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Can This Hobby Make a Profit?

by Scot/ and Kathy Griffith

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A gallery of work produced on the mini lathe: (front row, left to right) two cigar pens, two perfume atomizers, two perfume applicators, (middle row, left to right) four secret compartment key rings, four screwdriver key rings, two El Grande pens, (third row, left to right) seven Polaris pens, ten bottle stoppers, seven more Polaris pens, (back row, left to right) an assortment of comfort pens and an assortment of letter openers.

Introduction

Scott and Kathy Griffith have been married for twenty-six years. They live in Southern Lancaster County, PA, amidst beautiful farmlands, Amish neighbors, and a feeling of community reminiscent of their childhoods.

They have worked with wood in some manner for most of their lives. However, since 1984 the focus of their work has been wood carving and turning. Their love for this hobby has deepened their appreciation for die surrounding world and has led them to try to spread the joy. One aspect of this is the benefits gained by children and adults who share the hobby. What a great way to spend time together and to -learn through workmanship and shared creativity.

Scott and Kathy's work can be seen at many fine arts and craft and wood carving shows, and dirough the fair season at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire among the artisans in Swashbucklers Grove!

This article is the first in an ongoing series focusing on the many uses and applications of the mini lalhc. Scott and Kathy have been kind enough to share with us their many "tricks of die trade" when it comes to getting involved in and making a profit through this fascinating, up-and-coming school of turning. As you will see, not only are the Griffiths prolific designers, they are also incredibly organized!

70 ♦ Creative Woodworks S Crafts Holiday 2004

In addition to this introductory article, future issues will provide step-by-step instructions for Polaris pens, comfort pens, bottle stoppers, key rings, kaleidoscopes and much more. There will also be tips on safety, wood selection and other pertinent subjects throughout.

Getting started

You better believe the mini lathe can make you a profit! For a modest investment of approximately $600.00 (depending on the tools chosen), you can be making unique gift items over a weekend. As you become more familiar with the tools and woods, diere will be a marked improvement in the quality of your completed projects as well as the amount of lime required for each item.

Future articles will include step-by-step turning projects and tips on safety issues, machine and tool maintenance, various woods and other materials to turn, as well as a few creative options. This article offers an overview of the turning and marketing process. There is a lot of information, but don't let it overwhelm you.

Our primary lathe is a Carba-tcc variable speed mini-lathe. There are several types of mini and midi lathes on the market, so take the time to compare prices anc! features (see Fig. 1).

Variable speed is important to us since it allows us lo rough