American Beech, bark edge bowl with burl figure

[Nathan Hawkes]

Hey folks. Another natural edge bowl for your viewing enjoyment....this one's Beech, turned to about 5/16" thick, and about 14-15" in diameter. The tree was over 170 years old. Some fairly decent sized rings in the middle, but mostly, this tree had 20+ rings per inch. There are a couple closeups of twisty, burl figured grain that were just great! This wood fell on someone's property, who offered it up again as FIREWOOD! :eek: He was a woodworker, and very glad that I was turning instead of burning.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=160913&stc=1&d=1284157911
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=160914&stc=1&d=1284157911

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=160915&stc=1&d=1284157962

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=160916&stc=1&d=1284157962

[Mark Cothren]

That's a great bowl, Nathan - and some neat markings in that wood.

[Roger Chandler]

That is a beauty Nathan. Much better use than to be burned!

[Tom Sherman]

lookin pretty good there Nathan.

[David Christopher]

very nice, that beech is beautiful

[Allen Neighbors]

Exceptional work on this one, Nathan!!

[Jake Helmboldt]

Nathan, I'm hot and cold on NE bowls, but that one is certainly on the hot side. I especially like the lack of a foot; I think that is one of the problems with many since the more organic form is thrown off by a big foot. Great job all around.

I had a similar beech score and am having a bear with checking as that stuff wants to move like crazy. Have you had problems with beech cracking?

JH

[Steve Schlumpf]

Nate - that is a great looking bowl! Very nice work!

[Nathan Hawkes]

Nathan, I'm hot and cold on NE bowls, but that one is certainly on the hot side. I especially like the lack of a foot; I think that is one of the problems with many since the more organic form is thrown off by a big foot. Great job all around.

I had a similar beech score and am having a bear with checking as that stuff wants to move like crazy. Have you had problems with beech cracking?

JH


Thanks for all the compliments. Jake, you're not alone on this one! Beech in flat work form or turning is notoriously hard to dry. Even in the winter, where evaporation is MUCH slower, it was a problem. I found after a couple unfixable failures, I started bagging them while they dried. The turn dry turn method that some people employ does not work with beech. It cracks if you look at it funny! ;) However, I think the problems are worth the results. It takes a great cut with a sharp tool, and is really pretty with the medullary rays. I'll go out of my way for any beech trees in the future for sure!

[David E Keller]

Beautiful piece! Lovely form and a nice bit of wood as well.