I guess my first time in front of a lathe was in 1952 in Calgary with my dad. I only got into real turning after my wife and I moved to Vancouver, and I purchased a Taig Lathe from Lee Valley in 1995. Made a lot of pens and other small stuff. When we moved to Vancouver Island in 2003 I was able to set up my dad's old Rockwell Beaver and expanded my comfort zone. I joined the local curling league and met three enthusiastic turners who introduced me to the Island Woodturners Guild. I joined in 2009 and quickly realized the limitations of the R.B. and soon after bought the General International that has provided many hours of pleasure and numerous moments of sheer terror. I am forever grateful to the IWG for it's encouragement and support over the years, and to Tim Soutar and Cheryl Samuel for introducing me to WOW.
- Barrie Baptie