Thread: Timber offer + challenge

OK peoples, take it easy, this is not what it seams, and once again, "assuming" can be a double edged knife, and this is a good example, I explain.
As soon as ss_11000 confirmed his interest, I open the message editor to confirm our first participant, and to make a comment on the jokes made from my spelling mistake. Obviously and for some reason it took me a while to finish, close and send that post, by then, 2 other posts got in, without me knowing about it. There is, when my post #16 got in, the posts #14 & 15 were already there, but I didn't had a chance to see them because the modem went down, seconds after I send the post #16, just before 6:00 pm. I then left the computer room and went to the shed to do some stuff. An hour later or so, I got back to the computer, to check for any expressions of interest for the challenge, just to realise that the modem was still not on line (has been happing a lot lately with my Broadband), so I waited a bit, and then I decided to type off line (around 7:00 pm) some issues that I didn't had discussed before, and that were on my mind. I wrote that post (#21), not knowing what has been said since my last post #16, nor that were 2 other posts before that one, that I didn't see. Just before 7:30 pm, the light on the modem went green, as it got on line again all by itself (as it should) while I was looking at some other computer files. I open the forum page and click "submit reply" to send my message, but before I could do anything else and while the message was downloading, I had a phone call and I had to leave immediately. Got back home just after 11:00 pm, had a shower and dinner and then proceeded to seat at the computer to check things out, only to realise that since 6:00 pm, the circumstances have made some people believe and or assume that I was ignoring them or else. As I explain above, things are not always what they seam...! nor I would ever and deliberately ignore anyone. So if you guys don't mind, lets go back a little, to the post #14 and get and hold on matters.

Sorry, Frank&Earnest that I didn't read you post # 14. I don't really know that well everyone, nor I know in detail everyone's story. I should have mention on my first post under "challenge conditions", and instead of keep mentioning, new/rookie turners, I should have made clear what I meant about less experience turners, but I don't do these sort of things (challenges) often, so I wasn't clear enough, my apologies. I hope you understood what I said on my previous post, so your name will be added to the list, unless you feel that you shouldn't be there, your decision will be respected.

Weisyboy,
Sorry for missing your post.
Why shouldn't I be interested?, any price donation is welcome.
After all, someone will be very happy with your price offer.
On behalf of myself and the possible price winner, thank you.

,
Thanks

Pat & Tankstand,
You'r guys are on, thanks.

Robyn2839,
Could you please pick some other blank, #1 is taken, thanks.

Switt775,
You obviously want to do this so, you'r on. Thanks.

Harry72,
You are on. Thanks.

PARTICIPANTS LIST :
Name --------------------------- Blank #
1- ss_11000 ----------------------- 7
2- Frank&Earnest ---------------- 9
3- Pat ---------------------------- 1
4- Tankstand --------------------- 8
5- Robyn2839 ------------------- ? Advise please!
6- Switt775 --------------------- 3
7- Harry72 ---------------------- 6

Lots more of logs left, so don't be shy.

Obviously, in the end of the day, you are the only person that should determine if should or not, participate. My guide lines are just that, a guide to help you to decide what you should do, and what is required. As I mention before, timber is not a problem, and the more participants the better, considering that everyone is playing a FAIR game in this small challenge.

The amount of time you had a lathe for, or how long ago you started turning, does not classify anyone's experience. Is my believe tough, if you have been turning "solid" for over a year, you should know what you're doing, not an expert but experienced enough to make it very unfair to go "head to head" with someone that only had a few weeks or even months of turning experience, if you know what I mean...!!!

Thanks so far everyone.
Cheers
RBTCO

ss_11000
I think you should stay, for the fact that you as a young man, got a great future as a wood turner, and you are a good example for the young guys out there, to have a go at this very addictive art form. Nevertheless, you have the final say, your decision will be respected.
Thanks for you donation, someone will appreciate your offer.

Thefixer,
If you want to be on, just pick a log number, thanks.

HappyHammer,
"As you are a very new member can postage be paid once the log is received? Just a precaution in case you're actually in Nigeria not Adelaide.

The members here have reputations to maintain so I'm not trying to get out of paying it, more than happy to do so, just that we don't know you."

Nigeria? offering logs of Black Wattle? sure...!
That wasn't necessary, but if it makes you feel better, be my guest!


