Name: John K. Miliunas
DOB: Aug. 29, 1956 and heading “over the hill” this year! (Better “over” than “under” heh? J )
Physical description
Just a touch under 6’, 225lbs. (most of the time), longish brown hair and thankfully, not thinning out too much and Pesh, yes, it’s a real moustache!
Location
South Central Wisconsin for about the last 25 years or so. Currently live in the country near Bear Valley. (‘Bout 15 miles NE of Spring Green) Born in Chicago and there until age 15. Came to Wisconsin, where I finished school and became an official Cheesehead and Packer fan!
Family information
Married to wife, Jill for almost 26 years. Two daughters, Casey 15 and Ann 21. Two step-daughters, Teresa in Oshkosh, WI and Tiffany in Hawaii. One grand-daughter, Madison, who just turned 1 yr.old. Three step-kids, Ashley, Ean and Alicia. As of this time, Ann and daughter Madison living with us, so our “downsized” home is “full”! Currently, one dog, Jack, a mixed Spaniel and Retriever (long black hair and fat!), who basically adopted us about 9 years ago and a Calico cat, Twister. She got her name, as we adopted her last year after she was orphaned in the big Stoughton, WI tornadoes.
Vocation
I’ve been working for the University of Madison, WI for the last 7 years doing computer desktop and Network support. Prior to that, it was PC repair & general support. Did stints with sales, maintenance work, flooring installation and photography.
Equipment Overview
Tools include a Bridgewood cabinet saw, Laguna 16HD band saw, Delta DJ20, Yorkcraft 15” planer, William & Hussey planer/molder, Delta CMS, Delta mortiser, C-man DP, Jet disc/belt sander, Delta drum sander and the usual assortment of portable power tools, including a very often-used EZ guided saw system, as well as a decent assortment of hand tools.
How many lathes have (or do) you own? Tell us about ‘em.
Two at present. My first was the Yorkcraft with a 12x32” capacity. Pretty much a clone to similar Jet and Delta units. A couple years ago, I scored a used Vega 2400 on eBay. It was located relatively close to me and the guy even delivered it to my shop! 2HP, variable speed w/reverse, 24” capacity, concrete in the head and legs for added stability.
How many turning tools do you have?
Probably a couple dozen or so. One cheap “starter set” and then mainly Sorby, though my “go-to” chisel is the PM Elseworth bowl gouge. A Super-Nova and SN 2 chucks with standard jaws, as well as a set of Cole jaws, now setup on the original SN. Also have the “main” start for a vacuum chuck system (Gast pump, 220V), which I got “used” for a steal! Still need to figure out the chuck system for it and am yearning for a captive hollowing rig to try.
Tell us about your shop
Just under 1000 sq/ft. shop (stand-alone attached to separate garage) with approx. 250 sq/ft. finishing room. A “Woodsucker” cyclone takes care of the main chips/dust collection while a home-made air cleaner keeps ambient dust at bay. Heat in the winter via a “Hot Dawg” propane-fired heater on setback thermostat and cooling by way of the largest 110VAC window unit I could find. Mounted that in the far wall.
How long turning?
This is kind of a trick question for me! I started about 4 years ago, though it’s almost always been “in between” other projects. For the last couple of years, it’s been pretty minimal, as I’ve been plagued with some health issues and a house in need of a lot of upgrading and repairs.
What got you into turning?
Inspiration by so many of the other turners’ work and just the “yearning” to try something new and different.
What do you enjoy most about turning?
The ability to create something new and different with each and every piece. Even when “trying” to duplicate, no two pieces are really alike.
What was your first completed turned project?
I guess I wouldn’t call it a “project” but, it was a simple spindle, aka, candle-holder. My first “real” projects were pens.
What is your favorite form that you turn?
Bowls, which almost cross over into being Orts. J
What is your favorite form someone else turns/has turned?
Yeah. Right. Another trick question! There is just no conceivable way for me to come up with an answer to this one. I love the bowls, HF’s, boxes, NE’s, pens, bottle stoppers and yes, even the bonkers, which I see out here at SMC.
What is your favorite wood to work with and why?
Cherry. Love the smell, the general “control” of it and it finishes beautifully.
Have you met or hung out with any turnin’ Creekers? Tell us about it.
Gads, I hope I don’t miss anyone on this one! Let’s see. There’s Jeff Sudmeier, Dale Thompson, Bill Grumbine, Erin & Scott Roesch, Joe Breid, Steve Ash and I apologize if I’ve missed anyone! Jeff, Erin and Scott live nearby, so they’re easy. I met up with Dale, Bill and Joe at the LaCrosse gathering back in April. Last, but definitely not last is Steve Ash, who I had the absolute distinct pleasure of meeting just a couple weeks ago, when he, Larry Merlau and their respective wives came for a visit. Then there are the turner wannabe’s but, we’ll let that one go…. J
What is your favorite individual piece that you have turned, and why?
A Walnut (Yeah, not Cherry!) cheese and cracker serving platter I did back on the old Yorkie. The biggest hunk ‘o wood that would fit on that beast and it was a challenge trying to chase the lathe around the shop area while doing it!
What if your favorite piece someone else has turned, and why?
Good grief! See 4 paragraphs above!!!
What do you not turn now that you want to – or plan to – in the future?
Hollow forms! Need to get the rigging for that, though.
What brought you to SMC?
That “other place with water” had the water drained out of it. Been here since Day-1 and loving every minute of it! J
Got any nicknames? How’d you get it?
Not currently. The guys in HS used to call me “Flash”, as I was always running around with a camera/flash setup, shooting pics for the yearbook and other publications.
Now let’s get a little deep… If you were a tree, what tree would you be and why?
Probably a Cherry. It smells nice, bears wonderful fruit and, once you “open” it up, you just never know what surprises are waiting to jump out.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Mark Cothren
For a young whipper snapper of almost 50 your memory is already going. 
Another 10 years and you'll be a babbling idiot....................like me. 
Creeker Visits. They're the best. 
Oh well, he's hung on to it long enough for it to already be inaccurate! I now weigh in just under 205 and got my mitts on a real Jet air cleaner to replace the home-built jobbie. 
You may not know this about me John, but I am very emotionally fragile and easily crushed...
