I am no longer available to do demonstrations or workshops requiring overnight travel. I also have discontinued doing Interactive Remoted Demonstrations (IRDs) over the internet.
These are some of the demonstrations I have done. Typically these are 1-1/2 to 2 hours long which is typical for symposia and woodturning clubs that meet in the evening. Longer demonstrations can be arranged for clubs that meet on a weekend that typically run longer by adding topics or going into more depth. For a downloadable List of Demonstrations click here. If you have another topic you would like to see, we can discuss.
Note some demos have a relevant article I have published or a separate project handout. The articles and handouts are located under the Resources Tab under Demonstration and Projects Handouts.
Add Pizzazz with Texturing
Mike Peace demonstrates adding embellishments to turning projects such as bowls and boxes using a variety of texturing tools such as the Sorby or Crown Spiraling and Texturing tools, Knurling Tool, mini texturing tool with Dremel burr and a chatter tool. He explains the when, why and how for each tool. Mike’s article on Texturing and Spiraling was published in the December 2013 issue of American Woodturner. Note: This has been one of my most popular topics and I have demonstrated it at three different symposiums.
So You Want to Turn a Chess Set?
Demonstration Description: Mike Peace will demonstrate how to turn a chess set. A chess set is not that difficult for a novice turner. He will cover chess set design, wood selection, using story sticks, chucking, turning and finishing. You can access his article on turning a chess set published in the Feb 2020 American Woodturner on his website, MikePeaceWoodturning.com.
Here is a link to my playlist of chess set making videos on my YouTube channel.
The Skew
Do you think a skew is the devil’s can opener? Perhaps Mike Peace will dispel some of your fears as he demonstrates how to use the skew as he makes some simple lathe projects. He will show what causes skew catches and skate backs and how to avoid them. He will demonstrate different types of skews and explain the pros and cons of different skew grinds and demonstrate how he sharpens a skew.
Lidded Box
Mike Peace goes through the basics of box making from rough turning to finish turning. He also covers design aspects of box making. This can be combined with thread chasing for a half day demonstration.
Chucking Wood – Or How to Hold Wood on the Lathe
Mike demonstrates the multitude of ways to hold wood on a lathe. This comprehensive demonstration covers between center essentials and securing work without tailstock support including: safe use of scroll chucks, wood worm screw, face plates, and a variety of alternative shop-made methods to hold different turning projects like screw chucks, glue blocks, jam chucks, friction chucks, collets and mandrels. He also demonstrates vacuum chucking.
Note: I do not do this demo outside of my shop because there is too much to pack up and carry. You can watch a video of my demonstration here and read the viewer comments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUXil-5dEeo&t=370s
Introduction to Spindle Turning
Mike Peace covers the basics of spindle turning and how it can be useful to any woodworker who might be interested in turning a table leg, baluster or simply want to make a new handle for a file.
Multi Axis Water Bird
Mike will demonstrate turning a water bird using a simple multi axis technique that most turners can implement. This project can be done on a mini lathe using a scroll chuck.
Christmas Ornaments
Hot air balloon ornament, a hand bell ornament and perhaps more as well as tips and tricks for folks making ornaments to kick them up a notch.
Note: This is a very popular topic in the Fall as folks start thinking about Christmas gift making.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Mike demonstrates how to turn a small Christmas tree suitable as a Christmas tree ornament or a bit larger to stand on a table. He Demonstrates making four different styles with different toppers.
Note: This is a very popular topic in the Fall as folks start thinking about Christmas gift making.
Turning Small Spindle Projects
In this demo Mike will demonstrate several small spindle projects each with their own different method for chucking: light and fan pulls, knobs, and pill boxes.
Add Pizzazz With Hand Chased Threads
Ever thought about adding threads to your lidded boxes, jars, or urns? Learn why a turner may wish to climb the learning curve of hand thread chasing instead of using a threading jig. Mike will demonstrate the ABC’s of traditional hand thread chasing techniques as he makes a box with a threaded lid. He will show how he uses various shop made ancillary tools in hand threading.
Note: requires a variable speed lathe with speeds from 250 RPM.
Add Pizzazz With a Threading Jig
Mike will demonstrate how you can consistently and easily cut threads with a thread cutting jig. A threading jig allows for threading many domestic hardwoods that would generally not be suitable for threads.
Note: For on site demos, this will require a 12″ midi lathe.
Turning Coffee Scoops
In this demo Mike Peace shows how to make two different style coffee scoops. One is a one piece coffee scoop with a captive ring and turned in two axes. The second is a two piece style coffee scoop.