What’s on your lathe?

[Gabriel Hoff]

A while back, @Jaramiah Severns gifted me a chunk of Masur Birch. I now know the appeal. Not only is it extremely beautiful, but it turns very well. This piece is bone dry, but turns like green wood (almost). Buttery smooth. So nice. Thank you, Jaramiah.

View attachment 73265

@Gabriel Hoff I know you’re a big fan of this timber, so I’m turning it now to have an example piece made from it for the demo.

Beautiful Michael!! I really want to see this next weekend. I have a lot of this wood, it is one of my favorites.

 

[John K Jordan]

But on a more serious note, I really enjoy demonstrating. It's just another excuse to turn, and I love meeting new folks.

I'm certainly looking forward to you coming to Knoxville. (missed it the last time) I heard good things about it!
I agree - half the fun is meeting and chatting with people.

To me, doing a demo, even though I've made the thing many times, is a chance to carefully think things through from another's perspective.
And demoing forces me to (try to) be more organized!

I sometimes write a new document as a handout for the demo subject.
A good document might help people after THAT demo then hopefully help a larger audience.

I'm gearing up to write another one for my on handbell ornaments for a Knoxville demo in Sept (scheduled to give plenty of time for people to make some before Christmas.) This has been well-received in the past but I never took the time to photograph and write it up properly.
These are somewhat unusual for ornaments.

BTW, if anyone is interested, these are easy to turn and don't need a big chunk of wood! Small pieces of fine-grained exotics are perfect.
I hollow with a parting tool, then shear scrape the inside with a spindle gouge.


JKJ

 

[rkriet]

8x3 Big Leaf maple burl with undercut rim last evening:
=o=
View attachment 72374 View attachment 72375

That’s a beauty, Odie. I hope you don’t mind if I ask where you source your maple burl blanks.

 

[Michael Anderson]

@John K Jordan agree with all of that. And, I’ll have to make a handbell this season (or sooner).

Looking forward to the demo later this year.

 

[Odie]

That’s a beauty, Odie. I hope you don’t mind if I ask where you source your maple burl blanks.

Other turners ask me where my sources are all the time.

You know that's like asking a successful fisherman where his favorite places to fish are at, don't you?

Almost every bowl blank I use for my bowls are available through searches on the internet, and I have one source who won't sell to anyone who isn't invited. Most of my sources are professional wood dealers, and they are in the business of making a profit......so, what I have to pay for bowl blanks I want are accordingly priced. I get quite a few bowl blanks from Cook Woods.....very expensive but a nice selection of exotics. Also, I get some of my Big Leaf Maple blanks from Cascadia.

Please don't ask again.....

=o=

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

I vote to cancel the "What's on your lathe?" thread. To me, sometimes it makes it nearly impossible to go back and find a subject you'd like to check out. Yes, I know there's a search function.

Another forum I frequent that is unrelated to woodworking has a rule prohibiting threads without specific searchable titles. The moderators on that forum are hard nosed about this and it works very well.

 

[Odie]

I vote to cancel the "What's on your lathe?" thread. To me, sometimes it makes it nearly impossible to go back and find a subject you'd like to check out. Yes, I know there's a search function.

Another forum I frequent that is unrelated to woodworking has a rule prohibiting threads without specific searchable titles. The moderators on that forum are hard nosed about this and it works very well.

I'd rather "What's on your lathe" remain exactly as it is.

I don't think I'm the only one here who finds this thread extremely interesting, and I look forward to seeing what other turners are up to every day.

=o=

 

[Phil Hamel]

I'd rather "What's on your lathe" remain exactly as it is.

I don't think I'm the only one here who finds this thread extremely interesting, and I look forward to seeing what other turners are up to.

=o=

Same for me. I like the random pics of things going on. Specific items can go in the gallery.

 

[Phil Hamel]

Someone asked me about the size of the pill bottle. So I grabbed a shot with a quarter for reference.

