Coolibah Burl - Natural Edge

[Ben Brown27]

Here's another one I just finished up. It is a coolibah burl about 9 1/2" across at it's longest point. Sanded to 400 and spray can lacquer.

This one was another challenge for both me and my lathe. It was about all my little 10" turncrafter could handle. I felt like I was holding the lathe with one hand and the tool with the other. I'm pretty happy with the final product, but I've still got a ways to go.

This was also the first time I had tried turning with a mortise insteda of a tennon, and as you can see in the bottom picture, I drilled too deep. I had planned on turning the bottom down flus, but that would have made the bowl shorter than I wanted.

Comments and Criiticisms welcomed.

[Aaron Hamilton]

Wow...that gives me hope for my little turncrafter journey. I want to get good on a $200 lathe before I go buy a $3500 lathe.

This is absolutely beautiful. So you used spray can lacquer? How many coats...did you sand in between, etc. Awesome peice man.

[Ben Brown27]

So you used spray can lacquer? How many coats...did you sand in between, etc.

I'm new to finishing bowls, so I'm still trying to figure this whole process out. Some of the seasoned folks on here will probably think my method is a bit crazy.

I used spray minwax lacquer. Put on a couple of coats, then came back with 400 grit paper to clear up any rough spots. Couple more coats. Sand rough spots. Couple more coats.

I need to get some type of buffer so I can do a finish sand and then bring back up the shine.

[Burt Alcantara]

Ben,
That's a beautiful bowl. Gorgeous wood and fine workmanship.

Good job!
Burt

[Chris Rae]

What a beautiful piece, very nicely done! That wood is incredible and I love your design.

[Toney Robertson]

Nice job. I like the way you flowed the rim down. Like a water going over a fall.

Toney

[Steve Frederick]

This is the money shot for me!http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=117750&d=1241790190
I really like the asymmetrical rim! Very cool indeed!

[Mark Burge]

Spectacular: If you've got a ways to go, I can't wait to see what you do while you are getting there. Great job.

[alex carey]

looking great, thats a nice piece of wood.

[Bernie Weishapl]

That is a beauty Ben. Nice wood and great finish.

[Tim Cleveland]

Looks realy nice Ben. I like what you did with the rim.

Tim