By Jasmine Brough,
Bruce Peninsula
A group of wood carvers across the Bruce Peninsula have been making wig stands in hopes of donating them to cancer patients. Unfortunately, finding a home for these wig stands was harder than they anticipated, due to Covid-19 safety protocols at hospitals and cancer treatment facilities. Don Burton, founder of the Bruce Peninsula Wood Turners, urges anyone who is in need of a wig stand to reach out to him.
It was seeing the Sarasota Wood Turners in Florida make wig stands that first inspired Don to bring that idea back to the Bruce Peninsula. Don started the woodturners group on the peninsula just under 2 years ago. The group now has 18 members, all with different skill and experience levels. Even during the pandemic, the group makes a point of getting together to share their creations over Zoom every month.
Woodturning is the craft of moulding and shaping wood. A wood lathe, as well as hand held tools, are utilized in order to create a shape that is symmetrical around the axis of rotation. A lathe performs operations such as sanding, turning, facing, drilling, knurling, and deformation.
Wig stands are just one of many objects that can be created using a lathe. Wooden bowls, rings, spoons and pens are just a few examples of woodturning projects.
The Bruce Peninsula Woodturners are always open to people joining them. Don made a point of saying “We’d love to have some new members if anyone would be interested!” He also mentioned that he is able to teach lessons to anyone wanting to learn this intriguing art form.
Members of the Bruce Peninsula Woodturners have created 10 wig stands that are available to anyone in need. Please contact Don Burton at donburton90@gmail.com if you know of someone who needs a wig stand or are interested in learning more about the Bruce Peninsula Woodturners group.