 

[Odie]

Oops.....Last night, I had a minor "catch", and the Pau Santo bowl went flying!

On inspection, I see a weak spot in the waste block right at the pith.....so, it didn't take much pressure to break at that point. I was bringing it to round after warp during seasoning, and I figure I was a little too aggressive with a round nose scraper when the catch happened.

I guess the best thing to do is chisel the bulk of the old waste block away, reverse mount it and turn away the rest. Then install a new waste block......

=o=

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Other turners ask me where my sources are all the time.

You know that's like asking a successful fisherman where his favorite places to fish are at, don't you?

Almost every bowl blank I use for my bowls are available through searches on the internet, and I have one source who won't sell to anyone who isn't invited. Most of my sources are professional wood dealers, and they are in the business of making a profit......so, what I have to pay for bowl blanks I want are accordingly priced. I get quite a few bowl blanks from Cook Woods.....very expensive but a nice selection of exotics. Also, I get some of my Big Leaf Maple blanks from Cascadia.

Please don't ask again.....

=o=

I don't want to say because they may buy them before I get to them!

 

[Alan Weinberg]

Oops.....Last night, I had a minor "catch"

Even a pro of pros like you gets an occasional catch. How’s that wood to turn? I’ve never seen it.

 

[Odie]

Even a pro of pros like you gets an occasional catch. How’s that wood to turn? I’ve never seen it.

Yeah, so it goes......xxxx happens!

Pau Santo is also known as Brazilian Blackheart. It's not an easy wood to turn, and it has difficulty seasoning without cracks springing up! It's a good looking wood when finished, but the effort it takes to bring it to a finished product makes it a questionable proposition.

Pau Santo | The Wood Database (Hardwood)

www.wood-database.com

=o=

 

[John K Jordan]

You know that's like asking a successful fisherman where his favorite places to fish are at, don't you?

Or like asking a deer hunter. Or a gem hunter.

 

[robo hippy]

Oops.....Last night, I had a minor "catch", and the Pau Santo bowl went flying!

On inspection, I see a weak spot in the waste block right at the pith.....so, it didn't take much pressure to break at that point. I was bringing it to round after warp during seasoning, and I figure I was a little too aggressive with a round nose scraper when the catch happened.

I guess the best thing to do is chisel the bulk of the old waste block away, reverse mount it and turn away the rest. Then install a new waste block......

=o=
View attachment 73276

Hmm, I guess you need to remove the pith from the waste blocks also!

I like this thread, and given the number of responses and pages, keep it like it is!

robo hippy

 

[John K Jordan]

On inspection, I see a weak spot in the waste block right at the pith.

For some reason I always cut waste blocks from quarter-sawn red oak boards. Back when I was using waste blocks. I think I read that suggestion somewhere.

JKJ

 

[David Wyke]

Just about all of these were back on the lathe today getting sanded and applying another coat of oil. I have a tendency to let bowls kinda pile up before I take a day to two to finish.
Since I’m planning on cutting the burl next week I need to get these finished and out of the shop so tomorrow I’ll remove the tenons, sand, sign, and apply the final coat of oil. I’ll take them in the house and when the oil is cured I’ll do some dry buffing.

 

[Aaron Harris]

Beautiful work, David-You can tell that Mustard Monster has been crankin' out green walnut from the tannic staining!

 

[David Wyke]

Beautiful work, David-You can tell that Mustard Monster has been crankin' out green walnut from the tannic staining!

Yes it has. I clean it a couple times a year and include a trie rotation and oil change
Due to the wet wood I had to hang a shower curtain on the wall in front of the light outlet!,

 

[Aaron Harris]

I hear that! I always follow up a green walnut turn with some serious scrubbing of the cast-iron with 0000-steel wool soaked with mineral spirits, and then a good wax buff. I finally used up the last of my Johnson's Paste Wax, sigh...Walnut makes you earn it, eh?

