Mesquite end grain vase #4

[Robert McGowen]

This is my first end grain vase. The wood was just plain looking mesquite when I cut up the log and start rounding out the wood. It suddenly turned into what it looks like now. I do not know if it is burl, curly, or if it is because there is no visible end grain, but I like the way it looks. This is from a larger piece of a trunk, so there is no pith in the vase. 8" tall x 4.5" at it's widest point, with 1/4" thick walls.

There is only one coat of Danish Oil on it at this time. It was sanded to 400 grit and feels very nice in your hands. I am undecided if I want to 1) spray lacquer on it, 2) apply Antique Oil to it, or 3) buff it nice and shiny and be done with it. Give me some direction here!

Comments and critiques are welcome. Still learning and still trying to improve! Thanks for looking.

[Michael E. Thompson]

Very nice Robert, beautiful wood. As far as finish goes, IMHO, looks good now. If anything add another coat of oil. I really like the satin, soft to the touch look and feel.

Nice job.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Beautiful vase Robert! Love the quilted grain effect! Good looking finish as it is now. I would just put a coat of Ren wax on it and call it good!

Very nice work!

[John Keeton]

Robert, beautiful wood!! This piece doesn't say "lacquer" to me. I would think a softer finish would be in order.

[Jim Burr]

Hey Robert,
I really love the finish. It let's the wood take the stage.

[Tony De Masi]

Very nice turning Robert. I'm with Steve and JK in that a softer finish is what it needs.

[Pete Jordan]

Wow Robert!!!

That is exceptional!

[Rob Cunningham]

Wow, beautiful vase. I vote for the softer finish also.

[charlie knighton]

very nice....

[Ken Glass]

Robert,
That is a wonderful looking piece of Mesquite. It has lots of character and the grain really stands out. Well done.

[Cathy Schaewe]

That's really pretty. I just turned my first mesquite piece, and really enjoyed it. You're lucky to have access to such nice wood!

[David E Keller]

That's awesome! I love everything about it including the soft finish. Very nicely done.

[David Christopher]

beautiful piece, I would agree with the others, leave it with a softer finish

[Paul Douglass]

Holy cow! that is very well done. Beautiful

[James Roberts]

Excellent form on a beautiful piece of wood. I envy you guys that have access to mesquite; every time someone posts a piece the wood is just stunning. I'm for another coat of oil, let it cure and buff it out in a week. NO gloss finish here, soft is the way to go.

[gary Zimmel]

Very well done Robert. Lots of character in that piece of wood.

[steven carter]

Robert,

Really nice vase! I really like the form. On the piece you sent me, I use one coat of oil, then buffed and used ren wax. It has a little shine on it but not so much as to take away from the grain. Everyone who sees it picks it up and says how nice it feels.

Steve

[Bernie Weishapl]

Robert that is a very pretty vase. I would put some Ren wax on it and buff. Wouldn't need any more than that.

[bob svoboda]

Great vase. One more vote for a 'softer' finish.

[robert raess]

I'm fortunate to live in Az. I have access to Mesquite, Manzanita, Algerita, and Emory Oak.I've installed a lot of Mesquite wood floors, and have offals left over[lots] as well as round stock with bark on, and yesterday i went to an auction and bought 8/4" mesquite, some as wide as 12".I love Mesquite probably as much as any wood out there.I have never seen an ugly pc. yet.The simple form is so beautiful in mesquite.As to the finish: I mix my own version:Watco Danish oil +Minwax wiping poly+ Fiddes striiped pine. ratio is by the seat of my pants=soft with a warm glow . rob

[Allen Neighbors]

Robert, excellent!! Looks like stoneware!

[James Combs]

Another ditto on the soft finish. An awesome looking vase Robert.