Demonstrations & Classes
Subject Options For IRDs or In-Person Demo/Class:
1. Turning Non-Round Big-Air Winged Forms (including Diamonds, Hearts, Squares & Triangles) ~ methods, safety, imagination and curious experimentation. Mike will bring a finished example of each of his original signature winged creations (including a blossom sculpture, triple diamond pagoda, kissing fish, manta ray, trillium floral box) for "show & tell" to help inspire creativity.
For example - Turning Out-of-Balance Hearts: 1) making heart shaped templates, 2) preparing turning blanks to minimize "out-of-balance" lathe vibration, 3) securing on the the lathe, 4) lathe speed & tool application, 5) sizing tenon for final base size, 6) more turning tips, 7) sanding tips & finishing.
2. 3-Legged Triangle Bowls & Boxes
3. Natural Edge Winged Art Bowl w/ Continuous High & Low Bark
4. Natural Edge Crotch-wood Collared Art Bowl
5. Twice Turned Bowls & Vessels - Sorge Style
Demo & Class Reviews:
Mike,
It was great seeing you again. you never cease to amaze me with your talent and creativity. Your demo for our club meeting ranks right up there with the best of them and we have had some great demonstrators. Your hands on classes were also superb. I was honored that you let me be your assistant for the classes. I think I learned as much as your students. You have a great way of not only getting your point across but also stressing safety and making it fun.
Stay safe my friend,
Mike Trucco, Central Ohio Woodturners
If you were unable to attend our January meeting, you missed a really good demonstration by Mike Sorge. Mike has a refreshingly different approach to turning. His "big air" demo showed a safe approach for turning really large interrupted cuts. He showed how he gets his gentle flowing curves with clean shearing cuts. His clear explanation makes this style of turning very approachable for those who might be faint of heart. He also showed his unusual "kissing fish" technique, which was a novel design approach. His heart bowl was a great twist on making a bowl that makes a special gift. It was great to have a fresh and unique approach to turning demonstrated to engage our creative juices. His expansive display of his artwork was a great example of what can be created with his techniques. Thanks mike for a great night!
Matt Overton, President, Buck's County Woodturners
Mike,
I have had the pleasure of taking workshops from the greatest of them: David Ellsworth, Michael Hosaluk, Liam O'Neill, Jimmy Clewes, Jamie Donaldson, and several others. I can honestly tell you that I have learned more from your workshops than from any other workshops I have taken. Obviously there have been some great ones, but you are in company with the best-of-the-best in my opinion. Your approach to teaching and demonstrating the various techniques required to control and present a bowl gouge and what one can do with it far exceed what others have taught me. No doubt there are various ways and approaches to doing most things turning wise, but your methods have had the biggest impact on my skill set. I have no fear of turning winged and squared (or shall we say "big air") pieces using your techniques; all of which can be applied to simpler turnings. I contribute this to your teaching style which is measured (not too much info given at any one time) and straight forward at the lathe with reinforcing hands on instructions and oversight. Little wonder I have now taken "four" of your various workshops which have all resulted in wonderful pieces to take home. These pieces being valued more than the price of the workshops, if I would dare sell them! Thank you for helping me and others to become accomplished and skilled turners!
Happy and safe turnings,
Dave Swiger, President Emeritus, Mid-Maryland Woodturners Club
Hello Mike,
I wanted to let you know it was a pleasure to have you demonstrate and teach a Hands on Class for the Palmetto Woodturners in Columbia, SC. I have worked with many demonstrators over the years while being the Program Chairman but no one any better than you. First of all the demonstration was fantastic! We had just a little of 70 club members attend and you got their attention from the beginning. It's safe to say "Big Air" was an excellent topic. Your professional approach of being organized, preparedness, presentation of the subject (Big Air) all together made you one of the best to ever demonstrate at our club. It can't get any better than this. Your hands on class went just as well. You were very clear with all your directions and also able to get around to offer individual attention for each student, always stressing safety. I believe they all went home with a finished item they are proud of.
The whole club is very happy to have had you here. Your work is truly outstanding, second to none. I hope in the future you will consider returning to Columbia with another great demonstration. You are always welcome. If there is anything I can do for you going forward don't hesitate to ask. You will get a five star recommendation.
