Jol Wilkinson wrote:Perhaps what might help are inexpensive one day workshops, perhaps held/supported by area groups where those wishing to acquire new skills could do so.
The Society has run two beginners' workshops in the past and a third is currently being considered by an area group. The numbers attending were modest but sufficient to make them viable. We can provide more if there is sufficiuent demand, if there is a suitable venue and if there are people to do the teaching. The first two were tutored by members of the committee but this does not have to be the case. As part of the same thing, I have run two lathe workshops, one locally and open to all and one for an area group, and I had a request recently for another one for an area group. Again these can be done subect to the same conditions as above and then all you have to do is ask.
JFS wrote:I first used a lathe when I was nine years old (my dad was a turner!) and as a 12 year old AT SCHOOL I first, did some proper turning, coppersmithing, siver soldering.
And when I started teaching 46 years ago that is what I taught. It is however worth remembering that boys (and it was boys then) only had that experience if they went to what were either secondary modern or technical schools. Those who passed the 11+ exam went to a grammar school and had very little experience of such things. There are lots of very fine modellers out there, including some women, and a significant number under 35 who did not have the experience that Howard mentions. Where did they learn their skills?
KK92 wrote:I for myself have a lathe and a milling machine but due to job and family comitments I find not much time to use these tools extensively.
When the Society stand is at exhibitions we frequently hear this sort of comment and of course it is true to a large extent - it certainly was when I had a young family and a demanding job. However if we really, really want to do something - watch a film, go to a show, or to a sports event. most people will find the time.
Terry Bendall