Turning of the Week for April 25, 2022

[Odie]

There have been some nice things in the AAW photo gallery lately.....making me wish I could pick more than one TOTW for April 25, 2022.

I was truly amazed at the 21,000+ segments in Russ Braun's "Basketweave 102" entry. That......although amazing in itself, is very complementary to the really fine interlocking pattern he created......not to mention the form is nothing less than outstanding!

In Russ Braun's words:

I’ve always been a big fan of the Basketweave pattern in Segmenting; I think Tom Lohman’s Tubular pattern inspired this piece!! 21k plus pieces of Pernambuco, Bloodwood, Yellowheart, Wenge, Holly and Maple; all individually glued into a vase 18.5” tall, 14.5” at it’s widest point. This was built in three pieces, dry fit together to create the exterior form, then separated and turned to .20 thickness, finished the interior and the glued the three sections together using Malcolm Tibbetts’ techniques. Finish is Sam Malouf finish; I might do more but like the natural wood look it yields. C&C plz!

He wants C&C on this one!......come on, Russ......you've got to be kidding!.....even Malcolm Tibbetts himself wouldn't give this one anything less than a hearty thumbs up!

edited to add a link:

Basketweave 102

I’ve always been a big fan of the Basketweave pattern in Segmenting; I think Tom Lohman’s Tubular pattern inspired this piece!! 21k plus pieces of Pernambuco, Bloodwood, Yellowheart, Wenge, Holly and Maple; all individually glued into a vase...

www.aawforum.org

(Some nice comments there....)

-----odie-----

 

[Tom Gall]

Congratulations, Russ. This is an amazing piece by any measure. Definitely deserving of TOTW ..... even TOTM (month)!!!

 

[Emiliano Achaval]

The moment I saw it I knew it was destined for great things. An amazing piece. Congratulations Russ!

 

[Marvin Jones]

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing! Congratulations for sure!!!

 

[Mark Jundanian]

@Russ Braun , that really is a stunning piece. Great pattern and great form.

 

[Russ Braun]

Thanks Odie! I agree with your words on the forum pictures lately. This pattern always looks good in segmenting; it makes for a fun piece when it comes together. What I think I got right was the choice of and placement of the woods; they blend with the pattern nicely. The form is part of my ongoing challenge with these bigger pieces; seems like there is always something more to do regarding it. I will bring it the Chattanooga for a closer look if anyone is interested and face to face C&C, haha!

 

[Doug Freeman]

Agree with everyone else, Outstanding! The patterning appears spot on, the overall form works.

Unable to asses the finish from a pic. As to form on apiece like this - as is, it works. It could be adjusted here or there a bit, but I question that it would be an improvement, just a bit different. The rim appears a bit thin in the pic, but at 0.2” wall it may not look that way in the real. Again, amazing work.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I agree with all the other comments and I am especially impressed that the angle of the weave pattern stays fairly constant as the diameter changes. This is an incredibly impressive job, especially considering that there were at least 21,000 different opportunities to have an "aw shucks" moment.

 

[Russ Braun]

I agree with all the other comments and I am especially impressed that the angle of the weave pattern stays fairly constant as the diameter changes. This is an incredibly impressive job, especially considering that there were at least 21,000 different opportunities to have an "aw shucks" moment.

Bill, I have worked out a system that is very good at getting the segments where they go. On this vessel, the first nine rows got started backwards and knucklehead didn’t notice it until then…..soon to be a hand mirror.….allegedly. After the restart, 4 segments had to get adjusted for misplacement purposes; that is a new record for me! Distraction is my worst enemy, usually chatting is the culprit. Thanks for the kind words.

 

[Russ Braun]

Agree with everyone else, Outstanding! The patterning appears spot on, the overall form works.

Unable to asses the finish from a pic. As to form on apiece like this - as is, it works. It could be adjusted here or there a bit, but I question that it would be an improvement, just a bit different. The rim appears a bit thin in the pic, but at 0.2” wall it may not look that way in the real. Again, amazing work.

