A Few local situations

Local media is always a good source of finding out whats happening in your area and thanks to the net we can now do this almost nation wide. I found a couple of articles regarding a couple of turners one from the North Coast of NSW  Lower Clarence area a Men Shed .

Mens Sheds are a fast growing past time world wide check and see if there is one in your area. They even have their own on line discussion section.



This must have been fun for the fellows who pulled together and came up with maybe not the newest machine but suited the purpose.

The story comes from The Daily Examiner a local paper.

Shed mates adapt lathe for wheelie Dave

• Kate Matthews
• 10th May 2013 11:00 AM

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ADAPTING TO NEED: Dave Hawkings sits at the lathe at the Lower Clarence U3A Men’s Shed. A bracket was made to lower the lathe so Dave could work at it while in his wheelchair. Photo: Adam Hourigan

DAVE Hawkings from Lawrence has always been pretty handy when working with timber.
Keen to learn new skills and tips from other woodworkers, last year he decided to join the Men's Shed in Maclean.
While he enjoys making a variety of timber pieces, Mr Hawkings' wheelchair has meant some projects have been out of reach.
But not any more.
Thanks to the help of his shed mates, Mr Hawkings can now safely use the woodturning lathe which has been lowered and modified so all the controls are within reach and in a safe position.
"I try to keep positive and active and the wood lathe proves that most obstacles can be overcome, with a little ingenuity and some friendly assistance," Mr Hawkings said.
The modern Men's Shed is an updated version of the shed in the backyard.
Members come from all walks of life. They are men with time on their hands and they would like something meaningful to do with that time.
A Men's Shed has a co-ordinator who has both the technical and social skills to develop a safe and happy environment where men are welcome to work a project of their choice.
The shed can also help ease the transition from full-time employment to retirement.
The Men's Shed supports local groups and charities through a variety of projects.

Topics:  lawrence, maclean, men's shed

Then on the opposite side of Australia the The Weekend Courier and a story of one of the members Alan of Wandi Wood Turners. This became interesting due to the nature of Alan's situation and needs and how the group, Alan's  Occupational Therapist are all working together.

Lathe a positive turn for disabled

16/Nov/2012

making woodworking accessible

THE pleasure of crafting something from wood can now be shared by people with a disability at Wandi Woodturners.
A community development grant from the City of Kwinana helped the club purchase a $5500 lathe that can be adjusted to accommodate people with wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Group member Rod Cocks said the machine was purpose-built in Queensland, had variable speeds, and was designed for use while the operator was sitting rather than standing.
Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams presented the lathe to the group during Wandi’s recent 25th anniversary celebrations.

A big difference between these two stories, the groups involved and the machines, one built the other bought. I emailed the Wandi group and had quite a few replies from Robin Campbell regarding Alan (photo and story above).

Hi Ray

Yes that photo shows Allan looking uncomfortable, his teacher and the lathe for disabled turners.

Firstly about the lathe. It is a Vicmarc and is suitable for those in a wheelchair or people who just need to sit and turn. It is not ideal for a one handed person in a motorised wheelchair. We are currently looking at modifying a Woodfast of getting a MC900 or Sherwood that we can modify to accomodate the size of the chair. We have worked out how to make a set of tools for him that will allow him a fair degree of independence. We have contacted his OT team and they re-assessed him yesterday. We hope that they will be able to help us develop our ideas for Allan.

Allan can stand long enough to get his wheelchair on and off the car. He has use of his right hand only. Today he finished turning a mortar and pestle for his wife. We have to help him with the difficult bits at present but hopefully with his new tools he will need less and less help. Allan has taken about 6 years to get this stage and it is through his guts and determination that he is there. He just wants to be useful. I personally have the greatest admiration for him. We have just sourced a second hand lathe and that is being modified for him to use at his home.

I am hopeful that we will be able to progress him to the stage where he can embellish his turnings by the use of pyrography and Dremel. He may also be able to use some paints on his work. These outlets will give him a sense of purpose and I see no reason why he can not be very successful at it.

