a tease aka "I'm afraid!"

[Greg Ketell]

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162312&stc=1&d=1285261084

a 35 pound Manzanita Burl. Biggest thing I've ever turned before this was a 9" x 2" bowl. This will be first Big turning, first "natural" shape to be turned.

Oh, I guess I could call this a gloat too: This was given to me by a friend. Thanks Larry!!

GK

[bob svoboda]

I recommend 2500 RPM and full body armor:D Nice gloat and good luck with that piece. Can't wait to see what's inside. Good thing you got the Mustard!!

[David E Keller]

That's a great looking chunk of wood. I think manzanita is the closest thing we've got in the US to the Australian mallee burls. Gorgeous stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing the finish piece. Oh yeah, you suck!:D

[Prashun Patel]

Wow, that thing looks like a side of beef. Can wait to see how it turns out. Would you mind posting pix thru yr progress?

[Bob Wolfe]

Just crank it up to about 1000 RPMs and let the chips fly :D. All kidding aside, good luck with it and I'm looking forward to the finished project.

[Allen Neighbors]

I happen to know that 2500 probably won't be fast enough for this little chunk... uh... better strike that :eek:;):p
I've never seen a piece of Manzanita in real life... and I can't imagine trying that piece for my first large turning of a natural edge... you've got guts to try it, Greg!! I too, would like to see some progress pics of this job. :) Good luck to you.
I suggest: Take care...

[Thomas Bennett]

come on Greg....It's been an hour and a half since you posted. You're keepin' us waiting! I'm really excited about this one!

[Tim Boger]

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162312&stc=1&d=1285261084

a 35 pound Manzanita Burl. Biggest thing I've ever turned before this was a 9" x 2" bowl. This will be first Big turning, first "natural" shape to be turned.

Oh, I guess I could call this a gloat too: This was given to me by a friend. Thanks Larry!!

GK

Beautiful piece of wood, as I recall that species is hard as the dickens. Wear a face shield and be careful.

It will shine like glass even with out a finish on it.

Tim

[Greg Ketell]

My 16" bandsaw wasn't big enough so I took it outside and used my chainsaw to flatten the bottom so the spur-drive had something to bite into. Then I took a chisel and carved through the "crud" in the top so I had a solid base for my live center to bite into.

Mounted the beast and took a few "get rid of the high spots" passes on it. Yikes, I've never seen a lathe try to walk like that!!! Maximum speed at first was 307 rpm.

(color is whack but clearest photo)
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162320&stc=1&d=1285271137

The other side (with correct coloration)
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162321&stc=1&d=1285271150

An hour of fighting this thing using my Thompson 5/8" bowl gouge and I think it is safe to say the 3520 is finally fully "broken in". (And this thing is way past my turning skills. But I'm working on that as you read this.)
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162328&stc=1&d=1285271663


Cut a tenon for my chuck and rough turned... You can see the shape I'm trying for just trying to peak out. Maximum speed at this point: 415 rpm.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162329&stc=1&d=1285271663

And the other side..
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162330&stc=1&d=1285271676

And the top with just enough "hollowing" to knock off the knuckle-busters...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162331&stc=1&d=1285271676

Oh, and, Yes, this stuff is REALLY hard. I've had to sharpen the gouge 4 times already.

Please pardon the crappy iPhone photos.

[Darci Sowers]

look at all the shavings on the floor!!!! :D

that looks like a serious chunk of wood! hmmmm.... good thing our lathes are small...because we don't have a chainsaw....:cool:

Can't wait to see how it turns out.

[David Walser]

...
Oh, and, Yes, this stuff is REALLY hard. I've had to sharpen the gouge 4 times already.

...

In addition to being hard, I suspect that the burl is also very dirty. The sand and other grit embedded in the wood would quickly dull your tools even if the wood had been soft.

Good luck! Looks like you're going to end up with a fantastic piece.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Gorgeous piece of wood!

Greg, I was concerned you had a panic attack and passed out on us.:rolleyes:

[Ken Glass]

Greg,
That piece has wonderful possibilities. Good luck on it. Take several deep breathes and take your time. You can always bag it in place and come back to it. Way to tackle a big piece right away on your 3520B, and it can take it.