PARTICIPANTS LIST :
Name --------------------------- Blank #
1- ss_11000 ----------------------- 7
2- Frank&Earnest ---------------- 9
3- Pat ---------------------------- 1
4- Tankstand --------------------- 8
5- Robyn2839 ------------------- 12
6- Switt775 --------------------- 3
7- Harry72 ---------------------- 6
8- HappyHammer ---------------- 10

I will catch up, eventually.
Cheers
RBTCO

Hi everyone,
I decided to provide the Australia Post freight calculator, so that each one of you guys there are going to participate, can calculate also the postage costs to have the timber blank (log) sent to you.

I have just done a few tests with different locations, and I'm chocked with the prices they charge in our days. Indeed the $5.00 that I was expecting for example from were to Adelaide, the lowest cost in regular post not exceeding 3 kg is $8.45. If I use the 3kg Parcel Post Satchel, it will cost $9.30. But the same parcel sent to Melbourne in regular post is $11.60, while if sent on the 3kg Parcel Post Satchel, the charge still $9.30. I'm amazed with costs.

For your own calculation, you need the Postcode of parcel origin (5171) and parcel destination (your Postcode), you also need the weight (3 kg) and dimensions, length (35 cm) height (10 cm) and width (10 cm).

http://www1.auspost.com.au/pac/index.asp

I will be sending a PM soon, to the participants so far with payment instructions. Logs will be all wrapped on the Sunday, so that on the Monday they get on they way. With this extreme hit forecast for the week, I would get the goblet turned and sealed ASAP, keeping working on it until you got it as you want.

Note: Yesterday afternoon I checked the logs left on the grass where the pics were taken the day before, and I didn't like what I saw. Since the wood was selected and removed from its original stored place, the wood have become totally exposed to the present environmental conditions, sun, light and hot air, and in no time the log ends started to show small cracks due to the heat, so i though in submerse them overnight on soaping solution 50 - 50 liquid detergent and water, but that would double their weight and would need at least 8 to 10 days to get its original weight, and that would make difficult everyone get their piece on time and have it finished, so I had to make a quick decision and do the best second thing available to me, to protect the logs from drying too quick and crack trough, and that was to submerse both ends of the logs, half an inch to an inch from each end, on a mix of special synthetic dark brown "roof tar". They were also fumigated after that, so I will open the bags tomorrow (later) and see what else i should do to keep them in good shape.

Cheers
RBTCO

Thanks RBTCO. I can't speak for the others, but I did not assume anything about your intentions. I just explained why I might be seen as a "rookie" or not depending on the point of view. So, I will still be honoured to participate, but if somebody else will ask for the 12th spot before your deadline I will be equally happy to bow out to give somebody else that opportunity.

As regards postage and payment, have you considered the "cash on delivery" option, i.e everybody pays the postman the full cost and AP keeps the cost of postage and gives you the sale price of the item (in your case, zero. That would be the easiest, IMHO, no need for calculations and money outlay.

As regards the judging... why not sending to you the finished goblet? Photographs can mask a lot of turning imperfections, and it might come down to who is the best photographer, not necessarily the best turner (unless the judgment is just a matter of design, not of turning prowess).

If you decide to go that way, I offer as a prize to refund the cost of returning the three winning entries to the entrants. (The others can either leave the goblet with you or pay for it to be posted back).

Cheers

I couldn't trust my first goblet to Australia Post F&E

HH.

Originally Posted by HappyHammer

I couldn't trust my first goblet to Australia Post F&E

HH.

Never had a problem in 30 years.

Thanks Frank&Earnest,
As I mention on my first post, the number of logs available is a lot more than the 12 on the pic. That was a initial starting point, I could if necessary stretch the log number up to 50 or so. I will select, number, and take a pic at another 6 or so, some time today, so your place and log are safe.

Yes, I tent to agree with you, when it comes to the payment method. The cash on delivery is indeed a better option, voiding also any suspicion of my intentions. Thanks mate, I will take you suggestion and make it official, so guys (participants) lets get (PM me) your names, addresses and contact number, in case AUST. POST needs to contact you.

I can have all logs posted next Monday, if you guys provide the info ASAP. Also the deadline is on the 17 December 2007, and judgement processed on the following day 18 December. I will provide a timber log (blank) to anyone that wants to participate, even if the request is made on the 17/12 obviously, this would only work for someone local, but you got my drift, huh?

I appreciate and understand your offer and concern about the decision to be made from a couple of pics, but sending the finished goblets to me, doesn't follow or make possible, the judgement criteria that I expressed previously and/or I want to use. The 2 other judges selected/drawn from the initial list of 10 names, will be provided (email) with a point score sheet of 1 to 10. Each judge will classify each piece with a certain number of points, and using its own criteria of what he/she sees as the best piece. At the end of the day, I collect (email) the scored sheets from the other 2 judges, and than is only a matter of adding all 3 sheets and put every participants name by order of highest points first and so on.

