Woodturning at Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild is now more accessible after the organisation received $4000 from Council for a sit-down lathe.
Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild president Stephen Faulkner said the modern sit-down lathe would enable people in a wheelchair to access machinery they were not able to use before, while also being beneficial for all members.
“We have members who would love to do woodturning, but they were not able to use the equipment we had,” Stephen said.
“This modern lathe is height adjustable and it can be used standing up or lowered for use while sitting.
“It’s very adaptable and beneficial for members not only in a wheelchair, but we also have members like those in their 70s and 80s, who are not able to stand for long periods of time, so it’s great for them also.”
Stephen said the Vicmarc lathe was manufactured in Queensland and it would be supplied by local hardware company, Taylors Hardware.
On behalf of the Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild he thanked Council for providing the community grant to help more members access woodturning.
“Having this lathe opens the guild up to more of the community,” he said.
“A lathe turns a square piece of wood into a round piece, it’s great to make bowls, chair legs and door handles – and everyone loves making bowls and now they have that opportunity.”
Divisional representative Cr Tracey McPhee said organisations like the Bundaberg Woodworkers Guild played an important role in the community.
“It was great to see the group accessing the funding to purchase new equipment, that is accessible to more of our community,” Cr McPhee said.
“It’s fabulous that the lathe is being supplied by a local hardware store also.
“It provides people the chance to hone their existing woodturning skills, and it also gives people who may never had the chance to use a lathe that wonderful opportunity.
“The Woodworkers Guild workshop on Walker Street has been a part of the community for decades, and for Council to partner with the organisation in this way will be great for Bundaberg Region in the years to come.”
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