Hello, I am a retired Engineer living in Billings Montana. I grew up west of Billings in the town of Bozeman, back when it was really a small town. I spent 10 years building houses before finishing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During my career as an engineer I managed chemical and mining facilities across the western US. I have always enjoyed working with wood and creating with my hands. I started turning as a part of a cherry dresser project for my daughter that called for turned legs. Only the bottom 4" needed turned round. On a borrowed lathe after an hour of practice the task was completed. The next week the gentleman who let me use his lathe called and said he was getting rid of his lathe(s) and gave me two very old lathes that he had gotten from his father. One was an old two bar craftsman, the other was Walker-Turner. I got both of them running and making brown and round things. I turned a lot of pens and smaller items and small bowls my wife referred to as "wooden ash trays".
I still have a full woodshop and build a lot of things besides cabinets but I love working on the lathe. My involvement with the Yellowstone Woodturners began about 3 years ago. Working with this rabble of turners, really opened my eyes as to what can be done on the lathe. The members of the club are free with thier time and willing to coach anyone who wants to learn. At the end of 2020 I was asked to serve as club president and with promises of help where I needed it, I accepted the role. I am still learning and love turning. When out west near Billings give me a call and I will give you a shop tour. Bruce