Happy to keep you informed of how we go with Allan and hopefully we will have his tools ready for him soon enough.

Kind regards
Robin Campbell 

In the second email Robin went on to say :-

Hi Ray.

Just looked at your blog and tried to post a comment to the Vicmarc, great lathe but really has severe restrictions on who can use it. I said this in my comment but unsure where it went. . So if it didn't make it let me know and I can send direct to you and you can use it.

Thanks

A third email was quit in depth but I have just added the last statement as the people assisting in rectifying the situation for Alan are still active this includes Vicmarc and Alan's OT.
As well as the fellows from the group making tools to Suit Alan's needs.

Allan and Graham are OK with you using the article and any information we can share we will be happy to do so.

We are still working on the tools, what I am suggesting for Alan is the Easy Wood Tools tips. Hopefully we can make a handle that can be attached to Allans arm with a wing nut in the end that he can turn with his fingers. The tips will be put onto square steel shafts and he can push them into the handle and tighten the wing nut and then use them in a slotted tool rest. This will give him the control that he would normally have with his left hand. I discovered that these people have also made a new self centering chuck with pushin and clip jaws. This I imagine would allow a disabled person to change jaws more easily.

Will keep in touch

Regards
Robin

I haven't heard from Robin as to the progress but I will if I receive an updates gladly put the information in a post.




 A Mens Shed Narrellan posted a video on their Facebook page (who said old blokes can't handle technology, besides we invented it).

This short film (Published on Jun 16, 2013) is about a program in the Hunter region of NSW for men in the early stages of dementia and male carers of people with dementia. The program, run by Alzheimer's Australia NSW, in conjunction with the Australian Men's Shed Association, looks at reducing the social isolation often felt by men who are either caring for someone with dementia or have been given a diagnosis themselves.


Thanks to Sarah from Alzheimer's Australia  who granted permission to link to the video

Hi Ray,

Apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I've been on leave.

Happy for you to link to our new short film from your blog. As long as the video is not amended and we receive appropriate credit, that is fine.

Thank you,

Sarah

Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80dHGWP-p_o&feature=youtu.be


 Having seen one of my father in-law's friends when he was placed in a nursing home as we had a couple of visits taking Matt to see his old mate, it opened our eyes to what can happen. The fellow Peter remembered Sue and I but even though Matt (father in-law) handed Peter a bag of fresh fruit Peter had to ask who he was. Peter could recall our wedding but looked blank faced at Matt. Matt  took all this very hard, little did we notice that years later the fast way Matt went himself. Driving to the local shops he called in to our home we realised all to late he had forgotten his way home. One of my old mates dad visited him from Perth never to return as he went down while visiting. One of Sue's friends from spinners is a concern at present 84 years still active and full of life but some little things keep popping up when the group meets.


Keep safe and well. Stay active as your body will allow you.

Michael Louis Smith Blind Woodworker

I have to thank Frank from Woodcraft for putting me in touch with Michael Louis Smith Woodcraft did a story on Michael called "Hooked On A Feeling" back in September 2012.

I found Michael website Falconcrest Woodworks contacted him and he is glad to be a part and allow this to spread.

I see no reason not to link to my web site. If I can be of help to others I wish to make myself available to that end. Time here is short and what we do now is what is important. I am not much on this technical marvel so just let
me know how I can be of help to others. Mike

Michael Smith


Visit us at: falconcrestwoodworks.com
Like us on: facebook.com/falconcrestwoodworks
Follow us on: twitter.com/falconwoodworks 

Michael Louis Smith was born on July 21st, 1952, in Artesia, New Mexico. He is married and the father of five children ranging from the ages of seventeen years to thirty-eight years (two boys and three girls).

Michael is a retired Navy and Air Force veteran. For twenty-five years Michael worked as a maintenance electrician. His favorite hobbies were fishing and woodworking.

