Care of bowls after sale

[Dan Wiggin]

Happy New Year to all!…. So… I seal most of my utility bowls with shellac then either the Beall’s system, Ack’s Paste or Tried and True. What would you tell your potential customers as for the care once there in there new home, pertaining to cleaning them and maintaining the luster?

 

[Brian Gustin]

Absolutely no soap & water, (for cleaning, just wipe dry/ polish out with paper towels) never let liquids stand in bowls (unless they don't care about staining or discoloration and eventual leakage/seepage), if they like the lustrous natural finish restored they'd need to get some Board Butter or wipe down regularly with mineral oil.

- most of all that is just common sense (knowing soap washes away oils & grease, for example, and that wood is porous so of course it will absorb liquids eventually, and left to stand, it does eventually dry out, and oil does evaporate though very, very slowly)

 

[John K Jordan]

For things sealed/finished with shellac I tell people to keep alcohol away. (Prob not the best finish for wine bottle stoppers.)
Clean and polish with a soft cotton cloth. I sometimes give people a small plastic container with Renaissance Wax.

Raffan says:
"Any wooden bowl in daily use can be hand-washed in hot water and detergent and set on a drainer to dry."

Bowls - Richard Raffan

www.richardraffan.com.au

 

[robo hippy]

Hand wash only, no dishwasher. Do not soak in water. Do not store food in them, especially in the refrigerator, which is a dehydrator. Oil them if you want, but generally my personal one gets oiled when new and that is it. If you have some food residue building up on the bowl, then time for soap, water and a scrub pad. Walnut oil from the stores does work, some times. Olive oil is not bad for the bowls, but make sure to wipe away any excess.

robo hippy

 

[Vincent Vogel]

For utility bowls I mostly use polymerized tung oil or sometimes rubio monocoat. I tell people do not put in refrigerator overnight, no microwave oven, do not put in dishwasher, do not immerse in water to wash. Use mild dish detergent with warm water and wash with a rag and rinse. Dry immediately. So far from what I've heard this works good.

 

[hughie]

I have a hand out that given to each customer with some fact about how wood moves with the seasons, best locations - worst locations, type of finish and maintenance. The blurb is well received and appreciated and I have been meaning have it in a QR code

 

[Dan Wiggin]

Thank you all for your responses ! Very helpful ! I think a hand out is a great idea !

 

[John K Jordan]

I have a hand out that given to each customer with some fact about how wood moves with the seasons, best locations - worst locations, type of finish and maintenance.

Hey, I was thinking the same as Dan, an excellent idea.

Is that handout something you’re able to share? Many others could find it useful without having to recreate it from scratch.

JKJ

 

[Dave Landers]

I have a hand out that given to each customer with some fact about how wood moves with the seasons, best locations - worst locations, type of finish and maintenance. The blurb is well received and appreciated and I have been meaning have it in a QR code

I had my simple bowl care info printed on the back of one run of my business cards. I finish most utility pieces with walnut oil (Mahoney's).

Utility Bowl Care: Your bowl has been finished with oil. You can use it for just about anything - bread, nuts, popcorn, salad, vegetables, etc.
Wash by hand with mild soap or just warm water. Do not soak in water or wash in the dishwasher.
Do not use in the microwave oven.
Occasionally wipe with oil. I suggest walnut oil or sunflower oil, available in the grocery store.
Some bowls have "worm holes" or other natural features. Be careful with liquids like salad dressing, as it may collect in the holes.

 

[hughie]

Hey, I was thinking the same as Dan, an excellent idea.

Is that handout something you’re able to share? Many others could find it useful without having to recreate it from scratch.

JKJ

Care and looking after your bespoke Australian Native timber candle holders.[ or whatever the item is ]

All species of wood move with the seasons this is natural and will incrementally harden over time, so the trick is keep the movement to a minimum you can’t avoid it but with a little care it and by avoiding the extremes of our climate this will maintain its integrity for many years to come. Especially Native timbers they are best kept away from strong sunlight and extreme temperatures and excessive moisture. So don’t leave it in strong sunlight and avoid getting it wet, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth. All the pieces have been fully seasoned in the traditional method of air drying and will be finished in either a Polyurethane varnish or a Danish Oil both are enduring finishes that requires little maintenance other than a wipe over with a damp rag.

