Midwest Pen Gathering demos

[ed4copies]

The MPG is for YOU!!!

We (Rich Coers, assisted by Wishman and me) are discussing the topics for demonstrations at the Midwest Pen Gathering on April 11 and 12. A novel idea struck us---let's ASK the people who might be attending (or not) what they would like to SEE and HEAR about!!

One of the problems with these gatherings is the desire to be "different": not just present the same information year after year. BUT, there are different people coming each year--so is repetition a BAD thing???

So, here is our questionnaire. Please answer so we can do what YOU would like!!!

If you answer one that says "comments in thread"--please add those comments here.

Thanks to all!!!

 

[brownsfn2]

More topic ideas:

Production pen turning. How does a penturner with a day job crank out more pens.
Squaring the tube to the blank without a barrel trimmer.
Lathe tune up. How much is accurate.
Turning on a metal lathe. Is there a difference?
Fountain Pen Nib tuning and testing/cleaning.

Just a few things I was thinking about when I answered your survey.

 

[mredburn]

Basic pen making courses are a must if you want to attract and keep new turners.
Is it possible to have more than one event going at once? Beginning and advanced courses at the same time..

 

[ed4copies]

Basic pen making courses are a must if you want to attract and keep new turners.
Is it possible to have more than one event going at once? Beginning and advanced courses at the same time..

This is a topic, currently being discussed by Rich and Chris---they both remember the layout--I don't! Apparently, there is a smaller room that MAY be able to be used for round table discussions.

 

[low_48]

You were right Ed, we should have used all 40 lines available for options. I just thought we would not be able to boil it down. I still think a national penturning symposium, in a much bigger venue, would fly. But that's an organizational nightmare I would not want to lead. A little gathering of 100 people is plenty for me!!!!!! I'll check on that conference room. It is not that big, but if we get a really popular discussion subject, we might be able to run it twice on Saturday.

 

[edman2]

Having organized a couple of these I know you can't cover every topic suggested. But from this survey you can probably put together topics for more than one meeting. Pick ones for this year...indicate which of the "leftovers" will be moved to next year leaving room for new ideas. Helps build anticipation for future years. Good work guys.

 

[ed4copies]

This can also help us in the "Chapter Advising" position. Locals will know their own members, but this will give us some general topics.

 

[ed4copies]

TWENTY-FOUR VOTERS

AND

171 views!!!

85% "Don't Care"???
​

Ya know guys--we try to organize things that will help you improve your skills.
Is it that difficult to read 25 lines and mark a few with an "x"???

The more people who answer the poll, the more we will learn about scheduling events like the MPG!!

Lend a hand---make a few "x's"!!

Thanks,
Ed
(Believe me, this is easier than making YouTubes!!)

 

[mredburn]

They may think that it doesnt pertain to them.

 

[ed4copies]

They may think that it doesnt pertain to them.

If you turn pens, your opinion is valuable!!!

Hope that clears up that misconception:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

 

[thewishman]

Looks like casting, threading, polymer clay and selling are the hot topics. It will be an interesting day!

 

[low_48]

Looks like casting, threading, polymer clay and selling are the hot topics. It will be an interesting day!

And it looks like I will be off the hook for doing a demo. I have no skills on any of the hot topics. Hmmmm, wonder how I should feel about that? Dinosaur?

Thanks to all that have responded, please keep the help coming!!!!!!!!

 

[ed4copies]

Looks like casting, threading, polymer clay and selling are the hot topics. It will be an interesting day!

And it looks like I will be off the hook for doing a demo. I have no skills on any of the hot topics. Hmmmm, wonder how I should feel about that? Dinosaur?

Thanks to all that have responded, please keep the help coming!!!!!!!!

You and I both, Rich.

Anybody know some good "up-to-date" demonstrators!!

 

[Joe S.]

Looks like casting, threading, polymer clay and selling are the hot topics. It will be an interesting day!

And it looks like I will be off the hook for doing a demo. I have no skills on any of the hot topics. Hmmmm, wonder how I should feel about that? Dinosaur?

Thanks to all that have responded, please keep the help coming!!!!!!!!

You and I both, Rich.

Anybody know some good "up-to-date" demonstrators!!

BradG
:biggrin:

 

[ed4copies]

It will be interesting to see the pens on SOYP a week after his demos.

 

[low_48]

Bumping this poll. It closes this Saturday, anyone else care to vote?

 

[Marc]

I just caught this thread so thanks for the bump.

I am also interested in the segmenting techniques, those that are showing the metal segment demarkations as well as the equipment being used. I have not yet tried the real looking cigar pen, but it looks very cool to me.

I am in the West, so attending a midwest gathering might not be an option, but I sure like the ideas behind this gathering.

Marc (from Reno)

 

[Dalecamino]

I'm looking forward to the MPG. This will be my first.