On July 5th, 2009, Michael woke up with blurred vision in his left eye. He immediately went to see an ophthalmologist who then referred him to a neurologist. After several tests at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, including cat scans, spinal taps, and a double biopsy of the eyes, doctors determined he was totally blind in his left eye. They decided he was fine to return to work in September of 2009. They believed he would learn to adjust and deal with vision in one eye and work successfully again.

On October 23, 2009, a Sunday morning, Michael woke up and realized he was losing vision in his right eye. Within five days he had lost 95% of the vision in that eye as well.

In February, 2010, he was admitted to a VA Blind rehab center in Birmingham, Alabama, where he spent three months learning to deal with his disability. While he was there he learned he could once again do woodworking. Michael came home with a new outlook on life and began working immediately making wooden bowls, cutting boards, serving trays, chess/checker boards, etc.

Michael spends his days working in his shop, praying, and working on woodworking projects. He believes that God has a reason for his blindness and that he can minister to others through his woodworking. (Romans 8:28)

Click on this image to see a Video of Michael turning.

 

 

Thanks you Michael for sharing you story.

Doug Gordon Redwood Valley New Zealand

I found out about Doug Gordon just from a search and discovered his website I emailed him and got this reply.

04-Jul-13 06:36, doug wrote:

Hi Raymond,

Thank you for your email ,my apologies for the lateness in getting back to you. Since opening my studio in 2001, I have been told by numerous overseas visitors that I should write a book about all the tools, jigs, etc I make for specific jobs. Having an engineering background certainly helps in this regard, with both M.I.G and gas welding equipment in my w/shop.

I had a story in the English Woodturning Mag in Sept 2009 issue 204 about my green turning and boiling of bowl blanks which was well received. Also article about the split collars I use to hold footed bowls in a scroll chuck to take out the insides of bowls, this avoids any jaw marks which would have to be removed with a vacuum chuck, or Cole jaws.

Also photos of my miniature turning chisels in the American Fine Woodworking mag, issue number (missing) The editor asked for members who make their own tools to submit photos, well they got over 1400 replies, so did not think a woodworker down in the bottom of the Pacific would get a look in, but there you are.

Over the years I have had many comments that the 17 machines I have is far more than a woodturner needs, but I do a great deal more than just turning. Have been working on French Oak wine barrel furniture this past 18 months, have just sent the 7th Oak table to a Sydney couple last month.

These include tables, lazy susan turntables, barrel stave and barrel end serving trays, outside seats, plus many other ideas in the pipeline

The work you see on my site is not a true reflection of what I make, presently working on mounting a clock and a bowl inside the bronze cage's of large roller and ballbearings. These both came from 200mm dia shafts off big sanding machines at the huge MDF manufacturing plant 15 minutes from our home, these two pieces will certainly have that industrial/mechanical look to them.

Anyway Raymond, think I have rambled on quite long enough, my w/shop sanctuary awaits me.

Cheers

Doug Gordon.

Doug Gordon

I took up woodturning after retiring to Nelson in 1995. Wood has always been my passion and after 20 years of running my own engineering business in Queenstown, I decided it was time to rediscover the beauty and versatility of wood.
I live in the Nelson region with my partner, Robyn, and our two cats. For more information about me, read the following article.

Woodturning changed lifestyle

The Leader, December 11, 2003 When Redwood Valley woodturner Doug Gordon had a car accident in 1974 he was left paralysed on one side, spent six weeks in intensive care and a further seven months in hospital.
The accident meant he had to take a year off work and give up his career as a builder. Despite intensive medical treatment, he remains semi-paralysed to this day. "It has left me with a partial right-side hemiplegia," he says. "It's the same symptoms that you get from a stroke but it came from a different cause." However, he has refused to let his disability restrict his lifestyle. "You can't sit around feeling sorry for yourself."
After the car accident he realised it was no longer possible for him to be a builder. So after a recuperation period working in a hardware store, he started an engineering business which he ran for 19 years. He was based in Queenstown but says he grew tired of the way the town was developing and wanted "to get out of the rat race".
So he moved to Nelson in 1995 as his partner is originally from the city. In an effort to meet people, he joined the Nelson Districts Woodturning group soon after he arrived. "There's a certain rapport you have with people who are into woodturning." It was a decision that was to change his lifestyle. He started to devote a large amount of time to woodturning and these days he spends seven days a week working at his craft.
After becoming frustrated at his lack of success at selling his work through local art and crafts shops he subsequently built his own studio, called the Redwood Valley Turnery. He did this shortly after he moved from Stoke to his current five-hectare property in Redwood Valley.
While his disabilities slow his work rate, he still produces a prolific amount of work and carries on undeterred. "I do suffer from double vision which makes it hard to measure depth. It makes it difficult sometimes but the brain gets the right message after 30 years."
Because he has a background in engineering, he even makes many of his own tools. He is proud of both the number of different woods he works with and the variety of crafts he produces. "There's probably a bigger variety in this studio than any other studio in New Zealand." He says the crafts he produces include bowls - specifically from New Zealand silver and red beech burls - pens, clocks and wall hangings.