All the timber used has been responsibly taken, some of it has come renovations to old homes, Suburban tree felling and wind falls from areas such as the Southern Highlands

Depending on which piece you take home they all have a story to tell and each is signed by the artist with the species clearly marked.
This heavily orientated to Australian species and it also comes with a further blurb on the species actually for sale along with a brief statement about the artist. What I have found if there is any history around or about the wood , write it up and present it with the piece it make a big difference to sales. You could say a great deal more and rant on, but simple and to the point works well, to a large extent you have to know your market, this works for me in my location which is a tourist precinct.
I use a lot of wood from old house renovations, large old stumps etc I spend as time as I can gleaning the history. On old stumps etc its fairy easy to get some idea of age and you can tie to historical moments. Its give the piece I guess more provenance and the buyers love hold a piece of history in their hands especially recounting this to friends and family. The idea is that through this you enter into the conversation going on in the prospective buyers head. The market down under is very tight after covid and so you have to be very proactive, rather just plonking the piece on the shelf and walking away. OK if it gallery type sales you will have to organise this with the gallery, to date I have found the galleries love this approach as you have much of their work in sales.

 

[Gregory Hickman]

I would think this would be a good idea for anyone selling there work. The whole bit about the story resonates as well. People in the market for craft products definetly want the story. If you take the time to tell it, I'm sure the customer will forward that story to anyone who comments on the piece.

I'm a new turner, therfore probably years from selling anything. But the idea of providing this type of information will be filled away for that future date. Thanks for providing a clear and articulate example to use for us all, @hughie.

 

[John K Jordan]

would think this would be a good idea for anyone selling there work.

Yes, selling (or giving away). I’ve never been movated to try to sell things (although I’ve accidentally made a few thousand here and there) but I give away most of what I make. I’m definitely going to write up something.

Thank you @hughie.

JKJ

 

[Gregory Hickman]

Yes, selling (or giving away). I’ve never been movated to try to sell things (although I’ve accidentally made a few thousand here and there) but I give away most of what I make. I’m definitely going to write up something.

Thank you @hughie.

JKJ

I'll amend my statement to sell our give away. I'm to much of a perfectionist to even give away something that I think is subpar.

Gregory

 

[John K Jordan]

I'll amend my statement to sell our give away. I'm to much of a perfectionist to even give away something that I think is subpar.

Gregory

Me too! However, a while after I bought my first little (horrible) lathe just to make a spindle for my son for architecture school, it then sat ignored until one day I dusted it off and decided to make a bowl. Had no bowl blanks so I glued up some pieces of red oak board, mounted on a face plate, and turned my very first bowl, I was about what you might expect, but when my sister visited saw it she wanted it! Her husband told me after she had passed away that she treasured that bowl!

Another time, with better equipment and experience, I somehow stull made the worst bowl ever - the form was ugly, the wood was ugly, the turning was horrible, and the finish was bad. I must have been having a bad day. I got disgusted and threw the bowl on the ground by the barn. When a vet visited I that day I asked her if she would like the bowl for cat food. I made her promise to NEVER tell a soul who made it! Then months later, at their house for a birthday party I walked in I saw the bowl on a table with nuts or something in it. She announced: “Hey everyone, this is John. He’s the one who made this bowl!” Ack!

To her, it was wonderful!

These days if I can’t or don’t want to bother saving something it goes to the burn barrel or gets thrown in the woods or into my Box O’ Shame.

But at a symposium once I learned the professional way to handle this. A well-known professional demonstrator turned something and it had some problem he didn’t want to deal with - he simply wrote the name of another well known turner on the bottom! The audience loved that!

 

[hughie]

Me too! However, a while after I bought my first little (horrible) lathe just to make a spindle for my son for architecture school, it then sat ignored until one day I dusted it off and decided to make a bowl. Had no bowl blanks so I glued up some pieces of red oak board, mounted on a face plate, and turned my very first bowl, I was about what you might expect, but when my sister visited saw it she wanted it! Her husband told me after she had passed away that she treasured that bowl!

Another time, with better equipment and experience, I somehow stull made the worst bowl ever - the form was ugly, the wood was ugly, the turning was horrible, and the finish was bad. I must have been having a bad day. I got disgusted and threw the bowl on the ground by the barn. When a vet visited I that day I asked her if she would like the bowl for cat food. I made her promise to NEVER tell a soul who made it! Then months later, at their house for a birthday party I walked in I saw the bowl on a table with nuts or something in it. She announced: “Hey everyone, this is John. He’s the one who made this bowl!” Ack!

