Historical Demonstrations

Historical, or heritage, woodworking has always been a passion of mine.  Pole lathe turning is my favourite way of connecting with the past as an artisan.  In my demonstrations, I try to emphasize the direct line that links the raw material to the finished product through the craftsman.

While "performing", I refer to the technology and tools I use, the materials and the way they were treated, and the methods of working the wood.  I start with a log and end with a spoon, a chair leg, a spirtle, or a bowl.  The demonstration is interactive in that the audience is invited to participate and respond to the informal history "lessons" while I use the lathe and/or the shave horse.

People are drawn to the pole lathe almost as a thing that lives and breathes on its own. 

Contact me at sew_historic@yahoo.ca for availablity and rates.