A Quote from Doug's site

"My philosophy in setting up a studio/workshop is the sharing of the rapport which is universal between woodturners and people who have a love of wood and the beautiful things that can be crafted from it."
Doug Gordon, Wood Craftsman

Doug is going to email photos of some of his workshop and tools I will be editing and adding these when they arrive.

Ray 

Sidelined Not at All

Never as long as I have people who are willing to allow me to post about them on here and I am capable I will do so.

We have had some sunshine for the past week and so I ventured into my own workshop to create some dust and shavings. That will be posted on our main blog when finished.

I have also been doing something else and its taking me time to do.

But I will today link to two more who enjoy what they do.

Ray

Edited:- 1608 hrs To add

I just checked the statistics for the blog and am pleased to say it has had 527 Page views  since the first post on 23rd June.

If this helps even one person its done what it was meant to do.

Tim Clark Pen Turner Down Syndrome

I came to know of Tim Clark (aka Timboclark) through a woodwork forum and another forumite Barry White who introduced him to the site and mentors Tim in Pen Turning.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tim and his parents last weekend 30th June when they called in as they were down from Tamworth visiting and Tim seeing Dr's

Tim has Down Syndrome and is visually impaired and a heart condition.
I got to see two of the pens he made for his mum and dad (Pauline and Mathew) very nice and they support him doing this and many other things.

Here's a little about Tim seems he just loves life and is into everything he can be.

Tim Clark pen turner
He is 23 years has 2 other sibblings, lives at Kootingal on an 1800 acre property where his family have Santa Gertrudis Cattle

He won two Gold medal swimming at the Launceston Special Olympics in 2009.
I was told he caused quite an incident while at the blocks ready to dive in. A marshal assisting Tim mentioned the block Tim was on was one in which Aussie Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe used. Tim stood down and refused to get on the block. When questioned why Tim said "Thorpe fell in on that one so I am not using it". They allowed Tim to start from the edge.

Loves to go hunting, rides a Quad bike around the property.

Attended Oxley High to year 12, South Primary prior that.

He is into Ballroom dancing.

Goes camping with friends and loves his country music living in Tamworth he's in the heart of it.
Keeps fit at the Gym twice a week, I thought handling the cattle and horse would be enough of a workout.

Works one day a week at the  Welcome Way horse stud.

At present he's also attending TAFE computer studies.

Now Tim doesn't have a website so with his and his parents permission I have downloaded photos from his Facebook page.

It was a pleasure to meet Tim a country gent a big smile and strong hand shake, loves to laugh. Hope to see you some time soon Tim.

Ray

Tim and his Ballroom dancing.

 

Tim and his dad and friends often go out shooting, the area is renown for its wild bore.

A small sample of Tim Pens, these he is mentored by Barry White

The pens below are those he made for him parents.

Tim Clark standing and me

John Lopez AKA "ticklingmedusa"

I came to know of John Lopez through various woodwork forums his handle is "ticklingmedusa"
As a new turner I was/am always in awe of his work truly inspiring. It wasn't until one of the forums started a "Disabled Woodworker" section and John chimed into the posts that I discovered he is a wheelchair turner.


