizers ask that if an audience member is to try the trade they must sign a waiver basically stating they accept any inquiry to themselves. I'm not willing to let someone else touch my lathe or tools. The show organizers are allowing occasional sales since I don't have to pay the registration fee. Right now for me, all sales are occasional!
The organizers provide power, 2 tables and 4 chairs. So i will only be taking my midi lathe on a stand that I modified with locking casters, pen blanks with tubes, a basic un-assembled kit, uncut blank.
I agree with the previous post that demo the trade when someone is willing to watch. Otherwise, sit back and people watch.
Good luck with the show!!!
 
Jennifer:
If they forced me to turn at shows, I'd buy that little Grizzly lightweight lathe (cheap) that works of a cordless drill. That way I wouldn't have to lug a 100 pound lathe and a 50 pound generator (pay ridiculously expensive electric hook of fees).

Then I would take long click one pieces sets, pre-drilled, pre-rounded and glued single blanks. That way you need take only a skew, two bushings, sand paper and EEE finish or Shelawax.

Those "demo" shows are back busters AND a big noisy heavy duty laths (saw dust slingers) tend to anger neighbors on ALL sides.
 
I turned at a show, Rock and Gem so I only turned slim lines with corian. This time I will take some finished Truestone, but I'll only turn corian. I put plexi-glass on the front and left side on my lathe. I wouldn't let anyone else use my lathe at a show.
All my blanks are clued and squared ahead of time. I turned 19 in two days and sold 20. I had 36 finished pens to start with.I didn't have entry fee because I demo'ed I tell people that turning and finishing is the easyest and quickest part of making corian pens. Good luck and have fun
 
I turn at a few of my shows. Only slim-lines and then only Corian. Have the blanks cut, drilled, squared ready to go. People love to watch and they buy them as I make them normally. Did a 2 day show last year and made and sold 57 pens not counting pens from my booth. Money maker for me. I also explain that this is the quick fun part of making a pen.
 
When I was in the Navy we visited Hobart, Tasmania...and the first day there was a craft show in the town square...one fellow was turning baseball bats, and even had a kid that was watching join in and turn a little. That is where I got hooked. I met a fellow in the Timer Lobby and he helped me get some great specimens of the local wood including a couple of Huon Pine half logs. To this day I haven't touched tool to those pieces, over 15 years ago...but one day I hope to be good enough to do them justice. One idea would be to just turn wood and not try to make a pen, just demonstrate tecnhiques and show how "turning" is done without forcing yourself to make a pen on stage.
 
Great input! Thanks for all the ideas/tips/tricks! @ Scott~no, it specifically states that photos, videos etc. is not an acceptable method of 'demo ing' your craft.
 
Jennifer,

I have demoed in many places. A few tips may help you from me.

Using a shark jaw chuck slowly demonstrate drilling say a Slimline pair of blanks.
Truly to explain the matching of blanks later is wasted.
Try to maintain secure places for your equipment, only a few chisels, never hand around a finished pen while you turn another.
Most important enjoy the exercise at your own pace.
Plus the advice already given.

Have fun

Kind regards Peter.
 
you can turn allot of blanks , so take more than you think you will need . as ed said go slow, stop and talk or you could be standing around at the end of the day.take a mixed variety , acrylic, wood , corina
David
 
Like others have said, take more then you need. I normally choice two or three pen styles to turn at shows (less bushings). I cut, drill, glue tubes, and square the ends at home. Then you only need your lathe and a few and tools. Also, it's nice to have a friend there to watch your merchandise while you work.
 
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