Scraper creates sawdust and works of art

Who would be interested to read about a guy who makes sawdust? I’ve been called an artist. A few call me talented. In my mind I am neither. I just entertain myself with wood.

I turn (on a lathe) beehive-shaped round boxes in my shop (garage) in Tooele County. My interest appears to be in making beehives more than selling them - a personality flaw, I guess. Eventually, when too many boxes of finished beehives accumulate in the house, I have to find new homes for them. That’s why I came to Springville’s Art City Days this year. With friendly people calling me an artist and/or talented, what’s not to like? I am just happy they like the end result of my hours of making sawdust.

Turning for me began in the early ‘90s. I bought a Sears Craftsman wood lathe with no idea how to use it. Over time, by trial and error, I learned how to turn it on. Small bowls were my first opponents. Thank goodness for sandpaper. There in lies the rub. With no training on proper technique, I became a “scraper” rather than a “turner.” To me, a true turner knows how to “ride the bevel.” That technique refers to the angle and area of the cutting tool that is held against the wood being turned. Done properly, it will provide a much smoother finished surface greatly reducing sanding. Scraping requires a lot of sanding. Hence, my moniker, the sawdust maker. After more than 20 years, I still consider myself an amateur turner. But to this day, I love to look at different hardwoods and wonder how they would look together in a beehive round box.

I love Utah and enjoy promoting it. Whether people come here for religion, business or the scenery, it is a great place to experience.

I feel a sense of service to know that my beehives not only end up in Utah homes but in other states and even a few other countries as well. My hope is that each time the new owners look at their beehives they will be reminded of Utah’s people, its history and its beauty. I am thankful to live here. Reach me at utahbeehive@hotmail.com.