2017 What a year!
The end of the year is almost upon us. And what a great year it has been. I predicted 2017 was going to be an excellent year, and so far it has exceeded my expectations. I have heard from some of you from all over the world. Thank you for the nice comments about my articles on Woodturning Magazine. To know that you are reading my articles, enjoying them and putting them to use, makes it all worthwhile. In the shop, I almost feel guilty calling it work, after more than 20 years turning, I'm still having fun every time I walk in there. I have been blessed with more wood that I can use, I always have a fresh piece ready to throw on the Stubby 750. Thank you to everyone that bought one of my pieces. I really appreciate it. 2018 is right around the corner, I know that together we will make it an even better year!! Happy Holidays , Merry Xmas, and lots and happy shavings!! Aloha
A great year!
Things just keep getting better! After approaching the editor of the best woodturning magazine in the world, Woodturning UK, I was offered a contract to become a contributing writer. After careful consideration, of about 2 minutes, I accepted. I'm now their latest writer! My intro-bio has been presented, and in the May issue I will be introducing myself to the world. The great Bill Jones was himself a writer for Woodturning for over 20 years, those are some very big shoes to fill!
The picture above is of the Wailoa Arts Center , in Hilo, the Big Island of Hawaii. I wrote an article about the 19th annual woodturning show, and my demo, soon coming out in Woodturning UK!!
I was awarded a scholarship by the American Association of Woodturners. I'm going to one of the best Arts Schools in the world, famous Arrowmont, in Gatlinburg Tennessee. I'll be taking a class with Irish turner Emmet Kane. More on that in my August Blog, when I'm back home..
We have Lyle Jamieson doing a Demo for us on April 15th, then we have Dixie Biggs coming to Maui on May 13 and 14th, and finally Marco Giuolongo will be here in June!! Lots of things are happening, the hand chased boxes are well received and selling almost as fast as I can make them.
I have made lots of updates to the web site. More are coming, like with my turning its an always evolving site, I'm never done, always working, adding pictures and keeping it fresh. Till next time, Aloha.
Seabury Hall Craft Fair
I had a great time with some great company at the Seabury Hall Craft Fair. May 7th, 2016
The Seabury Hall fair is the largest one in the state of Hawaii. Artists and crafters come from as far as Oahu to sell their art.
This year we decided to promote the Maui woodturners association, and go to the fair as a club. I was joined by Shaun Fleming, Vince Hogan and Wayne Omura. Shaun is the current first place winner at the Hawaii Forestry Wood show, where the most talented woodworkers in Hawaii display their art once a year. Vince is the Vice President of the club and one of Hawaii's most talented woodturners. He specializes in custom made Hawaiian Calabashes, his signature work are the really big umekes. And last, Master woodturner Wayne Omura, our club Treasurer, famous for his big translucent Island Norfolk Pine bowls. Wayne was the most succesfull seller of the our group at the fair!
His small items were selling like hot cakes! I learned a lot from him yesterday. I learned that I need a better, more profesisional display, I need some inexpensive but nice looking boxes and bags for my items, when they sell… I learned that along with big ticket items I need some small things for the casual looker than doesnt want to spend big money, but wants some nice Koa items…
Overall it was a great experience, had fun, met new customers, saw old friends and made some new ones…
That's me! Yous truly, Emiliano Achaval at the fair….
New Studio!!
It seems like yesterday when I got my first lathe… With the help of some friends I was able to make the move in just a few days. My "new" location is the old 3 car detached garage at my house… I love it. Its great to be able to work, almost out of the house.
During the move I found things that I had forgotten, put away in a dusty drawer. Some I didnt even know what they were, but since they look like something usable, back in a clean drawer they went…
This time I was able to set up the shop right. I'm only a step away from my Baldor grinder with CBN wheels, so I can sharpen and be back turning in under 20 seconds. My tool rack is even closer… I now have a window, a double big window, so much light!! Today I was turning most of the day without light, just with the sunlight, shining perfectly on the headstock area…
The studio is big enough to be able to hold the meetings of The Maui Woodturners Association, as you know, I'm the President of this newly found American Association of Woodturners Chapter Club…
This monday , April 18th, we are hosting Andi Cole, President of the Honolulu Woodturners Association. Andi will be showing us how to core a bowl with the McNaughton coring System.
A new chapter has started. New and exciting times are ahead. Every piece of wood is a wonder ready to be discover… Till nex time, Aloha
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My new Studio
Woodturning in Paradise
Each visitor reminded me how lucky we are to live in Hawaii!! First, I dont have to have a heater in my shop. I can turn with shorts all year round. If it was safe, I could turn with my flip flops on too…
Second, we take for granted all the native hardwood species, specially the Koa and Koa'ia… We also have, Pheasant wood, True Kamani, Milo, Mango, Avocado, Lychee, and the list goes on…
Shipping charges to the mainland are very expensive, making very hard to share our beautful hawaiian woods. But a few of the visitors took back small pieces of Koa, showing the Aloha spirit to our AAW brothers…
A new chapter has started in my life, as President of the Maui Woodturners Association… A great group of people have joined, 23 members so far!!
We have montlhy meetings, we exchange ideas, learn new things, have a wood raffle, and the main thing, we have a lot of fun!!!
Each pice that comes off my lathe is a labour of love. I'm my worst critic, If I'm not completly satisfied, the piece will not be for sale, or given to the customer that order it. Till next time, Aloha, safe turning and make lots of chips.