4 minute read
Jim Millar –
TALENT COMES ‘OUT OF THE WOODWORK’
The colour, grain and very nature of beautiful timber has inspired all manner of artists, including wood turners who use their hands and tools to create functional and aesthetically pleasing items for the home.
Pukekohe craftsman, Jim Millar, tells HELEN PERRY about his journey with wood.
When Jim Millar talks about turning tricks, he’s not referring to the oldest profession in the world – he’s talking about a craft that recognises both the beauty and usefulness of timber.
“I took up wood turning after I saw a specialist woodturners shop in Pukekohe. It looked like something I might like to do as a retirement hobby, so I decided to try my hand.”
His hobby soon became a labour of love and over time Jim’s backyard shed was converted to a comprehensive workshop with a range of machinery and power tools to assist him in his craft.
“I took a beginner’s course way back but after that [progress] has been pretty much from trial and error, although I occasionally watch YouTube for ideas and advice – you can pick up quite a few tips and tricks that way and see what’s trending too,” he says.
“For example, I’ve learned that small holes or cracks in the wood can often be managed by squirting in some super glue then packing the hole with sawdust. And, I’ve discovered just how useful a vacuum cleaner can prove when attached to a wooden faceplate, holding pieces in place while working.”
Working mostly with macrocarpa, matai, kahikatea, pohutukawa and, from time to time, swamp kauri, Jim uses other materials too.
“I get some of my wood from friends down country, but I’ll take whatever I can scrounge from here and there.”
When it comes to favourite pieces, this able woodturner is pretty laid back – he prefers making gifts that “people actually want”, such as kitchen gadgets, Jim confirms.
Lifestyle And Country Sales
Lifestyle And Country Sales
Lifestyle And Country Sales
“There was a bowl I crafted with a paua/resin inset, which I then gave away, and that gave me a bit of kick.”
After retirement from a lengthy career as a train driver (locomotive engineer), Jim knew he couldn’t just stop working.
“I’d also been a volunteer with the Fire Service for 18 years, so sitting back doing nothing wasn’t for me.”
Jim is a member of the South Auckland Woodturners Guild, which has (approximately) 135 members meeting weekly (on Wednesdays) for talks and demonstrations. They can also turn their hands to using the club lathes and other equipment and take grade courses throughout the year.
“Advice from other members is always helpful and the more experienced wood turners are always willing to assist beginners or newcomers to the club. At Christmas, the guild’s pop-up shop gives us the chance to exhibit our work. Some members sell at local markets while interest in my work usually comes from word of mouth – requests for gifts can range from coasters to clocks and a whole lot more,” he adds. “My wood turning has been satisfying and challenging. It’s a pastime, so I’m never idle and never bored because I’m always learning.”
Engagement in my services assures you obtain my full commitment along with friendly service, whilst also providing you timely professional feedback and relevant market information. When the time comes you will have full confidence to accept and complete the right sales agreement when it is put forward to you.
Engagement in my services assures you obtain my full commitment along with friendly service, whilst also providing you timely professional feedback and relevant market information. When the time comes you will have full confidence to accept and complete the right sales agreement when it is put forward to you.
Engagement in my services assures you obtain my full commitment along with friendly service, whilst also providing you timely professional feedback and relevant market information. When the time comes you will have full confidence to accept and complete the right sales agreement when it is put forward to you. Ian Buchanan 021 647 192 ian.buchanan@bayleys.co.nz
Ian Buchanan 021 647 192 ian.buchanan@bayleys.co.nz
Hit with an anniversary gift we did not expect, Auckland bore the brunt of a drawn-out deluge of foul weather. Under the cloud of a state of emergency, which began over Anniversary Weekend, Franklin experienced slips, road closures, flooding and even loss of life.
With more heavy rain expected (as this issue was finalised), counting the cost could take time, especially for our region’s farmers and growers. Although one of Franklin’s largest growers, AS Wilcox & Sons, appeared to have avoided catastrophe from the worst of January’s weather (at least!), the road ahead is not yet clear.
“We appear to be in reasonably good shape,” the company’s managing director, Kevin Wilcox, said. “The biggest impact will be on our onion crop. [January’s] surface flooding was, relatively, superficial for us, but that’s not to make light of it – there will have been people with onions washed up on their back lawn, which is not nice. From a commercial perspective, the big issue is the constant and heavy water load on paddocks, particularly at this time of year when we’re trying to harvest. The crop condition is a major concern as we confirm what we can recover over the next few months.”
Although recent weather has been particularly hard-hitting, heavy rain has been impacting crops throughout summer. In fact, according to NIWA, January 2023 (mid-summer!) was Auckland’s wettest month since records began. In contrast, drought contributed to an onion shortage from late last year as the last of NZ-grown produce hit the shops. While the vast majority of New Zealand’s onion crop is exported, lower yields hit local growers in the pocket and filter down to households too.
“Onion prices have been reasonably elevated for the last couple of months. We’d usually see a pattern where they would become more plentiful at this