 

[David Wyke]

I hear that! I always follow up a green walnut turn with some serious scrubbing of the cast-iron with 0000-steel wool soaked with mineral spirits, and then a good wax buff. I finally used up the last of my Johnson's Paste Wax, sigh...Walnut makes you earn it, eh?

Walnut does, I put on a pair of latex gloves when turning it to keep the tannins off my hands.

 

[Odie]

Or like asking a deer hunter. Or a gem hunter.

Yup......you get my meaning completely, John.....

I know there are quite a few people who freely give sources, and some expect everyone to tell it all......but, I've come to understand that there are others who are silent. I get exactly why they are silent!

There are a few sources that I don't mind disclosing, because they aren't the best fishing, hunting, and gem collecting spots. Someone else mentioned that the best pieces of wood might be gone before they can get back to buy them......amen to that!

To everyone who is listening in.......do your own research, and you will probably find what you are looking for......along with a little bit of luck!


=o=

 

[Pat Wisniewski]

Anyone want to disclose their favorite hunting ground for Chanterelles? Or Morels?
Didn’t think so…

 

[John K Jordan]

Or Morels?

My place. Usually around Easter. More every day in the woods near the house. Guarded by llamas.
But we pick just enough for a snack. As for the real mother load in this area, the secret is safe.

 

[Alan Peck]

I just started this 11” Box Elder hollow form.

 

[Isaac Litster]

I'm certainly looking forward to you coming to Knoxville. (missed it the last time) I heard good things about it!
I agree - half the fun is meeting and chatting with people.

To me, doing a demo, even though I've made the thing many times, is a chance to carefully think things through from another's perspective.
And demoing forces me to (try to) be more organized!

I sometimes write a new document as a handout for the demo subject.
A good document might help people after THAT demo then hopefully help a larger audience.

I'm gearing up to write another one for my on handbell ornaments for a Knoxville demo in Sept (scheduled to give plenty of time for people to make some before Christmas.) This has been well-received in the past but I never took the time to photograph and write it up properly.
These are somewhat unusual for ornaments.
View attachment 73269 View attachment 73271
BTW, if anyone is interested, these are easy to turn and don't need a big chunk of wood! Small pieces of fine-grained exotics are perfect.
I hollow with a parting tool, then shear scrape the inside with a spindle gouge.
View attachment 73273 View attachment 73272

JKJ

What finish is that? Wish I could see some demos.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Ha, well….dedicated amateur

But on a more serious note, I really enjoy demonstrating. It's just another excuse to turn, and I love meeting new folks. It's always fun to see someone you've met before at a previous demo/workshop. There are a good amount of clubs around here, and I've demoed for most--I've probably met/seen some of the same people 5 or 6 times now. It's great.

And, I always encourage people to demonstrate as well. It's nerve-racking for sure, especially at first, but the more you do, the easier they get. And in the end, I also think it forces you to be a better turner, mostly for the fundamentals. To be able to explain something to a crowd clearly and coherently, you have to really understand it. The communication is almost as enjoyable as the turning. Almost...

You're a great demonstrator, Michael. I like your sense of humor, even if it does go over the heads of about half the group.

 

[Pat Wisniewski]

A new grand-niece!, so another captive-ring rattle. This one in Cherry with her Name and Birthdate laser etched into it as a commemorative. Then I’ll make the hard maple version for her daily use.
Update: photos of the finished rattle added

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I vote to cancel the "What's on your lathe?" thread. To me, sometimes it makes it nearly impossible to go back and find a subject you'd like to check out. Yes, I know there's a search function.

Another forum I frequent that is unrelated to woodworking has a rule prohibiting threads without specific searchable titles. The moderators on that forum are hard nosed about this and it works very well.

I like it as it is.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Walnut does, I put on a pair of latex gloves when turning it to keep the tannins off my hands.

