need advise

[Dennis Simmons]

I found a fallen cherry tree in the woods, it is airborne, and dried. the bark has decayed, and I decided to try a NE bowl from a root. Do you think I should fill the indent area, and other cracks, before I finish sanding? The decayed bark comes out very dark with oil. This is my first NE. The missing piece of bark is under my finger nail I would like to have your comments on finishing this.IMG_1145 (Large).jpgIMG_1143 (Large).jpg

[Brian Libby]

IMHO, I would leave it the way it is !

[Dennis Ford]

I agree with Brian, leave it as is.

[Ken Hill]

I agree. let it ride!

[Steve Schlumpf]

I agree with the advice so far - you are turning a natural edge bowl - leave it natural! Pretty wood! Any type of oil finish would really bring out the grain and color! Looking forward to seeing it completed!

[Bob Noles]

Leave it alone... that's what they call character, son!

[David E Keller]

Another vote for a nice oil finish! Nice work.

[Steve Mawson]

Wouldn't want to break up the party. When I first looked I thought fill but after looking some more without reading the comments I was thinking it's very nice the way it is. Just finish for my 2 cents worth.

[Don Alexander]

while some folks here do some amazing things filling in natural voids / cracks etc i personally prefer leaving the natural stuff alone most of the time

and this one is very nice the way it is

[Bernie Weishapl]

I agree and would leave it.

[Dennis Simmons]

I agree with the advice so far - you are turning a natural edge bowl - leave it natural! Pretty wood! Any type of oil finish would really bring out the grain and color! Looking forward to seeing it completed!

These are the pictures of my cup finished. I make a lot of cooking items, so I use food grade mineral oil, and bees wax. I use this on my candle holders, also. I will go next Monday and get the rest of the cherry tree, and the stump. IMG_1161 (Large).jpgIMG_1160 (Large).jpgIMG_1165 (Large).jpg