Elm Bowl

[wizer]

Had a play in the workshop today. I bought this blank back in Feb from Scottish Timbers on eBay. First time I've turned Elm. Not sure if I like it.

I 'cheated' a bit on the inner curve and used the Roly Munro. It worked perfectly. Might as well use it, seeing as I had to sell a kidney for it.

The idea was to do a bit of a reverse curve at the top to mimmick a calabash but much squatter. Not sure if it worked, what do you think?

 

[Blister]

Wizer

looks good to me , you had an idea before starting so did it turn out as planned ?

I like the hint of a outward turn to the rim edge , very 8)

 

[wizer]

Well actually, I started out wanting it to be a bit like a donut (with a much smaller opening), but towards the end of shaping the outside I put that top curve in, remembering the Mike Mahoney dvd that I'd watched a couple of days ago. I think it looks better for it.

 

[Pip]

Looks very smart to me, subtle and under-stated, would have been proud to have done that!!
What's Elm like to turn?
pip

 

[stevebuk]

Tom, you finished something without going through the side, well done =D> =D>
Looks great, i really like the shape and the colour looks good too, sort of orangey, or is that my monitor.
I dont think it matters what tool is used, you got there in the end with a very pleasing design.

 

[wizer]

Pip it was a bit brittle, but I think that's due to me storing the blanks in my dry heated workshop. I think it might be better for them to be out in the wood shed.

Steve, it is a little orangey but I think the camera has enhanced it a bit.

I finished it with Lemon Oil btw. Will probably apply a wax. Might even buff it with the mops.

 

[Bodrighy]

Lovely shape there Tom. The little curve at the top finishes it off well and takes it that step further from being ordinairy.

Pete

 

[mikec]

Nice shape Tom.

Thickness is just right.

Mike C

 

[cornucopia]

Hi Tom i think I know the source of this blank as i think we've metioned it before- dont judge all elm by this paticular supply- as this stuff is a bit too dry imo
i love turning elm (except wych elm :x )

 

[devonwoody]

I like it, the shape is not basic, it makes my eye hold to the bowl.

 

[wizer]

Thanks guys

George, I didn't consider that the blank may have been 'over kilned'. But I'm sure my workshop isn't helping as all blanks seem to be a bit like this atm. My skills at combating tearout are improving, but not by much. I've been trying to do that severe vertical shear scrape that I've seen on a couple of DVD's but it doesn't always work well for me. Certainly doesn't feel comfortable.

 

[DaveL]

Tom,

I have turned a couple of bits of elm, one of my favourite woods, so far.
Is that its true colour, the stuff I have is much browner?
The shape is good and if I had spent that much on a hollowing tool I would be using it on everything I turned. :roll:

 

[wizer]

I'll get another pic in natural light. I think my camera is up the swanee.

 

[big soft moose]

I'll get another pic in natural light. I think my camera is up the swanee.

you've probably still got the white balance set to daylight - that gives a serious colour cast under sodium lighting - you need to set it to indoor

on a DSLR that will be on a seperaste functio button but on a compact ity will be burieed in the menus

 

[wizer]

No it's set for artificial light. Let me take one outside and we can compare.

 

[pete honeyman]

I love elm - especially burr and wych elm - the range of colour and figure is fabulous - it's can be brittle and not as smooth to turn as beech or sycamore, but the results are well worth it - yours is a nice example of the 'standard' grain and the colour is great - will probably darken a bit.

P

 

[wizer]

Just a quick shot. Still a bit orange.

 

[DaveL]

But it does look more like the stuff I have, thanks. 8)

 

[johnny.t.]

Wizer that is a really nice bowl, great form to it 8) Very impressed.

Who cares what tool you use to hollow it out the only thing that matters is the end result and you've cracked it with this piece

JT

 

[CHJ]

... you've cracked it with this piece

Seconded or whatever, simple, pleasing to the eye, and achieved near enough the planned form.

........ Who cares what tool you use to hollow it out the only thing that matters is the end result .....[/b]

precisely, it's the finished item that people in general will see and as long as the finish is the best possible in the circumstances the tool used is of no concern to them.
IMO right or wrong tool, personal preference etc, are for discussions between turners and methods adopted or ignored dependant on personal ability or preference.