The Michelsen demonstration attendees begin to show up for the event
The demo drew from the three local Buffalo clubs as well as from Rochester
Jake Debski, Secretary of Turners 2, was kind enough to loan his brand new Powermatic
The audience pokes through Johanne's work that was on display before the demo
Johannes Michelsen, the Hat Man, gets things started
He is famous for his full size Western hats but also does other work ...
including mini hats, micro hats, ball caps, visors, mirrors, bowls, and more
He starts by checking the accuracy of the lathe and faceplate
The faceplate is trimmed in with tape until it runs perfectly true
Johannes starts out the demonstration with a history of his turning and evolution to hats
At home, Johannes works on an old Oliver but the Powermatic will serve well for the demo
He always works with green wood and has brought his blanks already prepped
He has a cutting guide that lets him chain saw his blocks to desired size and shape
The blank is mounted between the faceplate (with no screws) and the tailstock to check its suitability
Johannes uses Jerry Glaser tools and has only three tools with him
The edge and face it trued and examined for flaws
