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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a1QISYNGHs

Dakota MasterWorks

"Gone Fishing"
by
Dave Johnson

Congratulations once again to Dave Johnson for winning  the 3D Best of Show in the 19th Annual SDHCA Dakota MasterWorks Art Show for his wood carving entitled "Gone Fishing."  Likewise to Edwin Baatz for his large wood burned piece, “The Heather House,” which earned the People's Choice Award.   See that and more winners at: 2015 MasterWorks Winners

October Meeting--Pumpkin Carving

Never have I seen a group of wood carvers  so silently engrossed in their creative use of sharp knives and gouges as they were this Saturday morning.  Normally there is a conversation or two or more going on about something--even when the president is trying to get everyone's attention for a short time-out for club business or special announcements.  No doubt the ease with which everyone's Tormek sharpened, razor edged tools pierced the hide and flesh of their garden grown victims was a new and rather captivating departure from the experience of carving basswood.

By lunch time there were at least five pumpkins and one somewhat squashed squash with faces carved in them.  Thanks to our president, Derek Boekhoff, for rounding up all the pumpkins, and providing printed samples of the many possibilities for pumpkin carving!  Pumpkins were still available for members who arrived for carving after lunch, and I believe everyone had a very good time.

It has worked well to extend the Third Saturday Meeting time for the S D Woodcarvers, Inc. from 1 PM to 9 AM, thus merging with the Active Generations carving class, which meets weekly, almost every other Saturday morning and every Monday morning.  It gives the class leader, Nancy Cummings, a little break, and while several members of SDWC, Inc. also attend the weekly classes, it gives non-SDWC members a chance to participate in our monthly project and decide how beneficial it might be to pay the $10 and become a voting member of the club.  

A hearty welcome to our newest such member, John Schaefer!

Tormek T-7 Sharpener

The new Tormek T-7 sharpening system is now available for use by qualified members of SDWC and/or Center for Active Generations Woodcarving Class.  A "qualified member " means someone who has read the little booklet on Safety and has watched at least one of several U-Tube videos on sharpening with the Tormek T-7.  There is also an instruction book and DVD available in the accessories tray for "how-to-do" viewing and learning.  At no extra cost, a little pack of band-aids was included with the accessories--because there is always someone who thinks it is a good idea to test the sharpness of a tool by rubbing the edge with the flesh side of his thumb.

Here is one suggestion for a "how-to" video on U-Tube: Standard Package

Here is another: Sharpening a Chef's Knife

In Memory of Ron Schulte

Ronald Schulte, dear friend and devoted member of South Dakota Woodcarvers, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 31, 2015, at the Sanford Medical Center.  During the past fifteen years as a member of our club, he rarely missed a meeting.  His talent for woodcarving was exceptional, and we will miss him very much.

Miller Funeral Home