Sounds like me. "There, I'm done. Where's my camera?"
What did you do in your shop today?
- Thread starter woodtickgreg
- Start date
Here ya go!
This is a piece I scrounged from a logging site, so don't blame me for how it was orginally cut....it was free!
Probably not going to be anything great since some cracks down the middle....still a learning experience.
It is oak.
Would appreciate any comments on how to proceed from here!
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If it's over 4" thick, maybe you could do something like this. It's 4 3/4" wide at the bottom of the bowl, 7 1/2" wide, and 5 3/4" tall. Walls are just over 1/8" thick throughout except for the pedestal. It is hollow and 1 1/2" deep with 1/4 thickness.
If you could save all the natural edge, I believe it would make for a good looking piece that will challenge you that you would enjoy later. I don't see too much in this piece to cause you any worry's. I also do not think your piece shown is Oak.
.............. Jerry (in Tucson)
If you could save all the natural edge, I believe it would make for a good looking piece that will challenge you that you would enjoy later. I don't see too much in this piece to cause you any worry's. I also do not think your piece shown is Oak.
.............. Jerry (in Tucson)
Never would thought of this as an idea for this blank.This is what makes turning interesting.
Thanks!
Nice looking piece you have there.....not sure if I'm at that level.
What kind of wood is it?
George, I believe this to be some type of South American Mesquite that blew over as a 30 foot tall tree here in Tucson. I grabbed a limb section that had an elbow that had at least a 45 degree angle to it. Mounted and turned without any issue. It "could?" be Catclaw, but can't really remember for sure. BTW, both top and bottom are natural edges.
Bill, there is not a single piece of wood that can not be turned. It just depends on your imagination. Now, a single small piece of veneer probably would be a disaster, but if you glued up a bunch of pieces to get some thickness, you could turn something interesting.
Here is another picture. You can see where the pith line is. Since this was done 2 years ago, I haven't found another branch that was as symmetrical as this one. Still looking for another to do it again.
As far as experience level, I had no experience in turning this type of form until I turned it. I can't say I have any common sense, but I do respect my tools and the ability to overcome thoughts like, "Can this be done?" The only way anything gets done is to "Do it" with safety in mind. My tool inventions allow me to do things others can't do easily. ....... Jerry (in Tucson)
Yes Jerry, that is what I was getting at. I enjoy the development and planning of a project. Includes trying something new each time. Glad you posted your example.
Jerry-
I guess I asked my question wrong. I should have asked what kind of wood do you think MY wood is if it's not oak?
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Well, looks like Red oak...but the good piece was under the piece posted. You want the piece that has the 2 piths coming together. I see included bark, old branch stub and risk of failure. Be careful.
Thanks!
After I cut it apart and saw the inside, I figured it wasn't going to be much good. I think I can get 1-2 small bowl blanks, if any nice character I'll be surprised.
I couldn't give you a wood type as it's not Mesquite, Palo Verde nor Desert Ironwood. Any others I wouldn't know. Mr. PEET says it's Oak. I still don't think so. ............. Jerry (in Tucson)Jerry-
I guess I asked my question wrong. I should have asked what kind of wood do you think MY wood is if it's not oak?
You could get 2 natural edge bowls out of each half of the crotch.
Keep in mind that good form will always trump good figure. I've seen some items made from spectacular wood but with poor shape/form that ruined the aesthetic. Don't get me wrong, great form + great wood can be spectacular, but for me, good form + average wood still makes a great item.
Keep in mind that good form will always trump good figure. I've seen some items made from spectacular wood but with poor shape/form that ruined the aesthetic. Don't get me wrong, great form + great wood can be spectacular, but for me, good form + average wood still makes a great item.
When I first looked, I thought Black cherry. But then in his second picture you can see the signs of being ring porous. Additionally, I'm looking at them on the PC, so a 10" wide picture. Clicking on the picture enlarges it, and shows more detail. The taste and smell would be great clues too, but I assume George is still working on those skills.
Jerry, I could be wrong on ID. Resin wood and shake can sometimes look like ring porous woods. I'm sure as the wood gets worked we will see more clearly what it is.
any chance it's siberian elm?
Trev, that was my second choice also, but still thinking oak mainly because of the middle picture.
Oak smells just like putting up firewood in the fall... For next year of course.
@Mr.Peet, I always thought that when Oak was cut that close to the center of the log, you would see the ray flecks? that's seen in quarter sawn Oak. .............. Jerry (in Tucson)
Or wine barrels!
Interesting the different opinions on the kind of wood!
Hey, that's a great point Jerry. So maybe we need some close up pictures...since KY coffee tree and Honey locust are slowly creeping into mind.