2016- The Year to reduce the woodpile.

[Dalboy]

Just catching up with all the posts I missed for the last week or so, I see you have been busy and some great looking bowl from the Yew in your little log pile.

 

[CHJ]

Thanks Derek, probably not optimum in form by some folks standards but the recipient is more than happy with the style, not sure I'm perfecting tool control or application of CA though, and that cracked porcelain sound certainly concentrates the body positioning etc. somewhat.

 

[Dalboy]

Thanks Derek, probably not optimum in form by some folks standards but the recipient is more than happy with the style, not sure I'm perfecting tool control or application of CA though, and that cracked porcelain sound certainly concentrates the body positioning etc. somewhat.

At the end of the day whatever the shape if it is what the person wants then it is correct, I think we look at them a lot different to most non turners. As for the sound of the turning it certainly does require a different turning position even when wrapped in tape or cling film, the latter I learnt from another forum member Pete (bodrighy)

 

[CHJ]

One of those lumps of wood that you wonder if it's worth bothering with because of external shakes, and then when hidden internal splits appear you come close to thinking that it may well have been better in the wood burner pile.

Young Oak 165mm dia.

What's the consensus ?
Do you:-

• 1. Just put it in the firewood pile.
  2. Colour lacquer inside so that splits don't show.
  3. Leave it as is and see if someone is happy with it.

 

[Castanea]

Leave it as it is - it's a good looking bowl with character and I suspect someone will treasure it - warts and all

 

[Bm101]

Absolutely. I think that's lovely. Please don't burn it! :shock:
Just goes to show how we all look at things differently I s'pose. To me the 'faults' add to it.

 

[beganasatree]

Hi Chas,
Leave it as it is,(with natural defects).
If you are having trouble reducing that woodpile I could send you a large box,LOL.

Peter'

 

[markslathe]

I have to say,your work inspires me to do better.

 

[CHJ]

I have to say,your work inspires me to do better.

Glad to hear it, I'm no master of turning but enjoy what I do (usually) and I guess the simple stuff I produce looks a bit more achievable where some of the more exotic creations may cause a sense of inferiority for those new to turning struggling with recalcitrant bits of wood.
I found it was just best to accept what I did, still do, to the best of my ability and continue to admire the skill of the better craftsmen and give them due credit.

 

[CHJ]

What I can only describe as Dirty Oak, think I caught it just before it had gone too far on the grey mould stakes as far as appearance is concerned.

If I get any more samples of woodland thinning's of young Oak like this I think I'm going to try slabbing it before attempting storage, this lot has not ridden the drying curve well, shakes and/or discolouration abound.

Oak, 165mm dia.

 

[Rhossydd]

Rather nice figuring IMHO

 

[CHJ]

I bit more of the Oak, leaning more towards the Brown Oak stage but the 'white' wood is a bit punky.

Oak, 160mm dia.

 

[Dalboy]

not posted much lately, the problem being is catching up every time. I like the simple forms as well as the more arty type of stuff. All of yours are well turned and finished Chas. The one with the shakes in it is great and well executed. the last one well persevered with the punky part and a great contrast between the different colours.
it still takes a great turner to produce a cleanly turned and finished bowl like yours

 

[CHJ]

..
it still takes a great turner to produce a cleanly turned and finished bowl like yours

Thanks Derek, think it's more about knowing how to handle the abrasive on such pieces, years of producing soft wood hollows gets to the conscience eventually.

I think it's the speed of production* that comes with experience that is the most noticeable, not necessarily the quality of finish, whether to Bevel Rub, Trail Scrape, Sheer Scrape, Quickly swap tools or leave it alone because it isn't going to get any better.

* the last one took 35 mins total turning including swapping chucks and finishing from Bark on blank.

I find the thing that speeds things up most on the actual turning process is the ability to start and finish without flow interruptions.

I try and prepare blanks in batches, with mounting holes or methods sorted.
Chuck jaws and mounting components readily to hand and a mental tally of how I intend to use them.

If at all possible give all tools used a quick lick on the sharpening so that they are sharp and good to go before stowing on the rack.

Leave the sharpening options if used for a different tasks back in the configuration needed for quick turn round of gouges.
Likewise top up finishing products, liquid and abrasive on easy reach shelves or racks when the odd few minutes are available.

 

[CHJ]

This might be interesting in a couple of years time.

Not sure of exact species, reported as Thorn, growing in Cotswold stone wall and had to be removed to rebuild wall.

Could be Hawthorn or Blackthorn, although both species growing close to me are not as big in the girth as this and Bark comparison is so far not conclusive.
Dense structure, Heavy but that might just be moisture as ends range from 25-35% centre to outer at the moment.

 

[Bigbud78]

Really love the Yew Bowls Chas, I really need to try and locate some I'm drowning in cherry currently

 

[Woody2Shoes]

This might be interesting in a couple of years time.

Not sure of exact species, reported as Thorn, growing in Cotswold stone wall and had to be removed to rebuild wall.

[/attachment]

That's quite a chunky piece! My bet would be hawthorn (rose family, like apple etc.) based on the bark and the colour of the wood.

Blackthorn tends to be darker and to have a more distinct difference between heartwood and sapwood and its bark is smoother usually. Cheers, W2S

 

[Castanea]

Indeed - looks like hawthorn to me. I find it likes to split but it is nice and dense (and burns beautifully!)

 

[CHJ]

Indeed - looks like hawthorn to me.

Had a walk out in the field where this came from and there is a copse of Hawthorn in one corner rather than the ubiquitous sloe around here, so that rather seals it.
Thanks Castanea & W2S

I find it likes to split

Sincerely hope not, not often you see such a mature lump as this.

... (and burns beautifully!)

Heathen :shock:

 

[beganasatree]

I think Castanea meant to turns but pressed the B instead of the T.

Peter.