Turning on the TV

Ever watch TLC and catch the Canadian produced show, How’s It Work? Caught two episodes while catching up on some computer housekeeping.

Since I commented on the “fast turn” pen video and then watched Mot’s video on the same, I thought I’d share that they showcased an unnamed turner whose specialty is the making of wooden pens. They showed maybe 30 variations on the Slimline style pen. And they did a pretty good quickie explanation of the process. The guy does not use expected tools for assembly, but his turning is fine. Used a yellow plastic mallet instead of a press, and a regular woodworking vise to press the guts into the lower tube. Made my sensibilities twitch. Did not even pad the darned thing with wood to protect the plating. And it looked like he used a dead bushing to hold the part of the kit where the refill actually protrudes from the unit off the bench so he could whack it! YOY!

The second feature was much better. Showed a professional conga drum turner! Pretty darned cool. Nothing fancy, but took it from stave construction to hair removal on the cowhide and of course final assembly. Played it a few beats and smiled on the way to black.

-- Dean, Missouri