I need to do that. Probably most folks know that lemon or lime juice will take off that walnut staining ASAP.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Not technically on the lathe... These live/natural edge crotch bowls have been sitting in the shop for a while unfinished. These are all from the smaller half of the crotch, so quite shallow. Upper left is sassafras. The other two are swamp chestnut oak. Finished with T&T Danish oil.

 

[Michael Anderson]

I vote to cancel the "What's on your lathe?" thread. To me, sometimes it makes it nearly impossible to go back and find a subject you'd like to check out. Yes, I know there's a search function.

Another forum I frequent that is unrelated to woodworking has a rule prohibiting threads without specific searchable titles. The moderators on that forum are hard nosed about this and it works very well.

I hear what you’re saying. To me, this thread is sort of like Gump’s chocolates. Never know what you’re going to get. I enjoy being surprised with what I see here. I also think a lot of deeper threads (tutorials, discussions, etc…) have spurred from these posts.

 

[Michael Anderson]

You're a great demonstrator, Michael. I like your sense of humor, even if it does go over the heads of about half the group.

Thanks Kent! And hahaha, gotta throw in a few jokes that take a couple of minutes to “get”.

These are all from the smaller half of the crotch, so quite shallow. Upper left is sassafras.

Nice trio! That Sassafras is wild. I need to break into that nice log you gave me. It’s sitting right next to my lathe, waiting…

 

[John K Jordan]

What finish is that? Wish I could see some demos.

Finish on the handbell ornaments?

Since they aren’t used around alcohol (like bottle stoppers), in contact with food or moisture, or handled a lot I generally use shellac, Myland’s friction polish, quick and easy to apply on the lathe. Sometimes, depending on the wood, I might use a sealer first. Some dense, fine-grained exotics do well with just buffing wood. The inside of the one from the rosewood Brazilian Tulipwood I cut in half is the shellac-baseed friction polish.

One fun thing about demos about making a specific thing is seeing how many people go home and actually make one! At one club, about a dozen people came to the next meeting with handbell ornaments they made. (It might help that I provide wood blanks cut to size, ready to turn - that way they can make one right away.) Those who brought back a finished ornament got a bonus to take home - another set of blanks from the GOOD stash!

Demos? Road trip! Knoxville Woodcraft (classroom), Tue Sept 16, about 6:30pm. (We meet the 3rd Tue of every month.)
If I can get a new document written, it should show the details.

I love making these!
Wood, acrylic. I'm thinking about turning one from aluminum (on the wood lathe with woodturning tools)


People I give them too love them too - I've visited later and have seen them in a display cases. Our club also supports the Fantasy of Trees, a benefit for the Children's Hospital. Ornaments that are a bit unusual sell quickly!

JKJ

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I'm learning to use the Bosch stabilizer. I know what I did wrong on this one. It's a process. That visualizer is starting to look pretty good.

 

[Pat Wisniewski]

Kent,
When I finished apprenticeship with Harvey and purchased his shop contents I acquired his Visualizer. I find it to be a game changer!

 

[Alan Weinberg]

Kent,
When I finished apprenticeship with Harvey and purchased his shop contents I acquired his Visualizer. I find it to be a game changer!

I’m ordering mine in April.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Dogwood crotch this afternoon. It was at the bottom of the "turn some day" pile.

 

[Aron Fast]

About 11” diameter 5” high. First time I used rubio monocoat as a bowl finish and I am pleased with that.

 

[John K Jordan]

Dogwood crotch this afternoon. It was at the bottom of the "turn some day" pile.

View attachment 73352

Did you ever get dogwood from just below the ground? I dug up a stump from a neighbor's house and it had the most wonderful color - pinks, green, etc.
Another neighbor has a dogwood stump - I going to ask if he wants it dug up. Dogwood is one of my top favorites to turn.

This is not on my lathe yet but some is on lathes of friends and more people coming in a few days. A neighbor had the tree cut, said it was Water Maple. The surface has discolored but cut a bit with a knife and it's a wonderful white underneath.




Lots of crotches.

JKJ