Woodworking Presentations
Given ample advance scheduling, I am available to
present programs on different topics to interested woodworking groups. Please contact me to check on availability.
I have presented the following presentations to various groups of woodworkers
"A Review of Woodworking Abrasives" - This
is a Powerpoint presentation that reviews the basics of
abrasives used in woodworking to achieve superior finishes.
A background is given about what kinds of abrasives work best in which
situations, and explanations of grit sizes and systems of
coated abrasives reporting (i.e. CAMI versus
FEPA), backings, and various sanding systems for different
applications. In addition to the discussion on abrasives
themselves, a review of sanding equipment (hand and power) and the
merits and limitations of each system is also presented.
Suggestions and hints on abrasive use, and involvement of the
audience to share experiences is also incorporated at the end of the
discussion.
"Dust Collection: Basics of System Design and Installation" - This
presentation includes a discussion of basic facts about the difference
between dust collection and air filtration, and how the latter does not
compensate for the lack of the former! In this Powerpoint talk, I
give an introduction to dust collection systems, including a review of
the fundamentals of ductwork and dust collection theory, an explanation
of static pressure (and system static pressure loss), resistance, air
flow volumes, particle separation and filtration, and associated
concepts. Several examples of dust collection installations are
compared, and different ductwork components, and attachment to
stationary woodworking machinery. Consideration of the use of
non-metal ductwork and 'small scale' systems is also discussed.
Basic human health factors about generation of wood dust, and
personal protection equipment are also included in the discussion.
"Tool Buying Strategies" - This
presentation reviews some basic strategies for procuring a range of
tools for the hobbyist woodworker, and goes over the options available
for those setting-up a woodworking shop, for both beginners and
established woodworkers. Availability of woodworking tools on the
used market, through auction sites and the Internet, and from various
tool vendors are compared as to advantages and disadvantages. The
concept of developing a "whole-shop" tool buying strategy is presented,
along with recommendations for when and when not to buy used tools,
making use of discounts and special sales, and when it is advisable to
"go new" or to re-build "classic" older tools. This presentation
generates a lot of audience discussion and presentation of a range of
audience tool buying anecdotes!
"Setting-up A Woodworking Shop" - The
design and layout of a woodworking shop is particularly
important to maximize use and efficiency of the available
space. How the equipment is arranged in the workshop space must be
decided in conjunction with considerations of a dust collection system design,
available electrical service, work flow, and anticipated diversity of
equipment and intended projects the shop is supposed to support.
Ergonomic considerations of equipment arrangement, lighting, air filtration,
and dust collection are examined, along with electrical requirements
for powering the shop's equipment. The importance of where the shop is located
(i.e. garage, basement, outbuilding, etc.), the scale of intended
projects, storage requirements, and providing a pleasant and healthy
work environment are also discussed. This presentation is useful to
those who are setting-up a woodworking shop for the first time, or for
those with established shops who are interested in improving the
efficiency, safety, and "enjoyability" of their shop.
"An Introduction To Woodturning" - is
a Powerpoint presentation that reviews the history of the lathe as a
woodworking tool, presents the basics of lathe selection, describes the
main types of turning tools, and various types of woodturning projects.
This is also coupled with a demonstration of basic turning
techniques at the lathe for both spindle turning and bowl/vessel
turning. The presentation is helpful to both beginning
woodturners, as well as woodturners with some experience, since it
reviews the basics of the lathe and the tools used to do all basic
techniques of woodturning.
"The Geometry of Woodturning" -
This is a demonstration that integrates two approaches to show the
importance of understanding the geometry of how woodturning is
done. The demonstration integrates Powerpoint graphics to show
the basic theory behind the geometry of different woodturning
techniques, and an on-lathe demonstration and explanation of the use of lathe
tools when making specific cuts with gouges, parting tools, scrapers,
and skews. The importance of understanding proper lathe tool presentation (and the
angles required in proper positions relative to the spinning workpiece)
that are necessary to make efficient and effective cuts are emphasized.
"The Complexity and Diversity of Wood" - This
is a Powerpoint presentation that explains the characteristics of wood
at the cellular level, reviews how trees make wood, and explains many
physical characteristics of wood, and how wood is processed, including
the milling and drying of timber. The presentation also provides
an overview of the diverse kinds of wood from many families of trees,
including both domestic and exotic woods.
My Contact Information:
e-mail: rwallace@iastate.edu OR robwallacewoodturner@mchsi.com
Telephone: 1-515-292-5785 - Please call between 5:30 and 9:30 pm (Central Time Zone)
Back to Rob Wallace's Home Page
Last Updated: 6 May 2007