Participants are expected to attend the AWA Saturday April 8 th meeting, 9:00 AM, 811 5th Ave N. at Hardware Park.

This class is for learning honing skills and techniques. In this class you will learn how to make smoother cuts with the gouges.

About the Instructor: 

Mark Sillay will be the guest demonstrator for the Saturday April 8Alabama Woodturning Association’s meeting, 9:00 a.m. at Hardware Park. In the afternoon class, Mark will demonstrate his technique of wood slicing, a technique which keeps him from ever having to use sandpaper to get a smooth finish. He will demonstrate the five basic cuts using this technique.

Mark Sillay began woodworking when he was six years old. His father gave him a set of hand tools, an old packing box with a vise mounted on it for a workbench and scrap wood. Then his father, with patience and loving instruction, continued to guide him throughout his youthful years, From that, he grew to appreciate tool skills, freedom of design and superior quality finish work. Mark started woodturning in the 9th grade.

Mr. Sillay attributes his love for woodturning to Cindy Drozda, who helped him transform his woodturning life into a joyful journey. Having made many basic bowls,Mark has turned his focus to creating finer turned objects.

 Mr. Sillay finds satisfaction in both the creative process and in overcoming the challenges to complete fine quality finished work. He specializes in using a razorsharp spindle gouge and watching the shapes evolve while he is creating intricate turnings.

He is a member of West Georgia Woodturners and the American Association of Woodturners. He travels all over the United States giving demos and has numerous You Tube videos on woodturning. Mark is also going to be bringing exotic woods, in case someone would like to purchase wood like Norfolk Island Pine, etc.

Are Minors allowed? Yes, accompanied by parent.

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Masks may be required depending on circumstances.