I was going to say, get rid of the pith, but see you decided to keep it, may I ask Why ??
Valid question. The only log I had big enough was a 27” diameter oak. It was a crotch section, and right in the middle was a large bark inclusion. The only blank I could get big enough was through one of the piths. I also wanted to keep mostly heartwood as the sapwood has already started to spalt in an unpleasant way. Not completely ideal, but I think I will be able to do a decent job at patching it. Hopefully the final product will be alright. In the end, the guy I’m trading with intends to paint this bowl. So the patchwork should be okay.I was going to say, get rid of the pith, but see you decided to keep it, may I ask Why ??
Need to find a large pot. Should be an interesting drying process.
Will do! Working on a solution now. I finished hollowing last night, and have the bowl sitting in shavings in a plastic bag waiting for it’s spa appointment later.get the details on boiling.
Many hours of someone’s life! Talk about valuable; most of us are more aware of the value of an hour at our age, lol!!All will be revealed eventually!
That is the truth! The older I get, the faster time passes by. And the more I value it—even more so now that I have a couple of kids. It’s a whirlwind!Many hours of someone’s life! Talk about valuable; most of us are more aware of the value of an hour at our age, lol!!
What is a top leader? I’m intrigued.Above is a 200 year old Monkey Puzzle top leader!
@Sam Fleisher ha! I think your reply got deleted. I’m usually in the shop when the kids are at daycare or when everyone is asleep. Like @odie I usually have late nights. Last night I didn’t come inside until around 2am. Whew!
Michael, you're welcome. And Monty, they're dirt simple to turn, really. Brad has suggested drilling width and depth for the inset for different sized brush knots right there on the ordering page. I like 24mm the best, and get the SHD (super-high density) knots for my fancier brushes. I set the knots with 5-minute epoxy, though silicone glue works too. You don't want to set the knot too deep, or the brush will be too stiff. If you do drill too deep with your forstner bit, you can raise the knot back up with a coin or two under it. I just set the knot on this last one with a couple of nickels epoxied under it to get the right loft. Please show us your work if you go down this rabbit hole!
Operation is a go. Set up enfilade positions. Flankers ahead on my signal. Watch that crossfire. Prepare to turn spindle blank...
Oh, duh—brain fart moment on my part! My mind was on spinning tops, and I was thinking it was some sort of specific piece you were making. We call the central branch the leader as well. That monkey puzzle sure is pretty:A leader is the top main shoot of a tree or plant ,the main growth shoot, here in the UK what would you guys call the uppermost part of a tree?
@odie: Do you have an alter in which you burn some of those perfectly formed exotic shavings as an offering to the turning spirits?Quilted Maple second turned last evening.
Quilted Maple can be some of the most aggravating wood to get a decent tearout free cut... *But, it can be done, depending on how well the turner can connect to his "spiritual" resources!
*(That's a joke for those who have been following along....but, every good joke has an element of truth! )
-o-
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Timothy....Ha,ha.....I've tried a lot of dumb things trying to get that ever illusive perfect cut....and, 99% of those dumb ideas never pan out......but, it's well worth the effort to give it the best try to find out if this time will be the 1%-er payoff!@odie: Do you have an alter in which you burn some of those perfectly formed exotic shavings as an offering to the turning spirits?
I have this vision of you in your Gi sitting in your stool in a trance preparing your mind for the difficult task ahead.
There's an idea! instead of a cam to watch someone walk around half naked put a camera in so we can watch you work. (free of course and hopefully you don't walk around half naked)Timothy....Ha,ha.....I've tried a lot of dumb things trying to get that ever illusive perfect cut....and, 99% of those dumb ideas never pan out......but, it's well worth the effort to give it the best try to find out if this time will be the 1%-er payoff!
You make me wonder if you have a hidden camera in my shop that I don't know about!
-o-
Ah, sorry to hear that. I’m sure it’s an “it is what is is” situation. Hey—whatever the reason, we’re still late night buddies! It’s a bit motivating when I’m working in the shop late knowing others are as well. Keeps the fire stoked!I've even fallen asleep on that little stool out in the shop, for heaven's sake!
Well, Michael.....here I am burning the midnight oil right along with you! I need to get back to sleep again soon, as my son and I have plans for this afternoon.....Ah, sorry to hear that. I’m sure it’s an “it is what is is” situation. Hey—whatever the reason, we’re still late night buddies! It’s a bit motivating when I’m working in the shop late knowing others are as well. Keeps the fire stoked!
I’m in a similar boat Odie. After two laser procedures (separated by a few years), I’m still up a few times a night. I won’t go into details, as this after all, a turning site, but suffice to say I often wish my shop, in a detached garage, had plumbing. One of these days I’ll have to address that.I just can't sleep more than two or three hours at a time
It’s been awesome following along on your shop build. Gives me some inspiration to put in the bank.I have been so busy working on the new shop that I haven’t turned for a month. I need to get busy.
Quilted Maple second turned last evening.
Quilted Maple can be some of the most aggravating wood to get a decent tearout free cut... *But, it can be done, depending on how well the turner can connect to his "spiritual" resources!
*(That's a joke for those who have been following along....but, every good joke has an element of truth! )
-o-
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Fair enough! Depending on the size, I’ve also just boiled some things on my stovetop. Small items take a bit less time. Boiling for an hour should do it.@Michael Anderson
Thanks, that helps. Nice setup, but I need to pace myself. I already spent my turning budget!
I'm not sure how important the terminology is but at least you didn't call them feetsies.Did the footings of two bowls last evening. Maple burl and Claro Walnut burl. Photo taken after finishing the feet, but prior to applying DO...
(Is it proper to call them "feet", or is it more appropriate to use the term "footings"? I believe for a single bowl, the term "foot" would be best terminology.)
-o-
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I'm not sure how important the terminology is
In this context, equilibrium seem more appropriate. Stabilized kind of leads down the Cactus Juice trail.Speaking of "appropriate terminology", what about "stabilized" vs "equilibrium"?
I'm told that equilibrium is more appropriate, because the MC may change if the wood travels from one climate to another......but, doesn't the word stabilize actually mean exactly the same thing? I think it does...
-o-
In this context, equilibrium seem more appropriate. Stabilized kind of leads down the Cactus Juice trail.
Dictionary on my laptop says they're slightly different:
equilibrium - noun - a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced
stabilize - verb - make or become unlikely to change, fail, or decline
(so as a noun, would be something like made unlikely to change)
One act of "stabilizing" might be something like cactus juice, but you might also call the way you dry wood stabilizing. I usually stabilize in paper bags with shavings. My end goal is equilibrium. But the difference (as I see it) is that something that is stabilized is "unlikely to change", where equilibrium can be a more transient state (that is, what's in equilibrium today might not be tomorrow).
But if we're talking in the shop go ahead and use either word and I'll understand what you mean.
Dictionary on my laptop says they're slightly different:
equilibrium - noun - a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced
stabilize - verb - make or become unlikely to change, fail, or decline
(so as a noun, would be something like made unlikely to change)
One act of "stabilizing" might be something like cactus juice, but you might also call the way you dry wood stabilizing. I usually stabilize in paper bags with shavings. My end goal is equilibrium. But the difference (as I see it) is that something that is stabilized is "unlikely to change", where equilibrium can be a more transient state (that is, what's in equilibrium today might not be tomorrow).
But if we're talking in the shop go ahead and use either word and I'll understand what you mean.