One of my blind turners with his pepper mill

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sbwertz

sbwertz

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May 11, 2010
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Phoenix, AZ
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Bill is both blind and a double amputee. He levers himself up out of his power wheelchair onto a high stool to turn at the lathe. He is almost completely blind...can see light and dark. He uses a cane out in front of his wheelchair to navigate around. (He is truly amazing!) This was his second turning project...a peppermill made from mulberry with brass filings inlayed into a center band and some large cracks.
 
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That is fantastic. Being able to put a face to your stories is also inspirational. I can see and I can not do as well. Tell him job well done. Continued success and keep having fun. That is real cool. Thanks for showing.
 
By mixing the brass filings (or other inlay material) into ten minute epoxy, and putting a nitrile glove on the blind turner, they can press the loaded epoxy into the grooves and cracks themselves. I try to let them do as much alone as they are able. Using an easy tool detailer, they can cut their own v grooves, too. I have to help them some with the fine placement of the tool, but they do most of it themselves. They do most of the shaping with a small spindle gouge and a small roughing gouge. (I turn the blanks round before they start.)
 
G'Day Sharon....Full marks to you and your program to allow people such as Bill to turn out beautiful work such as the pepper mill.
Please pass on to Bill that he has done a fine job and I look forward to seeing his next project.

Dave.
 
Sharon..if appropriate and for sale, I will buy from him for $50 plus shipping..I don't know what it is worth, so please tell me if they sells for more. I will pay shipping too. I actually need one. The one I own stinks. I love his. Thanks!
 
He made it for the Center to sell as a fundraiser, so yes it is for sale. And $50 is what we have been getting for them (except for the one in the silent auction). If it hasn't already sold, you can buy it. I'll email Frank and make sure it is set aside for you. I just don't want to run afoul of the forum's rules on selling items. I really didn't put it up here to sell it, just to show off my turner's prowess.

Sharon
 
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Tell Bill he's an inspiration to a whole lot of us here on IAP......
Thanks for sharing that story.
 
sbwertz said:
He made it for the Center to sell as a fundraiser, so yes it is for sale. And $50 is what we have been getting for them (except for the one in the silent auction). If it hasn't already sold, you can buy it. I'll email Frank and make sure it is set aside for you. I just don't want to run afoul of the forum's rules on selling items. I really didn't put it up here to sell it, just to show off my turner's prowess.

Sharon
Click to expand...

Excellent...just let me know. I am assuming it is food safe - I will take it either way. Thanks!
 
Yes, it is food safe. The only part of it that contacts the pepper in the inside of the 1" hole down the center that the pepper falls through and it is sealed with walnut oil. The wood is mulberry. Frank emailed me and said he is keeping it for you. I'll pick it up tomorrow and PM you for shipping info.

Sharon
 
Thank you

Sharon, we have never met. You are an inspiring person and deserve a big thank you for your help and encouraging those turners who are sightless. You must get a good feeling in helping these folks to achieve help in their work.
Congrats to you Sharon
 
its truly amazing how with all that he has gone through he doesn't let that stop him, he just does it. he did a better job on that than anything I've ever turned.
-oliver
 
So good to see what others can do, in spite of adversity. This is what it's all about... giving back to others. Thank you for your work with the blind and for sharing their work with us.
 
Received it today!

Received today. Even better looking in person. It will inspire me and others every time I use it. I can't wait for folks to ask me about it. Thank you for posting.
 

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sbwertz said:
0223161143a.jpg


Bill is both blind and a double amputee. He levers himself up out of his power wheelchair onto a high stool to turn at the lathe. He is almost completely blind...can see light and dark. He uses a cane out in front of his wheelchair to navigate around. (He is truly amazing!) This was his second turning project...a peppermill made from mulberry with brass filings inlayed into a center band and some large cracks.
Click to expand...
Absolutely beautiful job. I REALLY like the "barrel" look.
 
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