Neal is the current Ipswich Woodcrafts Club President and finally I was able to bully him into doing one of these Q&A’s.
A lot of us at the club don’t get to see Neal doing his woodcraft because he’s so busy doing President stuff, so here you go, get to know our President just a little bit better.
1. What is your woodcraft discipline/s?
Cabinet Making & Woodturning.
2. How long have you been working with wood?
I started with The Ipswich Woodcrafts Club in 1988 but had been doing some woodwork for years before then.
3. What is your favourite wood?
My favourite woods are Red Cedar, Jarrah, Queensland Maple & Rose Mahogany.
4. What is your favourite wood to work with?
Red Cedar or Jarrah, plus any of those above.
5. What other woodworking discipline would you like to explore?
Scroll Saw, Pyrography, Carving. As many as I have time for.
6. At some stage all experienced woodcrafters will accidentally hurt themselves. What was your worst injury and what did you learn from it?
I split my finger open turning a very old piece of Red Gum. The lessons – use the best timber you can and pay attention.
7. Do you have a favourite artist? Who is it and why?
Neil Scobie, for his ability to design and make beautiful furniture, to repair mistakes and to always go that little bit further.
8. Tell us your best tip or trick.
Always be critical of your own work. If it could have been done better than it’s not good enough.
9. What is the one tool you can’t live without?
My Handsaw.
10. What was the last tool / equipment you bought?
11. If money was no object, what tool or piece of equipment would you buy?
A Thicknesser with the new cutting blades.
12. What is your vision for the future of the club?
That one day we will have our own premises which will be part of an Ipswich Community Art Centre, similar to the Bribie Island setup.
