Woodworkers learn new techniques, donate lathe

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Up There Woodturners of Aroostook County met on Nov. 1 at the Hodgdon Industrial Shop adjacent to Hodgdon High School.
    The Up There Woodturners had a twofold reason for gathering, as they presented a new lathe to the Hodgdon shop and they had a guest demonstrator.
    The lathe was purchased with money received through a development grant given by the American Association of Woodturners. Up There Woodturners leave at least one lathe in the Hodgdon shop so the organization has one at their disposal when meeting in Hodgdon. The lathe can also be used by the Hodgdon shop students for projects, as well.
    Up There Woodturners began in the fall of 2009. They became a chapter of the AAW, which is a national, not-for-profit organization. Currently, Dee Cote is the chapter president.
    “We have 10 to 12 members actively,” said member Matt Cowan.
Pioneer Times photograph
CLOSER LOOK — Matt Cowan takes a closer look at the wood turned by guest demonstrator Al Mathers during the Up There Woodturners meeting held at Hodgdon’s Industrial Shop on Nov. 1. Mathers is using the lathe donated by the Up There Woodturners.
    The group meets  the first Wednesday of every month.
    “We typically alternate between the Hodgdon industrial arts building or one of our own shops,” said Cowan.
    At each meeting, the woodturning participants decide upon a project to complete.
    Each member of the group has their own style for woodturning and at their last meeting they learned the Art of “inside out” woodturning by guest demonstrator Al Mather.
    The Up There Woodturners’ mission is to educate and share woodworking experiences. The group is looking into getting more involved in community activities such as auctions, fundraisers, non-profit events, demonstrations, art and craft shows and educational activities.
    “There is no age limit,” said Cowan. “But minors must come with an adult. The club is open to both men and women who are interested in woodturning.”
    For more information, visit the Up There Woodturning of Aroostook County chapter on Facebook or call Cote, chapter president at 538-1870.