To her, it was wonderful!

These days if I can’t or don’t want to bother saving something it goes to the burn barrel or gets thrown in the woods or into my Box O’ Shame.

But at a symposium once I learned the professional way to handle this. A well-known professional demonstrator turned something and it had some problem he didn’t want to deal with - he simply wrote the name of another well known turner on the bottom! The audience loved that!

Lol, perfectionists, I think we all have some of that within us. If I dont care for what I have done I wont sign it. But then there times I wonder if I really know what I am doing, as sometime when the piece is finished I look at it and think 'yeah nah' this aint the best I can do. This is wrong here and that over there is wrong only to find those who see it rave over it. That leaves me muttering about how I have no idea about this turning thing whatsoever.

 

[Gregory Hickman]

Lol, perfectionists, I think we all have some of that within us. If I dont care for what I have done I wont sign it. But then there times I wonder if I really know what I am doing, as sometime when the piece is finished I look at it and think 'yeah nah' this aint the best I can do. This wrong here and that over there is wrong only to find those who see it rave over it. That leaves me muttering about how I have no idea about this turning thing whatsoever.

Crafts people are usually their own wrist critics, this is for sure. Being a perfectionist can go even beyond that though.

When i taught my engineering students my favorite quote to them was, "if it's worth doing, it's worth over doing." Good is honestly never good enough, when you can do more.

I would caution that even though I told my students this, many many times, there are plenty of times where good is good enough. You have to weigh costs with reward. I'm medically retired, I can afford extra time to do things, where someone that gets maybe 4 hours a week for there hobby can not.

I know I personally will have to learn when to say, while not perfect this is good enough. Now I won't be afraid to share even my most disappointing turnings with the group. This is because the eyes of other turners, especially those with much more experience will benefit my growth very much.

Gregory

 

[hughie]

Crafts people are usually their own wrist critics, this is for sure. Being a perfectionist can go even beyond that though.

When i taught my engineering students my favorite quote to them was, "if it's worth doing, it's worth over doing." Good is honestly never good enough, when you can do more.

I would caution that even though I told my students this, many many times, there are plenty of times where good is good enough. You have to weigh costs with reward. I'm medically retired, I can afford extra time to do things, where someone that gets maybe 4 hours a week for there hobby can not.

I know I personally will have to learn when to say, while not perfect this is good enough. Now I won't be afraid to share even my most disappointing turnings with the group. This is because the eyes of other turners, especially those with much more experience will benefit my growth very much.

Gregory

An interesting point you make with students, theres learning and then there is impartation. Brings back memories of long ago, training and my Boss, right was right for him that included doing your best and "If wanted less i will tell you"

 

[Stan Pressner]

I'll amend my statement to sell our give away. I'm to much of a perfectionist to even give away something that I think is subpar.

Gregory

Gregory,
I felt much the same way, and had a large burn pile waiting to be destroyed. A group of old friends came by the shop one day and insisted on pawing through the pile. They each came up with 2,3, or 4 that they really wanted. I tried to point them towards the finished work that they were quite welcome to take, but they insisted they wanted the pieces from the burn pile, some of which still had the tenons on them. I finally decided that people like different things, and that my standards were perhaps too exacting for the situation. That said, they were of course unsigned.

 

[John K Jordan]

I felt much the same way, and had a large burn pile waiting to be destroyed

A “burn pile” is moe interesting for potters! I have a potter friend who, when a piece doesn’t satisfy him, carries it outside and smashes it in a growing pile of rejects. He said that act is oddly satisfying!

Once at his house he offered me a bunch of fresh veggies from the garden. He picked up a big bowl, maybe 18”-20” across and filled it with vegetables. I told him I’d bring back the bowl the next day - he said forget it, it was destined for the midden - the internal blue glaze had oozed over the rim in one spot and he couldn’t stand it. (No second chance to fix it!) Almost 1/2 century later we still have and use that bowl! I love it. (we prob have 100 pieces of his work, large and small. (if I count the dinner ware sets!)

JKJ.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Yes, selling (or giving away). I’ve never been movated to try to sell things (although I’ve accidentally made a few thousand here and there) but I give away most of what I make. I’m definitely going to write up something.

Thank you @hughie.

JKJ

My primary motivation in selling bowls is to be able to deduct everything I've spent getting set up in the past two years.

