Here it is September already! I think someone forgot to tell Mother Nature because it has been near 90°, with sauna like humidity, the last couple of days.

I actually got a chance to get to the lathe! With Christmas coming, I am prototyping some turnings to get ready for making presents. I try to make cooking/kitchen related presents for many of our friend. Something they can use and not toss aside a couple of months later. This year, I'm making some decorative container bowls for small stuff like candy- at least that's the plan. We'll have to see what actually comes off the lathe. 

My first attempt on the platter seemed to go pretty good although the shape isn't as fluid as I wanted-

This was turned from a piece of dried walnut about 2.75" thick The total diameter is about 11". I used a Scorby spiraling/texturing system to create the texture on the rim. It isn't sanded yet. As I look at the pictures, it reminds me of a church collection plate.

 

The second gift idea is a coffee scoop. A couple of years ago, I stopped by Ruth Niles' shop to pick up some bottle stoppers. She traded me one of her coffee scoops for one of my rolling pins. I thought I'd try my hand at creating some scoops. 

The shorter handled one is Ruth's. Not sure of the wood but it has some lovely spalting. My prototype is made from walnut. I think I'll create a glued up blank of walnut and maple. Making the "ring", where the handle attaches a maple piece.

 

Some other turning stuff from the past week-

Woodturning On Line sent out their monthly newsletter. There is a short video featuring Steven Kennard. It is more of an inspirational video than a tutorial. He presents his thoughts on the art of turning.

https://vimeo.com/126545288 

There's also a nice tutorial from Popular Woodturning about making an ice cream scoop-

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/ice-cream-scoop

The entire newsletter is at-

http://www.woodturningonline.com/

I found a couple more interesting videos from the same folks that did the one on the Calabash Bowl. These all feature a turner named Glenn Lucas and are grouped under the category of "Inspirational Series". I found them quite enjoyable.

http://blog.woodturnerscatalog.com/category/woodturning-videos/inspiration-series/.

 

Safe Turning

 

Lew, that is really cool! Love it. The texture, will that be rough after finish or are you going to have to sand it somewhat to take the burrs off, if any burs even exist. I really like this one, your turning prowess is really showing itself off here Lew!

On man that is so awesome. I love the pattern on the top. That Sorby did a really nice job.

And hey, if they run out of candy, they can pass the plate when friends are over for more candy money!!!

Love it and the coffee scoops also. Excellent!

Thanks for the kind words, guys!

There really aren't any burrs on the texture but I will sand it lightly to even out the surface. I have seen some pieces that were painted - prior to the creating the pattern. The tool then creates a two tone texture. I just hate covering the beauty of the natural wood.

I agree with the painting critique Lew, but in some cases I bet that would look really cool!

Nice bowl/platter   What's the deal with the texturing?  How did you get that pattern?

 

The texturing was an experiment, Cliff. I used a Scorby Spiral/Texture tool to make the design. The tool creates the textured design using a toothed wheel.

 

Here's the website- http://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/woodturning/specialist-woodturning-tools/decorating-finishing-tools/b320-spiralling-tool