Workshop visit to William Stedmond in Gorey, 9th March 2002.

As a newcomer to wood turning I did not know what to expect from this visit to Gorey. The early start meant we missed the snow which came down in very large flakes around the city. I traveled with Peter Mulvaney and we picked up two of his friends on the way. After a stop for coffee in Gorey we found Willies house. Firstly Willie showed us his "monster lathe’’, on which he turned ornate gateposts and newel posts, etc. It was about 20 ft. between centers and he gave us a demonstration on it with a very large lump of wood, which he turned with great dexterity. In his younger days he could turn 20 posts in an hour, one every three minutes. Tea and cakes soon arrived and was much appreciated on such a cold morning . About 22 had traveled and listened with interest as Willie told us about his various lathes, how he came to buy them and modify them, fit new motors, bearings, etc. as required. He has about 7 lathes of various sizes ! He also told us about his hobby ,making sea going canoes. He would show us later. Before lunch Willie demonstrated his tool sharpening skills on the grinder, using no jigs or tool rest, just freehand , and with a practiced eye he achieved great results. Hot soup and sandwiches, followed by apple pie and cream, went down a treat for lunch and soon we were admiring the beautiful craftsmanship of Willies sea canoes, made from long strips of wood and coated both inside and out with fiberglass. These sturdy waterproof canoes take 300 hours to make and Willie estimates the cost at about £5,000 each. Willie answered many questions on the process of canoe making and we also learned of his rescue from the sea by a fishing trawler with Cecil Barron on board but that's another story. Back in the workshop Willie went on to turn a bowl from sycamore, I think. Willie’s natural skill and ease of communication impressed this beginner and I was sorry when we had to take our leave. Many thanks to Willie for a very informative day and thanks to Peter for the lift.

J,D Cashin.