 

[John K Jordan]

My primary motivation in selling bowls is to be able to deduct everything I've spent getting set up in the past two years.

Nothing wrong with that! By “deduct” do you mean write it off on taxes? I do that with all farm expenses as well as report income - how many peacocks do you need?! A horse, a llama?

For me, woodturning is pure hobby (and teaching). People often ask about my fee for teaching - I tell them its a good story or a good joke!

If I sold things it would feel like a job. I’ve been retired for pushing 20 years and have no desire to get a job! Seems like (for me) it would suck the fun out of woodturning.. I do know of a some people who seem focused on making money from woodturning and a few somehow seem to be a bit short on joy. (But others do craft fairs, galleries, and shows and love it! There are some venues near here that welcome and showcase turnings, large or small.)

Ack! I’d probably have a heart attack if I added up everything I’ve spent on machines, tools, and building the shop. Better for me rely on my failing memory and not think about it!

Hey, maybe I’ll buy one of your pieces! I’d like a nice necked hollow form, flared a bit at the opening, about 6” diameter, about 8” tall, turned from Kingwood or olive, finished with oil. Can you have it ready by TAW?

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Nothing wrong with that! By “deduct” do you mean write it off on taxes?

Hey, maybe I’ll buy one of your pieces! I’d like a nice necked hollow form, flared a bit at the opening, about 6” diameter, about 8” tall, turned from Kingwood or olive, finished with oil. Can you have it ready by TAW?

Yes on the taxes.

No need to buy a piece.

 

[Ric Williams]

I have found that bowl rejects are great for fire wood when camping. Compact to transport and safe when there are restrictions on transporting firewood because of infestations.
I tend to give away stuff that I turn that isn't embarrassingly bad, and I often write up a list of "Rules of ownership and bowl care". It'll include good care suggestions and tongue in cheek rules like:
It's yours now. Not my problem anymore.
Hope you like it. If so, here's how to take care of it: (followed by care suggestions)
If you said it's nice, but you really don't care for it, give it to someone else who might want it.
If you really don't like it, wrap it up nicely and give it, with a big smile, to someone who doesn't like you, and let them worry about what you're up to.
If you hate it, obscure my name on the bottom first, then throw it at the guy who cut you off in traffic.
I'd appreciate it if you didn't sell it, but if I see it on Ebay, I'm gonna expect 50%. All right, fine. 40%, but nothing less.

I obviously take things very seriously.

 

[John K Jordan]

I often write up a list of "Rules of ownership and bowl care". It'll include good care suggestions and tongue in cheek rules...I obviously take things very seriously.

Ha! Reminds me of when I invite a kid to come to the shop to have a "Harry Potter" wand custom made, while they watch. (at the parent's request, often for something like a birthday.) I ahead of time I send a folded parchment paper "voucher" sealed with real sealing wax with a "J" on it, and have instructions for use and care inside.

I always gave an unsealed copy of the invitation on plain paper to the parent so she can see what I what I'm sending to her kid! (I say "kid" ..some were teens, one nephew of a friend was a BIG guy, maybe 6'4" - we made the biggest wand ever that afternoon! One big Harry Potter fan was over 40.)
One girl was so excited about the parchment invitation with the sealing wax she didn't want to open it, so her mother gave her the unsealed copy!

I've done a bunch of these: an example:



Inside, also in the same fancy font, are printed things like:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[kid's name] may exchange this voucher for one (1) genuine magic wand, custom made by famous wandmaker Mr. John. The monetary value is not to exceed 9 galleons.

[kid's name] is invited to visit the wandmaker in his shop and choose the perfect wood for her own personal wand.

Responsibility of the Owner
The wand may not be used for any evil or selfish purpose.
The wand may not be used to play tricks on helpless people or cats.
The owner will be responsible for any damage from misuse of the wand.
No muggle must ever touch the wand or see it in use.

Care of Wand
Take care to protect the wand from the elements, although it will withstand occasional use in rain or snow (or yuck, mountain troll snot.) Wipe off any moisture. You may occasionally apply a soft paste wax with a soft cloth. Do not sit on the wand or allow a dragon to step on it. Please use a charm to open cans rather than pry with the wand.

Warranty
Each custom wand is guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 10 generations or 300 years, whichever comes first. Coverage for lost and stolen wands is best described by the term "So Sorry." The warranty does not cover damage from childish pranks, carelessness, evil use, battle with evil forces, or chewing by an animal such as a cute puppy. For warranty service, return in person to Mr John or send by owl.