As you see, will be physically impossible for all 3 judges to judge by touch and physical visual all the pieces in the contest/challenge. You make a valid point about what a pic can hide, etc., but at the same time will make all participants aware that the pic can make it or brake it, and like in any other situations, a particular attention to detail is necessary to produce a good photo, so that will become also a important step in anyones mind. With today's technology any camera is able to produce quality photos, so it wouldn't hurt to make everyone (competitors) take some special attention to that final stage of any or most turners need.

But thanks anyway, your offer was very generous, I believe the goblet "creator" should keep his/hers trophy.

Cheers
RBTCO

I've been looking for how to's for the goblet.

One

Two

Any one else with a site.

a how to video

http://marleyturned.com/id110.htm

Originally Posted by robutacion

ss_11000
I think you should stay, for the fact that you as a young man, got a great future as a wood turner, and you are a good example for the young guys out there, to have a go at this very addictive art form. Nevertheless, you have the final say, your decision will be respected.
Thanks for you donation, someone will appreciate your offer.

i'll stay in then and my donation still stands

Hi everyone,

I have seen some good goblet turning on YouTube. Don't ask me where they all are, as I didn't kept any link of them. A search under "woodturning" should give a few, but I remember that some were a link from a link to a link, yeah I know. If I find any of them, I will let you guys know.

Thanks ss_11000, for your decision to stay. Thanks also for keeping your donation offer, on.

As promised, I got some more logs (blanks) available, another 10 of them for now. There are still 5 logs left from the first 12, so people, don't be shy, this wouldn't hurt at all. So ladies, be brave and join to the "bunch". Time to show how its done, huh?

All 20 logs are fumigated and ready to go. The dark colour on the end of the logs, was explained on one of my posts of yesterday.

Cheers
RBTCO

OK, no posting then. It would not have changed your method, though: it would have been exactly the same for the other 2 judges, but they would have had the added information of your visual check. Must find another way to contribute, then Edited: simple: $20 as third prize?

Did'nt Funkychicken want in also?

Hello again,

Frank&Earnest, if you got a spare $20.00, I would much prefer that you use that money to purchase something that could be useful to the average turner. There are dozens of items that wouldn't exceed the $20.00, and would be a great help for any beginner. Thinking on some everyday stuff used by a wood turner, what about something like a combination box of sandpaper grits, I've seen some kits with 5 or 6 different grits on a single box, for about that sort of money. Something like that would be an excellent prize to receive, just my opinion!

I'm glad also, that you did mention the name of Funkychicken, as I missed it last night when I tried to catch-up with the forum. Surprised that anyone else didn't pick it up before, until you mention it to me just before. I knew that was someone that I was waiting for confirmation, and that is Thefixer, but I totally missed Funckychicken. If you are on line mate, my honest apologies, it was not intentional, I've made a mistake and for that I'm truly sorry. I need you to pick another log number, as #3 was selected by Switt775, a couple of posts before yours. I will be adding you on the list, waiting for some confirmation from you. A PM will follow in a moment to make sure we are OK.

PARTICIPANTS LIST :
Name --------------------------- Blank #
1- ss_11000 ----------------------- 7
2- Frank&Earnest ---------------- 9
3- Pat ---------------------------- 1
4- Tankstand --------------------- 8
5- Robyn2839 ------------------- 12
6- Switt775 --------------------- 3
7- Harry72 ---------------------- 6
8- HappyHammer ---------------- 10
9- Funkychicken ---------------- 2

The following list of names, are those who have already provided their Postal address information, and are going to have their logs (blanks) posted on the Monday. SS_11000, Pat, Thankstand, Robyn2839, Harry72, Funkychicken and Switt775. Thanks guys.

Just a NOTE before I close this post. Any personal information provided to me during this process, will be removed (deleted) from my computer, immediately after the address information is given to me. Before that information deletion, I am writing each ones info in a piece of paper, and this same piece of paper will be glued to the relevant parcel (log owner), so there will be no trace of what that information was, after the parcels are posted.

Cheers
RBTCO

You Tube Vids

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVIELSJsvg0"]Goblet with Captive Rings[/ame] (Maybe a tad advanced for us

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAReKZEeqGc"]Eccentric Goblet[/ame] ( Still a tad advanced . . .)

Here's something more in keeping with my experince level . . .
Long, thin-stem Goblets (not a vid, but explains things in simple language)

A Wine Glass . . . (Looks like a goblet to me . . . )

Lastly a treatise on turning Goblets . . .