Plumier Intern Kelsey Watson
When you look at his work, it’s hard to imagine that when he stepped into the shop in the summer of 2021 that he’d never run a lathe of any sort before, let alone a mill.
“It is hard to even describe what this organization is but imagine a group of people, that created the ultimate workshop, over 6,000 square feet on two floors, filled it priceless antique and newer machine tools. It is eye candy beyond belief, like a museum but the best part and the whole point of it is to inspire artists and craftspeople to use these tools pushing their own work to extremes.
They offer classes, internships and other opportunities so the skills of shops like Fabergé won’t be lost.
Imagine being young and impressionable and being able to work in a workshop and with skilled people beyond your wildest dreams?”
– Bill Robertson
When you look at his work, it’s hard to imagine that when he stepped into the shop in the summer of 2021 that he’d never run a lathe of any sort before, let alone a mill.
Since then we’ve helped him acquire multiple lathes; and he’s accumulated a mill, grinders, and various other tools. His executions are virtually flawless, and his eye for design is obvious.
Kelsey’s innate abilities were the seed that was planted in the fertile soil of Plumier, and its growth has been astounding.
Kelsey is a prolific creator and has proven to be an outstanding craftsperson and artist.
“Currently, there are few paths for people like us. We come to the crafts through the internet, but where to go from there is often unclear. At Plumier the driven will find a place where their skills will explode and a community where they will be supported on their journey in craft.”
If you have highly developed skills we have exceptional equipment for you to extend yourself on. Think of a month to six month visiting master role balancing your own work with some teaching days.
Save the Date! September 8–12: Intermediate Complex Turning Classes (focus on chuck and apparatus setup; registration opening soon)
”Before You Make the Cut: Foundations of Accurate Set-Ups”
September 8-12 in Saltsburg, PA
While not the most glamorous aspect, accurate setups are the real work of complex turning. During this five day course, students will go through the setup process on three central tools: the elliptical chuck, eccentric chuck, and curvilinear apparatus. With both of the chuck setups, students will learn how to properly establish the chuck’s relationship to the spindle of the lathe with the use of dial indicators and then test their work on patterns that require careful changes to be made between cuts. This will illustrate the importance of an accurate starting point and precise changes to achieve desirable results. On the curvilinear apparatus, students will learn how to understand the relationships between patterns, cutting frame, and workpiece, testing their setup on a simple form. Where applicable, students will also learn how to utilize the curvilinear’s automation capabilities. Each of these exercises will provide essential lessons that can be applied across complex turning.
Space is limited so sign up now!