Johns a thinking man and loves to challenge himself, come up with new tools and turnings even built his own lathe set up to suit his needs. His tips and hints on tools on forums is with out a doubt great for any woodworkers use.

I have had contact away from forums with John as I needed some help with some USA information close to where he lives.

He has sent me this today. Thanks John for being a part of this small effort.

I have not done much in the area of turning wood lately. My shop space became gridlocked with many large slabs & blanks and lots of tools. I was given a pair of vintage lathes & a second bandsaw.  All of it treasure of course to a spinner of wood but after about 10 years of accumulation things needed a going over.

I gave away some of  the surplus tools and regained enough space to get myself to the far side of the room. I've been improving the shop with wood storage, a dust extractor hood & a new door with more sound dampening so I can work into the wee hours. I read the first few entries in your blog with interest and think it's pretty cool. We are a small club.

Since I'm not turning much at the moment I'd prefer to share a few shop ideas & maybe put up the link later. I have included early photos of a simple shop made rotary tool collet locking jig. Changing a bit on a rotary tool (Dremel) was taking me too long so I made a holder out of junk & later mounted it with a toggle on the bed of the lathe. I use it every time I remove a tenon and finish a bowl bottom.
A flap sanding wheel removes material more evenly than the drum in the photos.
It creates a nice fixed base allowing someone with impaired hand function
to change bit or operate the rotary tool safely in a fixed position.
It's summer here and I've been installing pvc pipe to irrigate my vegetable garden.
A locked spindle and a 4 jaw chuck ended up being a decent place to do pipe fitting.

 John

Johns Dremel Jig








Here's a photo of an Aussie (a far North Queenslander) known as Old Croc (Richard in the green shirt ) who visited John last year.

I have had a visit from Richard myself he brought me down some real nice Quilted maple.



John doing some turning the series of eight photos are taken by Fernando Ramirez.
Fernando's main site because I love good photography another thing I am into I still have my Canon EOS 100 SLR 35mm yes thats right film.

Woodworking with Multiple Sclerosis

My dad had MS his last shed was an old outhouse about 4ft x 4 ft where he stored his tools a bench and small amount of wood to work with. His last project he finished was for our children Mark, Belinda and Peter a double sided small chalk board. He started on a doll's house for Belinda a simple Radiata Pine it was made with love and passion, but due to health I had to complete it this was while I was still working and walking.

I see a story on a gent who also did wood working while he could during his time with Multiple Sclerosis.

Dr. Phil Gross made several changes to his workshop in order to accommodate the limitations imposed by his disability.

Abilympics - Now What's That??

Have you ever heard of Abilympics "NO" don't feel bad neither had I. So what is?

 Abilympics exists to assist and enrich the lives of people with disabilites. Over our many years of operation our efforts have touched a lot of competitors and volunteers. Here is a small collection of articles and letters showcasing how these efforts have made a real difference.

I found this story among others.

Richard Higgins

If I were to be perfectly honest, I'd have to admit that during my 23 years of being a paraplegic I'd never heard of the Abilympics until last year. That's a great shame, because after my recent involvement in the 8th Abilympics held in Seoul, South Korea, representing Australia in the wood carving category, it was a real eye opener. In my opinion the Abilympics should be embraced by many others who are disabled but have skills in which they can compete.
I didn't bring back any medals, but if you'll forgive the cliche, it's not just about winning but taking part that counts and having the opportunity to meet many other competitors from countries as far away as Holland and Canada. There were hundreds of disabled competitors in Seoul who all came together to compete and show communities around the world that it's about our ability not our disability!
This was the first time I'd been so far away from home with what started out as a group of strangers, but I returned home with fond memories and new friends. The whole experience from start to finish was an exciting adventure and I am sure there are many other talented disabled people out there who would benefit from the experience I had by proudly representing their country in the next Abilympics.

I found this amazing the more I investigated the more I discovered about Abilympics seems each state in Australia has a Gov dept which covers it. News to me!!

Here' a short video of another gent who to part on SkillsOne site.

