Elm Tree Ball - Work in Progress

[Thomas Canfield]

This is the bottom of an elm tree in the neighborhood that I came across while walking with my granddaughter. It was a little over 22" diameter and had to be trimmed to swing at 20". It is now about 18 1/2" dia, 10" tall, and 3/8" and still requires some additional hand sanding. There was 68# of shavings collected (more still scattered around shop). The wood was very hard and full of silica dulling tools very rapidly. Don't expect to see the finish work for some time. I took the sanding outside the shop and am using Trent Bosch stand - really works great.

[alex carey]

that certainly is a monster piece of wood, looking forward to the finished product.

[Mark Burge]

Wow! That looks great. Seems that the Powermatic cut the "mustard" :-) Great job, looking forward to the final piece.

[David E Keller]

That's a pretty impressive piece. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thomas that is going to be one beautiful piece when finished. Please post it when done.

[Baxter Smith]

That is going to be a great piece! I am not envious of all the sanding though!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Wow! That's gonna be a keeper! Must have moved a little air when turning! Looking forward to seeing the finished turning!

[Bill Bolen]

I sure feel like something special is coming our way from this. I'm looking forward to the finished piece...Bill...

[Mark Hubl]

Wow, looks good so far. Can't wait to see the finished piece. I really like radical natural edge pieces like this. Bet that made a little noise when spinning as well.

[John Keeton]

Certainly makes for a very interesting color contrast the way it is turned!! I can't imagine turning something that large, out of balance, and deep - amazing! Lot of "air shaping" in that one.

[Roland Martin]

Fantastic piece of elm there. That is a heck of a piece to turn and a heck of a job was done with it. Very nice colors and form, I really like this one.

[Jeff Nicol]

That is definitely a keeper! Beautiful shape and contrast in the wood. Can't wait to see what it looks like with some finish on it.

Jeff

[Dennis Ford]

Great looking piece. I hope to see it at show and tell.

[Richard Madison]

+1 more "Wow".

[TYLER WOOD]

ahhhhh now that's what I call beauty. My personal opinion, no offense to anyone, is that the original shape of the wood is always pleasing. I see a lot of pieces of wood ruined by trying to reshape the wood into something. I love to see woods natural grain and shape brought out!

[Ken Glass]

Thomas,
That is already beautiful as is. I can hardly wait to see the finished piece. Quite a challenge, I am sure. Well done so far.

[patrick michael stein]

thomas,


real nice looking forward to seeing when done.

[John Tomasello jr]

Wow that is one wild looking turning, can't wait to see it finished

[Donny Lawson]

Very nice piece. What kind of plans do you have with it when you get it finished?Has the original owner showed any interest in it looking at what was made from the piece?Make sure you post some pics when you get finished.Very inspireing.
Donny

[Thomas Canfield]

Thanks for the comments. I am waiting on a nicer day to get outside and do more sanding. The original owner has seen it at this stage and was impressed. I do have a piece of root section that will be made into something for him and the wood grain and red color look impressive.

[Toney Robertson]

Looks great. Eagerly awaiting the final product.

Toney

[Curt Fuller]

Now that's an exercise in concentration. You wouldn't want any distractions while that thing is spinning.
That's going to be a beautiful turning. Can't wait to see it finished.