I got a temporary job and for the last couple months I've been working second shift with mandatory overtime lots of the time so I don't get out until 2:30 am.  It really cuts into my time for doing anything, especially woodworking since I don't have the shop here at home, I've got to go to my dad's for that.  In the last few weeks I have gotten a few things done so here's a couple pictures.

 

First one here is one that I thought up after doing an some end grain cutting boards.  I did this one by gluing up segments for the center ring and then just left the top and bottom regular side grain.  I know it's pretty simple, but I kind of liked the concept and maybe I'll try doing a little more with it on the next time around.

This next one I got the idea for off some woodturning site and figured I'd try it.  It didn't come out quite like I wanted.  I got it off center somehow so the dots on it weren't the same size all the way around, but I like it fairly well, I'll try it again and see if I can get it a little more even.  I'm thinking this shape might be good for the end grain bowl like the ones above.

One last thing, it isn't a turning, but a few months ago I'd asked about what to do with some of the scraps I end up with.  I decided to do a little cutting board/trivet type thing and this is what I ended up with.  I've got 3 more of them to finish sanding and I think I may do a few more.  I think the top is about 6 inches square.

I like ALL of them!!!!  Nice work!!

Hey Roy, welcome back! Yep, it's been a few weeks since we saw you last. Glad everything is alright with you and yours. I was starting to think you got swallowed up by all the weather out there awhile back.

Your work is pretty darn cool. I like it all, and that end grain is pretty spectacular. Thanks for showing.

Everything is fine here.  I've been looking for a school job for a year now but not getting anywhere on it so far.  We decided that I might as well just take anything for a little while and bank the money so when we decide to buy another place we've got a little extra cash to work with.  I got this temporary job with Denso and my group is making aluminum radiators.  It's interesting, but I'm over the interest and ready to move on.  I'm way too spoiled after being with the school for 25 years, I miss the hours, time off, and the kids.  And there just isn't enough time for anything anymore.  I'll probably stick it out through May but I can't see this being an new career for me.

John Morris said:

Hey Roy, welcome back! Yep, it's been a few weeks since we saw you last. Glad everything is alright with you and yours. I was starting to think you got swallowed up by all the weather out there awhile back.

Your work is pretty darn cool. I like it all, and that end grain is pretty spectacular. Thanks for showing.

Hey Roy, I like all of it. Man those bowls are great. I keep telling myself I am going to do that with some scraps and just don't ever put them together for the bowls.

 

I like the end grain idea for the side of the bowl. I don't think I have seen that anywhere and it is really neat. Love the cutting board/trivet. I may have to borrow your idea on that one. Looks really good.

 

Glad all is well with you all and glad to see you back posting. Hoping something opens up for you soon.

Awesome bowls, like them a lot. Question, what finish did you apply?

 

Sorry about the job. I have a friend doing the temp job thing also. Just working the crud out of these guys/gals doing automotive supplier work. Sometimes 7 days a week. All over-time, he said they just run through workers left and right. If you cant keep up with the hours, too bad. He can't stand the job...but its work.

 

Based on his work schedule...he has little time for anything. I feel your pain!

 

-Ace- 

Roy, glad to see you back and well.  By the looks of the bowls you could quit your day job and turn full time. 

There is going to be some kind of art show in Battle Creek, never been to it myself but my wife talked me into sending in a letter saying I want to exhibit.  My proposal was to show some of my cutting boards and bowls, and take along a couple mini lathes that I've got and do some turning so people could see it.  I got a note back saying she liked my idea, then I accidently ran into the girl running the program yesterday.  She's pretty interested in my proposal saying that a demonstration exhibit sounded good to her.  I'm not sure how this all going to work out but it's not until May so we'll see how it goes.

Ron Dudelston said:

Roy, glad to see you back and well.  By the looks of the bowls you could quit your day job and turn full time. 

I use a sort of French polish that I apply on the lathe.  It's something that the old shop teacher was using before I took over and I just stayed with it.  I never remember exactly how I mixed it but I think it's 5 parts shellac, 5 parts alcohol, and 1 part linseed oil.  You have to keep shaking it up to keep it from seperating, and I use a rag to put it on.  I just keep the rag moving or I'll get streaks, but as it warms up it builds up the shine.  Too much on the rag and you get sprayed, but it was a fairly simple one for students, but they do tend to drip a fair amount all over the lathe.

Ace HoleInOne said:

Awesome bowls, like them a lot. Question, what finish did you apply?

 

-Ace- 

Whow!!! I love'm. Especially the end grain bowls.