A visit from Russ Svenningsen

[Bill Grumbine]

Greetings everyone, and Happy New Year to you all!

As many of you know, I teach turning lessons, and have people come from all over the place. Well, my most recent visitor came today, all the way from Minnesota. Well, he didn't come all the way from MN today, but he arranged for the lesson during his holiday vacation while in the area visiting family. Now, when people come to turn with me, one of my standard questions is, "How tall are you?" My lathe is set for me at 6'2", and often I need to accomodate shorter people with various platforms I build. When I wrote Russ and asked this question, he wrote back and said not to worry. Below you can see why.

<img src="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/billandruss.jpg">

Believe it or not, I am the little guy on the left. :eek: We had a great time talking about big guy stuff and turning bowls, and I sent him on his way with a couple of roughed out apricot bowls and a shiny flat round thing. ;)

Bill

[Jack Hogoboom]

Bill,

LOL. Having stood next to you, I can only imagine how big Russ was!!! With all that new equipment, I'm surprised both of you fit into the shop!!

Jack

[Tom Sweeney]

I thought it was bad when you & I were moving around the poolewood :D ;)

That's the first time that Big Blue has ever looked small to me :rolleyes:

[Martin Shupe]

Hmm...long lost brothers? maybe cousins? I'll bet you had a great time.

[Tom Mullane]

You better not get Russ, Tom and I in the shop at the same time with you...
I don't think the structure could take all that 'turning muscle'.... LOL
Drove past your way Monday and Tuesday on the way to NY... if my little one was not so tired, I would have made a side trip to say hello... maybe next time...

[Mark Stutz]

LOL! :D Never thought I'd see a picture with Bill in it where he looked like us "normal sized" ;) people! No offense intended, Russ! :D ;)

[Tyler Howell]

I felt guilty having Russ in my shop because there was no where for him to stand up straight:o . Looked awful uncomfortable:(

[Russell Svenningsen]

You all are just jealous of us handsome fellas! :p

As my wife says, "Why would I bother with a light snack when I can have a 9-course meal?" Man, I love that woman! :D :D :D

At any rate, not offense taken, you guys are too funny.

My visit with Bill was both enjoyable and enlightening. I learned a great deal, and laughed a lot. As if you didn't already know, Bill really knows what he's doing. He is also an excellent teacher. Meeting his wife and 3 girls was a pleasure as well. They are a tremendous family. Though my intial meeting with one of his dogs, Rowdy, nearly sent me to "the other side"(long story, small-read:"stealth"-dog, BIG bark :eek: ), it was a day I shall long remember, and hope to repeat the next time I'm in this neck of the woods.

I highly recommend it. Also, Bill's DVD is fantastic. I've watched it a couple of times, and can't wait to get back to my lathe and attempt this stuff for myself.

Here's a wish for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for you and yours.

Heck, even "small fellas" deserve some happiness!!! ;)

Best,
Russell

[Jake Byrd]

Sounds like fun!! Guess you both had a great time. Bill, BTW, where can I get a DVD and how much?


Thanks,

[Jim Dunn]

Being 5'8" and around 140lb dripping wet you'll spend more on a stage for me to stand on than you'll make on a turning lesson ;)

But if I'm ever going to be in your area I'll call ahead for a lesson