I talked to the local high school shop teacher about donating wood, and a request was for blanks for making bowls. Before I start chopping up wood, I was curious if you guys have any blanks collecting dust. No species in particular, just not soft wood like pine. Something that would make a kid proud of their creation. They are all midi lathes, so anything from 4" - 8" would be great.
Closed - Bowl blanks
- Thread starter Hannison
- Start date
Most of my blanks are more challenging. I like live edge and stuff you can tell wasn't made in a factory out of plastic. Many of my blanks have critters that need warmed up to slow em down.
What thickness and green or dry might still help us sort through. Although "collecting dust" tends to make me think dry.
these are representatives of my bowl blank collection. I have several with wilder edges and a few rounded out already
What thickness and green or dry might still help us sort through. Although "collecting dust" tends to make me think dry.
these are representatives of my bowl blank collection. I have several with wilder edges and a few rounded out already
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Also, how many students in this class? More importantly, how many blanks does he want
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #4
Frank,
Thanks for your response! While those are beautiful blanks, they may get destroyed in a high school shop class
Regular old square or round blanks are probably better off to start, and something that won't explode on them. Not sure how many kids are in the class, but now that I am looking, I'll do what I can to keep them stocked. This is just an attempt at starting the collection.
I looked through my stash today and there is plenty that I can cut up. But as some can probably relate to, I have a real hard time parting with some of the bigger stock that I have collected along the way. Like, it physically pains me sometimes. This problem is known and admitted to.
So, enough with the rambling. Dry, square or round stock that an amateur can turn is best. Looking to boost their confidence on the lathe.
Thanks for your response! While those are beautiful blanks, they may get destroyed in a high school shop class
Regular old square or round blanks are probably better off to start, and something that won't explode on them. Not sure how many kids are in the class, but now that I am looking, I'll do what I can to keep them stocked. This is just an attempt at starting the collection.I looked through my stash today and there is plenty that I can cut up. But as some can probably relate to, I have a real hard time parting with some of the bigger stock that I have collected along the way. Like, it physically pains me sometimes. This problem is known and admitted to.
So, enough with the rambling. Dry, square or round stock that an amateur can turn is best. Looking to boost their confidence on the lathe.
Too bad you're not close, I would donate some for the kids
So what zip code are the blocks travelling to for those trying to figure shipping?
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- #7
Get ahold or tree removal service’s in your area that remove down and damaged trees. If the Teacher tells them why he is asking for them they might donate some rounds and limbs that would work.
Have you talked to these folks about maybe donating some scraps of their dry stock. In 12/4 the blocks should be great in pear and apple for the more experienced and mulberry and sassafras and ambrosia maple for the beginners.
Flame Box Elder will be hard to talk most folks out of, but if they are willing, that is awesome beginner stock. Soft enough to cut and a beautiful product when polished up!
I suspect they might like the chance to brag about their helping the local school kids...
The website is the same as Joe's email server.
Flame Box Elder will be hard to talk most folks out of, but if they are willing, that is awesome beginner stock. Soft enough to cut and a beautiful product when polished up!
I suspect they might like the chance to brag about their helping the local school kids...
The website is the same as Joe's email server.
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #10
Ha, I built that website! I get everything from Joe. I already have some FBE packaged up and ready to go to the school. I'm headed down to the mill next week. He gives me whatever leftovers I want, so really no issues there.
I'm going to close this out for now. Seems that it's probably more cost effective to look local. Thanks for everyone's interest and advice. It is always appreciated.
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Awesome! That seems to be the best, logical, solution. However, logic doesn't always work out. Keep us updated. I will keep you in mind if I get blanks falling out of the junk I have stacked up around the storage facilities...
Forgot the needed labels... walnut, apple, cherry, and box elder. The small round in the last picture is spalted oak as I recall and the large round visible under the last blank is a large hickory bowl blank courtesy of Jerry @Nubsnstubs . I am saving that till I get a longer handled bowl gouge and a chuck to carry it. I really don't like the idea of fighting cured hickory to the bottom of a 10 in wide bowl with a harbor freight faceplate...
Frank, get yourself a tap to match your spindle TPI and OD, and make your own faceplates out of plywood or double thickness MDF. There is a guy on one of the other sites I belong to. He used his homemade faceplates for years. .............. Jerry (in Tucson)
Sounds like my kind of project. I will likely use 3/4 plywood layered up to clear the motor in smaller diameter then I can step up to the 10 inch diameter facing. As a carpenter, I likely already have the plywood.
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- #15
Went to see Joe today, and he had a piece of maple that had been sitting around for a while. When I say piece, it was about 5" x 20" x 6'. He cut it into 5" square x 6' on the spot. In addition, I was able to grab some 5" walnut logs air dried for 4 years. I won't say what I paid, but Joe is a saint. Brought it to the high school and the kids went nuts. They now have enough bowl blanks to get through the year at least. Happy end to this search. Thanks again for the interest in helping!
Matt