Legal Notice
Please note that in the tradition of wandmaking, the wandmaker is not to be held responsible for any misuse, including but not limited to damage, pain, or humiliation to the owner or others. Please use it responsibly and it will give you a lifetime of service!

About the Wandmaker
Taught by the son of Garrick Ollivander, Mr John has carried on the tradition of generations of fine wandmakers serving the best of wizarding society. Mr John has made hundreds of wands and is best known for his custom, one-of-a-kind wand creations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the kid is interested, I let them "help" make the wand with some simple things with the lathe off.
This one is for a grandson. Since the time is usually short, these wands are fairly simple!




And oh, Ric - I may have caught your cousin dining on some of my guineas by the barn - I see a vague family resemblance to your profile picture.


JKJ

 

[Dan Wiggin]

I only sell my bowls because my wife doesn’t want anymore in the house Plus it gives me a little extra cash to buy sandpaper which I use a lot of

 

[Ric Williams]

And oh, Ric - I may have caught your cousin dining on some of my guineas by the barn - I see a vague family resemblance to your profile picture.

View attachment 70784
JKJ

Yeah, sorry about that. That's Jeremy. He's a jerk and an embarrassment to the family. I avoid him at gatherings.

I like the way you include the kids in the making of their wands and the certificate that you give the wand recipients. Very thoughtful!

Our turning club had a wand making contest for members a few years ago. I have a penchant for cultural mash-ups, and made a light saber wizard's wand. It was met with silence...



I made it out of a single piece of wood (except for the red button) and a lot of embellishment, but no one appreciated the work or the joke.
My daughter has an equally twisted sense of humor and loved it, so I sent it to her.

 

[John K Jordan]

Our turning club had a wand making contest for members a few years ago.

Wands are one of my favorite things to turn, ever since visiting another club long ago. The prez said "Listen everybony" and told of this great opportunity coming up to interact with and introduce kids to woodturning - something called Harry Potter! I was already a strong supporter of doing everything possible for the next generation! (I taught kindergarten SS for 27 years and have had yearly farm days here where kids could pet a horse, chase a guinea, plant a bean in the garden, take home a peacock feather... To this day, some of those kids, grown up now, still stay in touch - and some have come for woodturning lessons!)

I think I was the one of the few who took the idea of making wands to heart, developed some techniques that made turning them easy, and have made 100s since then, done demos in several states.

I think I posted about this before: for a couple of the Harry Potter book releases I set up a lathe on the sidewalk and made wands while kids watched. The first time I had to talk the store manager into it (no, I don't want money, yes I can use the sidewalk, will bring my own light, just need a power outlet).

When the next book was about to come out, the store called me a week ahead of time and said people were already calling to ask if the wand maker would be there! Even the TV station showed up. Some people who brought kids a few years before brought a younger sibling, big enough then!

I brought a bunch of prepared blanks and let the kids pick out the wood they liked and pick from several handle styles. By necessity, the wands were pretty simple. (Some waited almost 3 hours for their turn!) I also sent each child home with a thin piece of the wood from when I prepared the blank on the bandsaw in the shop.

My son took a bunch of finished wands I had made over the years, some with detail and carving, laid them out on a table cloth with prices. He took in $1740 that night!



You can see, I took my Sorting Hat!

Oh, in posting this picture someone commented on the potential liability of woodturng with kids close. It may be a matter of perspective - based on other photos, the closest person, the girl in the dark blue shirt, was standing at least 6 ft away but looked closer from the camera angle. Also, if a spindle were to break, the pieces simply fall straight down - (I didn't break any!). None of the risk like turning something like a bowl!

I've also carried the mini lathe to schools and other events to let kids (and teens) see what woodturning was about. Good clean fun!

If anyone is interested, I updated my document on thin spindles for my last demo and posted it here in the Tutorials/Tips section of anyone is interested. (I think it's up to 30 pages now!) And [GASP] the club made a video of the last demo! If I'd known maybe I would have worn a clean shirt or combed my hair. Nah...

I would have appreciated your wand! Several have asked if I could put a light inside but I declined. I might make one from acrylic or a wood/acrylic combo some time.

JKJ

 

[Gregory Hickman]

In case anyone is curious about John's document you can find it here.

Thread 'Turning Thin Spindles' https://www.aawforum.org/community/threads/turning-thin-spindles.23116/

Gregory