Where did it all start from what I can gather in Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Job Seekers

I digress a moment.

World wide moves are taken to recognize and put the word forward just like on Rehabilitation International

I Think Its Working

I opened Facebook this morning and found a PM from Frank from Patriot Woodworker  who has Pay It Forward Google the movie. Thanks Frank for the accolades and the guys for their comments posted on your blog .

This came about after my post on Mike Ellison. 

I have had a number of emails some I need to edit regrading posts already made some I am just waiting for more information and or photos as not all have web links. Thanks to those who have responded I will get around to posting those details but I need some time in my workshop too LOL.

Ray Sanderson

George Claxton Rugby Player Woodworker

George’s Story…
On Sunday 26 February, while playing for Blackburn U15s, George Claxton went to tackle an opposition player coming off the back of a ruck and threatening his team’s line. What happened next nobody really knows, except George committed everything and was left still on the ground. Seconds later the game was stopped and his life changed.
Several weeks and one major operation later George is now in Sheffield Spinal Injuries Unit, in a wheelchair and working hard to win the mobility and independence every young man wants but so few come to truly appreciate. Given the challenges he now faces his spirit is an inspiration. There is a bubble of positivity and humour around George that is infectious and humbling. George has no feeling below his chest and the control he has in his fingers is limited, yet despite this he is inventing extraordinary ways to interact via phone and computer, and if you tweet or email him he will respond.
As well as being a part of the rugby community George is student at St Wilfrid’s Church of England High School and Technology College with deep roots either side of the Pennines in both Blackburn and Sheffield. This website is here to help you and George connect and support the efforts of the community around George to raise funds for his Trust Fund and make some sort of difference. Please read on, join in, connect and donate
Thanks
George

Another First For Me

This week I tried some wood turning in the Occupational Health workshop. This is the first time that the Therapist has had a Tetra attempt it.

For those who do not know I have no movement in my fingers or Triceps muscles, this makes it impossible for me to grip anything with any power and some arm movements are not possible. A quick check of Triceps usage is to put your hand on the back of your head and try to lift your arm straight up in the air.
I had the chisel bandaged in place and off we went, the therapist held on to me to make sure I was stable as I cannot use my stomach muscles either and I did a few “cuts”.
I have used a Lathe before at my Granddads so I knew how to do it.
I did not make anything this time but I am hoping that next time there will be something to show for the effort.
You can see my first attempt on the lathe on “youtube” by following the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zytAX2VlmfE
Thanks
George C

I can't recall how I found Georges site and his turning but he has granted permission as have many others. I am not sure I am keen on the safety factor of strapping a gouge to his hand one dig in or catch could have some disastrous results like broken bones. I would suggest an arm support type I can't find the image darn it as soon as I do I'll post and edit and put it up. Its a metal brace a frame which at the fore arm area is shaped like a U with Velcro to strap it on. A rod attached/welded down along towards the wrist and hand where gouges can be quickly be slotted into without need for changing the brace. If I recall I saw it for a one armed turner.

Looking at you having a go your slouch in getting stuck in. I love this vessel your grandad has done I think I have seen it somewhere before on a forum. Your in good hands if he's the one teaching you.

Edited 1346hrs Thursday 27th June.

I found a similar photo George see the brace set up on this, if velcro was strapped over the top along the arm bit and a hand brace made to suit your hand which had the ability to slot the various tools required to turn in bingo your turning like a pro.
This tool is from Lee Valley in USA but I am sure with

 Here's a similar one see the strap fitting.

I suggest a look at Rolly Munroe's tools or Robert Sorby modular set I am sure Grand dad knows these tools. I might be jumping the starting pistol but worth a try.

