The following information is a description of my fees, requirements, and provisions for a demonstration or workshop. I have tried to be as comprehensive as possible. If after reading this document you have questions, please email me or call me using the information at the end.
What I offer
I am available to demonstrate for a club or other group gathering. My demonstrations are geared for as short as a single evening to as long as two days. I strive to provide something for every level of turner from beginner to advanced. My demonstration can be tailored to fit the needs or desires of the people who will be attending.
I am also available for hands on workshops of varying size and scope. Again these workshops are tailored to those who will be attending. I prefer to keep workshops small so as to devote as much time as possible to each participant. In the event that a group wants to schedule a larger workshop, I ask that assistants be available to help with some of the details of running an efficient and productive session. Most workshops have a maximum of six participants. I have done workshops with as many as 12, but with assistants available to help out.
Finally I am available for private lessons in the shops of turners local to where I am demonstrating. As with the demonstration or workshop, the details of a private session need to be arranged before I make my travel plans. Private classes can be had by individuals or groups up to three.
What I charge
Please write me at bill@wonderfulwood.com for current rates. As of this writing, my rates have been the same since 2007.
I am happy to stay in the home of a club member with one caveat. I do not sleep on a sofa bed. I will sleep on a mattress on the floor, or in just about any other bed, but sofa beds are not made for people like me. I am not a picky eater and will eat what is served. I do not require a special diet.
In the event that accommodations in a club member's home are not available, an inexpensive hotel is fine for me. All I need is a bed and a bathroom. Hotel fees are paid by the club or by the members who contract with me for private lessons.
What I provide
If I travel to the demonstration site in my truck, I will provide all the wood, tools, and accessories I will need for my demonstration. In some instances I may request a chuck or faceplate if the demonstration lathe is one for which I do not have the appropriately threaded accessories. Whenever possible I will provide show pieces of completed work which are specific to the planned demonstration.
What I request
In the event that I am not able to travel in my own truck, I will request that wood and some tooling be provided by the host club. I am usually able to arrive with all my own tools and safety equipment.
In all cases, the host club, or individuals taking private lessons, will need to provide the wood for workshops or lessons. I will be specific in my descriptions ahead of time so that there is little chance of misunderstanding and subsequent problems with a demonstration or workshop.
I usually request a whiteboard or other method for sketching illustrations for group activities.
I do not require any deposit beyond that of travel expenses incurred beforehand. For example, if I am required to purchase a plane ticket, I ask that that ticket be paid for upon purchase. If I am traveling by car, I can wait until I arrive for reimbursement.
Any questions or comments can be directed to me via email, bill@wonderfulwood .com, or by phone at 610-248-7661.
1995
Bucks County Woodturners, Newtown PA
Unofficial club meeting in a private home shop, Perkasie PA
Mini symposium sponsored by The Woodturning Center, Newtown PA
1996
Lehigh Valley Woodworking Guild, Allentown PA
1999
Lehigh Valley Turners, Allentown PA
Lehigh Valley Woodworking Guild, Allentown PA
2003
Central NY Woodturners, Syracuse NY
Central Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis IN
2005
Woodcraft, Harrisburg PA
Woodturners Guild of Ontario, Toronto ON, Canada
Keystone Turners, Limerick PA
Woodcraft, Allentown PA
2006
Woodcraft, Harrisburg PA
Coulee Region Woodturners, La Crosse WI
Cape Atlantic Woodturners, Cape May NJ
Smith Mt. Lake Woodturners, Moneta VA
Tiverton Middle School, Tiverton RI
New Jersey Woodturners, North Plainfield NJ
Bi-City Woodturners, Columbus GA
GA Association of Woodturners, Atlanta GA
Turners Anonymous, Pittsburgh PA
Woodcraft, Baltimore PA
2007
Keystone Turners, Limerick PA
Lehigh Valley Woodworking Guild, Allentown PA
Lehigh Valley Turners, Allentown PA
Artistic Woodturners of NW FL, Pensacola FL
Emerald Coast Woodturning Guild, Freeport FL Florida West Coast Turners, Largo FL
Woodcraft, Allentown PA
Western NY Woodturners II, Hamburg NY
Baltimore Area Woodturners, Towson MD
Chesapeake Woodturners, Annapolis MD
Cape Cod Woodturners, West Barnstable MA
Central NY Woodturners, Syracuse NY
DelVal Woodturners, Haddonfield NJ
Kaatskill Turners, Kingston NY
Capitol Area Woodturners, Alexandria VA
Montgomery County Woodturners, Rockville MD
Buckeye Woodturners and Woodworkers Club, Akron OH
2008
North Coast Woodturners, Parma, OH
Emerald Coast Woodturning Guild, Freeport, FL
Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild, Cincinnati, OH
Lancaster Area Woodturners, East Petersburg, PA
Baltimore Area Turners, Towson, MD
Towson MD Woodcraft store demo (separate event from above)
Harrisburg PA Woodcraft store demo
Atlantic Shore Woodturners Club, Lakewood, NJ
2009
Philadelphia Furniture Workshop two day open house demo
Arizona Woodturners Association, Tempe, AZ
Chandler AZ Woodcraft demo (separate event from above)
Emerald Coast Woodturning Guild, Freeport, FL
Loess Hills Woodturners, Omaha, NE
Massachusetts South Shore Woodturners, Abington, MA
Turning Southern Style Symposium, Helen, GA
DelVal Woodturners, Haddonfield, NJ (pending)
2010
John C. Campbell Folk School (pending)
Emerald Coast Woodturning Guild, Freeport, FL (pending)