One of the more surprising facts we learned at Chris Pouncy’s woodturning demo at Carbatec's Brisbane store last night, was that it was only a week or so after Cook arrived on this continent, that Sheffield UK manufacturer Robert Sorby started exporting to Australia. In fact, the stone archway in the first factory of that company carried the inscription: Robert Sorby Kangaroo Works.
Of course it wasn’t the same range of products coming out to the colonies in those days, but this does reinforce the great lineage this company has. You can read its history at this link
Chris Pouncy is currently back in Australia touring for Carbatec, talking to turners about the Robert Sorby range, and also about how to keep tools sharp and how to best use them. He's an engaging and knowledgeable presenter.
Check the times and locations for demonstrations here