Richmond Valley Woodcrafters & Phillip Consalvo

 My first dealing with House With No Steps  was when at school and we had a visit from someone from the centre along with someone in a wheelchair.
Little did  know back then that over the years I would have closer ties with them through work life. When a coach driver I took groups who were raising funds for the House With No Steps to visit the centre at Belrose. Years later, on tour on the north coast we visited the centre at Alstonville just prior its opening. To see that they are still actively helping the community is amazing. 
Then a mate got a job in the office admin and he asked if I could organise a Hunter Valley wine trip which I did. What an amazing day staff and people from with in the facility and some how lived outside. One fellow who was wheelchair bound had traveled the world he sat beside me in his small wheelchair while I drove the coach a man full of life and knowledge. Those who could walk on did so and some had to be carried. By days end carers refused to carry them on and off that was after 4 wineries, lunch and all the tastings. The last top was Dr Jurds at Wollombi.  I raced over to tell staff form Dr Jurds our problem soon jugs and glasses were being passed around the coach for tasting we left there with 4 boxes of Dr Jurds thats besides what was already in the luggage bin.

Richmond Valley Woodcrafters
Address:
House With No Steps, 253 Wardell Rd, Alstonville, NSW 2477



Operating Hours
Tuesday to Saturday inclusive: 9am to about 3pm.
Other times available by prior agreement with the Workshop Manager or Supervisors.

 Membership:
‘The club is incorporated as  a not-for-profit organisation to provide woodcrafting facilities for members of all ages and abilities.  Special facilities are available for physically disabled people.’
House With No Steps Relationship:
Located within the House With No Steps complex [near the Nursery] the club is part of their attractions and tours of their site include a visit to the workshop where club activities can be observed.
Workshop description:
‘ The recently completed 24mx10m workshop is now operating. Full workshop capability will gradually be realized as experience allows us to improve and eventually finalise the layout of the work areas.  The facility boasts a large wood-drying/storage shed on site. Additionally, an extension to the rear of the workshop is currently under construction.  The workshop operates under the control of Workshop Supervisors with formal Workshop Operating Procedures and OH&S Procedures in place.

http://www.hwns.com.au/

G’day Ray

I was asked to reply to your recent email to our Club regarding people with a disability doing wood work

I  am a paraplegic (T8,9) and enjoy wood turning and other woodworking projects  .

I personally have a Carb-a-tec  Lathe , I chose this one because it came with a cheap base and had a swivel head for outboard turning,

I built my own stand , just high enough to allow my knees to clear the bed.   

I am very fortunate to be a member of the Richmond Valley Woodcrafters Club as they have been very supportive and only too willing to adapt a lathe and a Bandsaw

to my height requirements , and also made the workshop wheelchair friendly.

As far as  these purpose built lathes for people with a disability , I personally have not had any experience with them and probably could not afford to own one ,

I only turn for enjoyment and to keep my mind active, so it can become a bit expensive if you are not careful

I hope this answers a few of your questions and would be happy to hear from you in the future

Phillip J Consalvo

Thanks Richomnd Valley and Phillip for your in put, I am going to have to come up with some questions I think for those and myself as to how and what you do what you do.

Ray.

Erik's Warren Originals and Autism

I have a scroll saw it doesn't get used often maybe twice a year my fingers are not as strong as they should be more use of it could possibly strengthen them.
In my life time I have known and experienced people with Autism and am amazed at their skills and hidden talents.

Erik Warren a fellow who has some amazing skill and talent with a Scroll Saw 

Welcome To Erik's Originals

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According to the Centers for Disease Control Web site, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism, autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autism have unusual ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to different sensations. Their thinking and learning abilities can vary from gifted to severely challenged. Autism begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.

However, this website isn't just about autism... It's about a man named Erik Warren who lives with autism and with guidance from his family, has found a true gift to help him deal with his compulsions. 

 Erik has also hit the news in the USA some videos of him working on this page.

Erik has attached some interesting links to do with Autism these may surprise even you they did me.

Erik calls this one "The Thinking Man's Seat"

 Hello Raymond,

Thank you for your inquiry, and please feel free to link to our website.  We are currently in the process of initiating some changes to the site, but when completed, we would be pleased to return the favor.

If I can be of further assistance, please contact me.

Best regards,

Bonnie
For Erik Originals

Thanks Erik and Bonnie

Ray Sanderson