Nelson E. Cassinger has been working on a lathe for 5 years. He knew at the age of 15 he wanted to work with wood when he turned a lamp in wood class in high school. His dream became a reality when he and his wife, Mary, attended a wood show in So. California where Stuart Mortimer was demonstrating the art. Inspired by the demonstration, he wanted to pursue the lathe further. From there, he took woodturning classes from Rex Birmingham, Mike Mahoney and Stuart Mortimer at Craft Supplies USA where he was introduced to several world-class turners - with Dale Nish playing an important part in his accomplishments with support and encouragement. His passion was then inspired by the segmented works of Ray Allen. He knew that the artistic designs were limitless and the challenge was something he wanted to pursue. He feels very fortunate to have met Ray prior to his passing.

When asked what he likes most about segmented vessels, he will tell you its the challenge of creating a design and having it work. Just a boy playing with blocks. Nelson has the ability to see the finished product even before he selects his materials an art that was developed when he was painting custom cars and motorcycles.

Nelson has been employed for 22 years as the paint foreman of Breslin Builders, a large General Contractor in Las Vegas. On his free time and weekends you will find him in his wood shop. If he is not dreaming about the time he can retire from full-time employment, he is planning the design of his next piece, or thinking about the next symposium he will attend and visiting the many friends he has acquired at Craft Supplies USA.

Earlier this year Nelson developed and is marketing a template through Craft Supplies USA. This template is designed to assist in making rings for segmented vessels. A video will be released soon showing how to use this template with instructions how to assemble segmented vessels.

A frequent demonstrator at Craft Supplies USA, Nelson is a member of AAW and a Charter member of the new Las Vegas Woodturners, a recently formed chapter with a growing membership. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Nelson has lived in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1974.