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Click on any image to see a larger version.
After a 43-year career of computer data analysis and predictive modeling for various government
institutions, my woodturning shop has become my sanctuary for doing what I want, when I want, the
way I want. At the urging of my wife for me to see something besides computers and statistical
presentations, I attended a woodworking show in Baltimore in 2006. Tucked away among the big
vendor power machine booths was the local Chesapeake Woodturners of Annapolis, putting on a laid-
back friendly demonstration of functional wood art pieces. Awaking some dormant artistic/craftsman
itch, I was immediately hooked and joined the club. I am also an active member of the American Association of Woodturners, and the Chesapeake Woodturners.
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Black Pearl
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It's been a friendly challenge-and- learn
improvement party ever since. I quickly attached myself to some excellent club mentors,
Temple Blackwood
(a
regular contributor
for The Highland Woodturner). in particular, who helped me master the skew, work from a
"story stick," and understand production work. From this excellent grounding, my love for variety has
driven me through recurring projects in natural edge, off-center, threading, dye, hollow forms and
subtle embellishments. I find inspiration in everything from classic forms to Pop Art. My goal for every
piece is a good profile that distinctively features the natural wood medium.
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Pueblo Pot - Cherry Burl
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My shop came together rather quickly after the first time I held a gouge to spinning wood in 2006. I
have one side of a double garage where two lathes, a big bandsaw, and a large table saw are in
permanent positions, with smaller power equipment such as my jointer, sander, planer and router
table on rolling platforms so my wife can park her car on "her side" of the garage. It was necessary to
install four 220-volt lines and build a 14' by 8' kick-out to my side of the garage for the 60-gallon air
compressor, air filtration vacuum system, floor model drill press, and lots of shelving. Additional lighting
and my music box provide the perfect environment for safe, fun, creative work.
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Pistachio Bowls
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By the time I retired this year at 67 I had collected enough wood, equipment and projects for my
passion. I have applied these factors according to the woodworker's model to yield the highest
probability of doing what I want, when I want, and how I want. In the final analysis, my wife of 43 years
is a kindhearted mastermind.
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Pepper Mills
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Autumn Crock
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Brimming Delight
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Cedar Wing
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Turned Jar
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Gene can be reached directly via email at
turneroftruro@gmail.com
. You can view more of his work by visiting his
Facebook Page
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