Thanks again,
Jim Waterbury, Program Chairman, Palmetto Woodturners
1. Turning Non-Round Big-Air Winged Forms (including Diamonds, Hearts, Squares & Triangles) ~ methods, safety, imagination and curious experimentation. Mike will bring a finished example of each of his original signature winged creations (including a blossom sculpture, triple diamond pagoda, kissing fish, manta ray, trillium floral box) for "show & tell" to help inspire creativity.
For example - Turning Out-of-Balance Hearts: 1) making heart shaped templates, 2) preparing turning blanks to minimize "out-of-balance" lathe vibration, 3) securing on the the lathe, 4) lathe speed & tool application, 5) sizing tenon for final base size, 6) more turning tips, 7) sanding tips & finishing.
2. 3-Legged Triangle Bowls & Boxes
3. Natural Edge Winged Art Bowl w/ Continuous High & Low Bark
4. Natural Edge Crotch-wood Collared Art Bowl
5. Twice Turned Bowls & Vessels - Sorge Style
Demo & Class Reviews:
Mike,
It was great seeing you again. you never cease to amaze me with your talent and creativity. Your demo for our club meeting ranks right up there with the best of them and we have had some great demonstrators. Your hands on classes were also superb. I was honored that you let me be your assistant for the classes. I think I learned as much as your students. You have a great way of not only getting your point across but also stressing safety and making it fun.
Stay safe my friend,
Mike Trucco, Central Ohio Woodturners
If you were unable to attend our January meeting, you missed a really good demonstration by Mike Sorge. Mike has a refreshingly different approach to turning. His "big air" demo showed a safe approach for turning really large interrupted cuts. He showed how he gets his gentle flowing curves with clean shearing cuts. His clear explanation makes this style of turning very approachable for those who might be faint of heart. He also showed his unusual "kissing fish" technique, which was a novel design approach. His heart bowl was a great twist on making a bowl that makes a special gift. It was great to have a fresh and unique approach to turning demonstrated to engage our creative juices. His expansive display of his artwork was a great example of what can be created with his techniques. Thanks mike for a great night!
Matt Overton, President, Buck's County Woodturners
Mike,
I have had the pleasure of taking workshops from the greatest of them: David Ellsworth, Michael Hosaluk, Liam O'Neill, Jimmy Clewes, Jamie Donaldson, and several others. I can honestly tell you that I have learned more from your workshops than from any other workshops I have taken. Obviously there have been some great ones, but you are in company with the best-of-the-best in my opinion. Your approach to teaching and demonstrating the various techniques required to control and present a bowl gouge and what one can do with it far exceed what others have taught me. No doubt there are various ways and approaches to doing most things turning wise, but your methods have had the biggest impact on my skill set. I have no fear of turning winged and squared (or shall we say "big air") pieces using your techniques; all of which can be applied to simpler turnings. I contribute this to your teaching style which is measured (not too much info given at any one time) and straight forward at the lathe with reinforcing hands on instructions and oversight. Little wonder I have now taken "four" of your various workshops which have all resulted in wonderful pieces to take home. These pieces being valued more than the price of the workshops, if I would dare sell them! Thank you for helping me and others to become accomplished and skilled turners!
Happy and safe turnings,
Dave Swiger, President Emeritus, Mid-Maryland Woodturners Club
Hello Mike,
I wanted to let you know it was a pleasure to have you demonstrate and teach a Hands on Class for the Palmetto Woodturners in Columbia, SC. I have worked with many demonstrators over the years while being the Program Chairman but no one any better than you. First of all the demonstration was fantastic! We had just a little of 70 club members attend and you got their attention from the beginning. It's safe to say "Big Air" was an excellent topic. Your professional approach of being organized, preparedness, presentation of the subject (Big Air) all together made you one of the best to ever demonstrate at our club. It can't get any better than this. Your hands on class went just as well. You were very clear with all your directions and also able to get around to offer individual attention for each student, always stressing safety. I believe they all went home with a finished item they are proud of.
The whole club is very happy to have had you here. Your work is truly outstanding, second to none. I hope in the future you will consider returning to Columbia with another great demonstration. You are always welcome. If there is anything I can do for you going forward don't hesitate to ask. You will get a five star recommendation.
Thanks again,
Jim Waterbury, Program Chairman, Palmetto Woodturners
