Name: Vince Welch

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How young are you? 43

Physical description: 6’ 1”

Where is home?
In Jeffersonville IN. just across the bridge from Louisville, KY.

Family information:
Not married and no kids. I have a Beagle pup and she is the best company. I also have a Cockatiel bird.

Do you have a website?
www.VincesWoodNWonders.com

Yup. That’s a commercial site folks, and Vince does indeed sell stuff to spinheads like you (and me). But it’s also his personal site. I waited ‘til now to post this interview on the premise that no one would have any money left, it being Christmas and all.

Vocation:
In work in the IT field.

Shop Overview:
2 ½ car garage is now a shop. I started with 5 basic tools and today while I do not consider myself a tool junky I have around 20 different tools. I use mostly a 3/8 gouge with an Irish grind. I like to keep my tools very sharp!

How many lathes do you own?
I started with a Jet mini. What a workhorse of a lathe! I also have Oneway 1640 with an outboard extension. This lathe will handle anything I wish to turn. I really am happy with this product.

Well whaddya know?. Another Mayo Man! Umm, dare I say it? Woo Hoo!

How many turning tools do you have?
About 20-25. I like Henry Taylor for M2 tools. I really like their long handles. I also enjoy Oneway’s M4 tool and their Sure Grip handles because of their weight. Lately I have tried Doug Thompson’s Lathe tools and these are very nice tools as well.

How long have you been turning, and what got you started in the first place?
I took my first wood class in 1978. I started turning in 2001 more making it my full time hobby.

What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Chocolate chip in the winter and Strawberry in the summer.

What do you enjoy most about turning?
The learning process as a whole; feeling as if I have come to better understand what was once an issue for me.

Do you belong to a turning club?
YES; Louisville Area Woodturners

What was your first completed turned project? You get bonus points for a picture of it.
I turned a spindle for a project I was working on at school. Sorry, no pics available.

What’s your favorite individual piece that you have turned, and why?
Give me 10 minutes and I will turn something for you and tell you why.

What’s your favorite form that you turn?
I am rather a purest regarding form. I enjoy simple shapes and Ogee curves. It has been a pleasure learning if the shape is dead on or not.

What do you not turn now that you want to - or plan to - in the future?
I am looking more into hollow forms.

What’s your favorite form someone else turns?
I enjoy Ray Key’s turnings. Simple but elegant!

What’s your favorite individual piece someone else has turned, and why?
I bought an Oak Burl Vessel from Ray Key. It appears to be a very simple shape but it is a good example of how the shape is either dead right or not. You can see a pic of a piece similar to this piece on the cover of the book “Woodturning with Ray Key”.

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What’s your favorite wood to work with and why?
I like working with Cherry and Maple (ambrosia). It is plentiful and easy to work with.

What brought you to SMC?
I have been a member for a while but thought it was time to formally introduce myself.

What was your first post about? Or don’t you remember?
Don’t remember.

I do. And I nailed ya right outta the gate. Sorry!

Now let's get a little deep... If you were a turning tool, what tool would you be and why?
Good question and one that I will have to think over.

If you won the Irish Sweepstakes what part of your life would change?
Nothing. I am very happy.

That's it. Thanks, again. Andy

You betcha, Vince, Merry Christmas.

Now, will the real Vince Welch please stand up.

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