Workshops may be conducted either at my
studio or
on the road. If you need
course documentation for
traveling workshops
Click Here,
otherwise read on for a description of the Studio Workshop.
Studio Workshop
Three Days With Johannes Michelsen
Turn your own wearable hat, cut so thin that the bending to shape becomes easy and the finished hat weighs as little as 6oz.
The Michelsen Studio
Come to my studio in Vermont and have some real fun. Turning wood so much thinner than you ever thought possible, so thin light comes right thru.
Where it all starts
With the right chain saw and band saw we can have a rough block " lathe ready" in 10min.
Turn on real lathes!
These are both superb machines;
the lesser of the two is the "Imperial" built in Grand Rapids MI. late in
the 1800s it weighs 2250 lbs. swings 16in. and does 60in between centers,
sweet little lathe. Mr. Big is the
The Imperial
Oliver
"Oliver" built in 1923 by Oliver company in Dayton Ohio, it swings 24" and does 8'
between centers and weighs 3200 lbs.
The all-important grind; you need to know how to grind to be
able to turn wood. The shape of the grind determines what you will be able
to do with that tool. The shape of my grind is very specific to me it has
been developed over the 20+ years I’ve been turning wood.
With a seriously backed off bevel the grind performs
amazingly well on hats as well as all others types of turning, I use it
exclusively. You will learn this grind in your time with me, and as many do
say “I’ll never go back” you will love this grind.
The Light Box / Rechuck
My invention for the finishing of the top of the hats (where
the screws were) With out further attachment devices. Consists of a tapered
cone covered with neoprene so all hats fit where they meet the intended
size.
The light box is hollowed out for installation of a light;
hung on bearings so the top of the hat can be turned by translucence alone.
This simplifies the turning of the top of the hat, 5mins as opposed to 45mins.
Bending
The bending jigs are simple devices; self designed and built for the
purpose.
They consist of wood springs with curved jaws to hold the hat and
threaded rod to facilitate adjustment. With the addition of rubber
bands the oval head shape and the brim can be bent all at the same
time.
The Finish
After the bend has been accomplished the hand sanding starts. Sanding to
500grit before the first spraying of Lacquer, this is key to a good quality
finish. It is reasonably simple to sand by hand because
before leaving the lathe the hat has already been sanded with 320grit or
finer. When your
sanding job is a stunning success you will sign your masterpiece under the
lacquer for permanence.
