Keith Gotschall         

 Topics

    I have a large variety of demonstration topics to choose from. It can be aimed at a group that is heavy on the begginer side of things, or a very advanced level. I have gotten lots of feedback and comments about how well I explain things. Even the simple sounding demos have a wealth of information that is covered. Here are a few choices, contact me if you need more information on them, or if you even have a suggestion for what you might like to see. I am always open to trying new things.

    Spindle -vs- Bowl turning, compare and contrast. Though this is aimed at the novice turner, there will be plenty of material to pick up for all skill levels. All the different tools will be talked about and their use gone over and demonstrated. All the basic cuts will be made, and grain direction in regards to tool use will be discussed extensively. This demo is one sure to please, and has a surprise at the end.   

    Lidded Bowl. A bowl and matching lid will be made in this demo, a lot of ground to cover in an hour and a half. The uses of the scroll chuck will be gone over for both expansion and contracting modes. Tool use and design potential will be addressed. Great for the novice or intermediate turner.

    Sal-turn.  A very different type of salt/pepper shaker! This demo will go over the steps and techniques necessary to make a really unique item. There are no holes in the top, no stopper on the bottom, How does it work? End grain hollowing, and other fundamentals of box making are discussed. A very clever shaker!

    Delicate bowl with beaded detail. This demo will concentrate on small gallery quality bowls with details of a different wood. It takes several steps and re-chuckings to make these, and tips for all sorts of turning will be covered. Beyond the basic turning techniques, design and crisp detailing will be discussed.

    Off center platter. The techniques for making a normal platter will be covered in this demo, as well as the special considerations needed for making one off-center. This will be a playful demo, with some input from the crowd expected with the design. This is one of my more popular demonstrations. 

    Natural Edge Bowls.  I go over the considerations you need to keep in mind when doing this sort of project. Start to finish there is a lot of information that is good for everyone to keep in mind. The use of a strong light to help with wall thickness, balancing the natural edge, special sanding techniques, wood choice. Much of the material covered is applicable to all types of turning. 

    Bowl Turning.  Sounds basic, but there is a wealth of knowledge behind me on this subject. As a production turner I have learned the hard way all sorts of lessons that turners of any ability will find useful. This is a fast moving demo as there is so much to cover. I go through wood selection, cutting from the log, rough turning, drying, re-turning, sanding, turning green, how to season, finish, and even sell the bowls. A dry and green bowl will be turned for contrast. 

Fees 

    I really prefer to talk to the program organizer about this, that way we can often figure a way to make things work the most smoothly. That said it often helps to just get the numbers out there and try working from that point. It sometimes helps to string a couple things together, such as a hands on teaching day with a night time demonstration. Another way to make travel work is get a couple nearby clubs to share in costs. There is almost always a way to make it work. 

    Fee structure is as follows.

In Colorado: Club demo only $250 plus expenses and accommodation if necessary.  Full day, $500 plus expenses etc.   I don't charge for the travel, outside of fuel for my vehicle.

Outside of Colorado: $500 per day, plus expenses including travel and accommodation. (I don't mind spending the night with a club member)

What I do during that day is up to you, hands on teaching, club demo, or even both. When a teaching day is split up among a few students it soon becomes affordable.  

    Don't hesitate to contact me to see what we can work out. 

Contact info

Turning Demonstrations  

A list of scheduled events for 2008

Next
 

Bismark North Dakota, Dakota Woodturners Symposium  

April 11,12,13 2008   

Thank you North Dakota Woodturners!!

I had a great time with all of you, thanks for your fine hospitality.   

Provo Symposium, Utah

May 22, 23, 24 

A great time had by all!!!!!!! 

Orange County California

June 21st

A big thank you to everyone in Orange County, I had a great time with all of you, best of luck with your turning! 

Pueblo Woodturners, Colorado

July 9th 

Great little club you have there! What a wonderful meeting place, everything a demonstrator could hope for. I had fun with you all, hope you did the same. 

Colorado Springs woodturners, Colorado

August 6th 

The meeting went great, so good to see you all again. I had a great time, thanks for being such a terrific audience! Hope to see you all soon.

Rocky Mountain Woodturning Symposium

Sept. 13, 14

Fantastic time, all the demos were well attended and enthusiastic. Great to see people from so far away come to Loveland. Big fun, looking forward to next year.