Wednesday's Wisdom For Woodturners July 14, 2021

[lew]

Congrats to all of the raffle winners. We really appreciate all of the participation.

 

 

Our Patriot Turners-

We've had a really great discussion started by @Gerald on hollowing tools. He gave us an insight into what he uses now and why. Gerald invited us to join in and share our experiences. Several members have already added to the discussion. Please hop over to Gerald's post and join in. We'd love to hear what you think and learn about the tools you use!

 

@forty_caliber gave us a look at a bowl he turned from a log. He provided a bunch of progress shots from start to finish. 

 

You can see all of the images here-

 

 

@Steve Krumanaker is back making magic at the lathe. He turned a fantastic flame box elder vase. Please see his post for more images and our turner's comments-

 

 

 

What’s Coming Up-

From Cindy Drozda. Click on the image for the link to registration 

 

 

For The Newbies-

A video from Mike Waldt discussing design, esthetics and techniques. This is a replay from a live event.

 

 

Expand Your Horizons-

Mike Peace demonstrates multi-axis turning in this two part presentation. What I found interesting is that Mr. Peace didn't use a fancy jig for holding the offset pieces.

 

 

 

New Turning Items-

Every now and then the folks at Woodturners Wonders reminds us they that stock some unique woodturning items. Check out their site to see if there is something you might need.

https://woodturnerswonders.com/collections/unique-tools

 

 

OK, this isn't new. There are many, many examples of steady rests available from just about every woodturning store. And even more shop made versions on line. What is new, here, is a unique method of mounting the three wheels.

 

Here's the link for more information-

https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/magnetic-homemade-steady-rest/

 

 

Everything Else-

Last week's list of YouTube woodturning videos from Rick Turns-

 

 

I was able to start working on the bowls that a friend wanted made. Her husband and son have a small saw mill and they cut down a flame box elder tree. They provided a log that was long enough to make 4 bowls. They also gave me a piece of walnut from which I'll get a few bowls. 

Turned the logs into blanks -

 

Was able to get 2 of the blanks roughed out-

 

They are resting in the soap and water bath until tomorrow. Then into some shavings for a while. Starting the next two tomorrow.

 

The walnut pieces intrigued me. The sap wood and heart wood were almost perfectly centered. I thought it would make an interesting piece if the outside was white and the inside was dark.

 

That meant making an end gain bowl. Well it sorta worked. If I would have left the walls quite thick, it would have been better but very heavy. It's still kind of cool. Still need to finish the finish and part off the bottom. Not sure how much it will warp/crack as it is turned to finish will still green. The side walls are about 1/4" thick.

 

 

 

Safe turning and stay well

 

Edited July 15, 2021 by lew

[Gerald]

Thanks Lew for the post. I like the bowl, sure hope that sapwood cracks do not continue.

[HandyDan]

Thanks Lew.  Like the video on multi axis.  Your Walnut bowl is spectacular.

[Cal]

That bowl is super Lew, looks like someone has been stirring up some chocolate frosting in it!

[lew]

@Gerald Thank you! I noticed a couple of tiny cracks on the bottom after I parted off the bowl and shaped the foot. Got my fingers crossed!!

 

@HandyDan Thanks! 

 

@Cal Thank you! Maybe I should get a couple of "toy" mixer beaters and sick in it!

[FlGatorwood]

Thank you, @lew.  Behind as usual, but this is a great thread.  Love that chocolate walnut bowl.  Think I will pass on the offset turning.  

[lew]

@FlGatorwood Thanks! With offset turning it seems you turn more air than wood!