Utah Symposium Day #2 and wood gloat

[bobleibo]

Wow is all I can say. Day #2 of the Utah Symposium was a blast. I was able to watch demonstrations by 8 world class turners (all I could fit in) and saw so many examples of why I need to keep learning. Go to their web site and you will know exactly what I mean. Just a stroll thru their gallery is jaw dropping. https://www.utahwoodturning.com/
Some of the tips and tricks learned today made me feel like a rookie turner. The cost of registration is well worth it. The biggest source of stress today was trying to decide which demonstration to attend....impossible to get them all in.
And now for the wood gloat...sorry, can't resist. Between dinner and the evening events they hold a swap meet where anyone can sell their products. I happened to stumble across this Maple Burl cap. It is 21" tall and weighs 38 pounds. I won't tell you how much I got it for because you'll hate me but let's just say it cost more to go to the movies for 2 people. Good thing I didn't bring more cash because I have no will power.
NOTE: CSUSA is offering everyone 10% - 20% off their tools during the event so now is the time to stock up. This is why I was low on cash today.....I made a side trip thru their showroom yesterday. Ugh! Guess it's back to Mac n cheese for dinner this month...and next and.....
Buckle up for day 3
Cheers
Bob

 

[The Penguin]

3 of my friends are at the Utah symposium (including MesquiteMan).

I keep getting updates about how much fun they're having.

and apparently, I bought myself a hollowing rig for $100 thanks to one of the guys being in the right place at the right time!

I'm hoping to go next year!

 

[bobleibo]

3 of my friends are at the Utah symposium (including MesquiteMan).

I keep getting updates about how much fun they're having.

and apparently, I bought myself a hollowing rig for $100 thanks to one of the guys being in the right place at the right time!

I'm hoping to go next year!

Congrats on the new tool. That is exactly why you don't bring cash to this event.....too many goodies to be had, very dangerous. They have a way of following you to your car and leaving your wallet behind.
Seeing a lot of the pieces in person is inspiring. I had trouble trying to figure out how they were done let alone the skill to actually do it. This is my 3rd time going and it only gets better. Just about the time you think you are pretty good, along comes these folks to remind you of how far you have to go. Kurt Hertzog did a great presentation on customizing pen kits. Mark Gisi did another one on segmenting them. Thankfully it is right here in my backyard.
Well, off to day #3.
Cheers
Bob

 

[Dick Mahany]

Great looking burl cap!..........sure that lathe has enough swing ? :wink:

 

[Rick_G]

I envied you for being able to attend. Much to far away for me. After seeing that burl for the price you hinted at I am really beginning to not like you.:biggrin: Hope it's as nice inside as it looks outside.

 

[bobleibo]

Great looking burl cap!..........sure that lathe has enough swing ? :wink:

I can either spin the headstock 180 or slide it to the other end which gives me the ability to turn stock on the outboard side, so there are 2 versions to my story
a) After seeing the tons of great ideas today, I am not sure what I want to do with that burl cap yet.
or
b) Even after I get it trimmed to size, I'm not sure if I have the guts to chuck it up and let it fly.
..
Let's stick with version a) for now. I'll let you know :bulgy-eyes:

 

[TimS124]

The shape looks like it's screaming to be a guitar body (with lots left over for blank making, bowls, etc).

 

[bobleibo]

I envied you for being able to attend. Much to far away for me. After seeing that burl for the price you hinted at I am really beginning to not like you.:biggrin: Hope it's as nice inside as it looks outside.

Don't hate me too much......what I saved on the burl cap I blew on other "stuff". I had to beg for gas money to get home today! Can't wait to get some time to cut that thing open and see what's in store. Fingers are crossed.

Lots more great demonstrations, including getting to see Curtis (Mesquite Man) give his entire presentation on Cactus Juice stabilizing. Again, a packed house.
Tomorrow is the last day and I am out of money for the next year or two so no more stressing over what to buy.