Doug, finish is the weakest part of this piece. I just one coated it with the finish and am definitely thinking on adding something else. I like the less gloss finish but might add some shine to it. I was wondering about the parfix 3408 (Emiliano uses it) but this vase might be too big. Regarding your observation on the rim, good eye. I also think it’s a touch too flat. Chasing the form is an interesting journey. Because I try different forms all the time, I may never master one. I need to retire and start getting more pieces made; hone my skills better on many levels; finish and form and……….dang that list is long!! Thanks for your comments Doug!

 

[Russ Braun]

Congratulations, Russ. This is an amazing piece by any measure. Definitely deserving of TOTW ..... even TOTM (month)!!!

You’re too kind Tom! I would say that each of my last few pieces have become my new favorite piece after completing them. I do like that trend and am feeling personally pressured to continue it. I’m such a knucklehead, you would never know it from my piece count, haha!

 

[Doug Freeman]

Doug, finish is the weakest part of this piece. I just one coated it with the finish and am definitely thinking on adding something else. I like the less gloss finish but might add some shine to it. I was wondering about the parfix 3408 (Emiliano uses it) but this vase might be too big. Regarding your observation on the rim, good eye. I also think it’s a touch too flat. Chasing the form is an interesting journey. Because I try different forms all the time, I may never master one. I need to retire and start getting more pieces made; hone my skills better on many levels; finish and form and……….dang that list is long!! Thanks for your comments Doug!

I use parfix 3408, and use it as shown by Mark Silay - quickly wet, soak a few seconds, wipe dry. About a 6”x 6” is as large as I would go, but thats for raw wood. I have not attempted doing a piece in sections. I suspect some lap marks would have to be dealt with.

Depending on exactly what made up the Sam Maloof finish, 3408 might work over it, but…I would think buffing/ polishing could raise the gloss to the desired level. Also depends on whether there are any small defects to be filled. Lots of possible directions in finishing. Congrats on great work!

 

[Russ Braun]

I use parfix 3408, and use it as shown by Mark Silay - quickly wet, soak a few seconds, wipe dry. About a 6”x 6” is as large as I would go, but thats for raw wood. I have not attempted doing a piece in sections. I suspect some lap marks would have to be dealt with.

Depending on exactly what made up the Sam Maloof finish, 3408 might work over it, but…I would think buffing/ polishing could raise the gloss to the desired level. Also depends on whether there are any small defects to be filled. Lots of possible directions in finishing. Congrats on great work!

Thanks Doug, buffing is probably step one. I still smell the Maloof finish so no hurry, probably in a couple of weeks.

 

[Rich Aldrich]

Beautiful piece. Its incredible how many segments you made for that piece. Great form too.

 

[Doug Freeman]

Thanks Doug, buffing is probably step one. I still smell the Maloof finish so no hurry, probably in a couple of weeks.

Warming the piece up will oxidize the finish faster. Up to ~100F. I use a light bulb or small heater in a cardboard box in the shop. I give the piece 24 hrs or so to flash the more volatile components then put in the box.

 

[Russ Braun]

Beautiful piece. Its incredible how many segments you made for that piece. Great form too.

Thanks Rich; there are quite a few segments there, haha!

 

[Michael Marchlik]

Amazing, Russ - you have way more patience than I ever will.

 

[Buddy Brewer]

Doug, finish is the weakest part of this piece. I just one coated it with the finish and am definitely thinking on adding something else. I like the less gloss finish but might add some shine to it. I was wondering about the parfix 3408 (Emiliano uses it) but this vase might be too big. Regarding your observation on the rim, good eye. I also think it’s a touch too flat. Chasing the form is an interesting journey. Because I try different forms all the time, I may never master one. I need to retire and start getting more pieces made; hone my skills better on many levels; finish and form and……….dang that list is long!! Thanks for your comments Doug!

Awesome Russ. How do you work and find time to do 21K pieces?

 

[Russ Braun]

Awesome Russ. How do you work and find time to do 21K pieces?

Buddy,
it’s actual therapy; turns my brain off from my crazy job!! One row at a time, no rush!!