[Mike Cruz]

Wow, that is sweet. Great gloat and I like the shape already. PLEASE keep posting pics.

[David Woodruff]

Greg, Still your fears by shipping the Manzanita to me. Where did you get this stony meteorite. It is gorgeous, I have turned many pieces of Manzanita, they are usually full of embedded rocks. Find the stones you can and dig out with a screw driver or extraction device of your choice. You might sharpen your gouge every 30 seconds. Actually all it takes is a sand pocket to dull. Stay with it, I see a HF in this piece, be patient, it will take much longer than "normal" wood. the end result is worth the effort. My signature piece is a 15" vase from Manzanita.

[ed hoxter]

greg, don't forget to show us the finishing stages and the finish product. i'd stay good friends with the friend who gave you that beautiful piece of wood. :D ed

[alex carey]

Love the updates, keep them coming.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Well, you certainly grabbed my attention! Love the wood! Looking forward to seeing it finished!

[Richard Madden]

Love the updates, keep them coming.

+1 ;)
Lookin good!

[Donny Lawson]

That's just plain "PURDY".Love the character. Let's see more.
Donny

[Greg Ketell]

Outside finish-turned and sanded through 320 grit. Inside about 1/3 done. My arms about 110% done. Oy!!

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162346&stc=1&d=1285291059

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162347&stc=1&d=1285291059

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162349&stc=1&d=1285291070

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162350&stc=1&d=1285291086

Can you say "holey"?
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162351&stc=1&d=1285291086

It is all bagged up for the night. I'll get back to it tomorrow evening.

[Thomas Canfield]

Looks like you have a good start. One tip I picked up at SWAT this year is using a 1" bit to make a retaining hole for the spur drive to both seat and help keep the piece from coming loose. I also noticed that your lamp does not have any cover grill to protect the mercury bulb. I have not gone to the high efficiency bulbs for application with my nose next to them.

[Greg Ketell]

Good point on the light. My only saving grace is that I have to wear a Trend Airshield Pro anyway so hopefully, if the bulb breaks nothing will get through.

But that light really has to go. Too short to put light where I need it and always in the way as I TRY to get light where I need it.

GK


Looks like you have a good start. One tip I picked up at SWAT this year is using a 1" bit to make a retaining hole for the spur drive to both seat and help keep the piece from coming loose. I also noticed that your lamp does not have any cover grill to protect the mercury bulb. I have not gone to the high efficiency bulbs for application with my nose next to them.

[Allen Neighbors]

Outside finish-turned and sanded through 320 grit. Inside about 1/3 done. My arms about 110% done. Oy!!

It is all bagged up for the night. I'll get back to it tomorrow evening.
Greg, I highly suggest that you take blue painter's tape, and put about 3 wraps of it around the outside of the part you have hollowed thus far. Then take Duct Tape, and put over the blue tape. About 6 wraps ought to do it... The blue tape will allow you to get the duct tape off without it sticking. The duct tape will help keep centrifugal force from shattering this beautiful chunk of wood, as you're finishing the hollowing. Then you can take the tape off to sand, as you'll be sanding at a slower speed... (It could come apart at 400 rpm)
It would be a catastrophe beyond comprehension for this beautiful piece to come apart on you.

[Greg Ketell]

Awesome suggestion. I will do that before I start turning for sure!!

Thank you!!!

GK


Greg, I highly suggest that you take blue painter's tape, and put about 3 wraps of it around the outside of the part you have hollowed thus far. Then take Duct Tape, and put over the blue tape. About 6 wraps ought to do it... The blue tape will allow you to get the duct tape off without it sticking. The duct tape will help keep centrifugal force from shattering this beautiful chunk of wood, as you're finishing the hollowing. Then you can take the tape off to sand, as you'll be sanding at a slower speed... (It could come apart at 400 rpm)
It would be a catastrophe beyond comprehension for this beautiful piece to come apart on you.

[Mike Wenman]

That is awesome!. Keep the pics coming!

[Andy Sowers]

*NOW* I know what that rumbling sound was this afternoon... there I thought it was a small earthquake... but instead, I know realize that it was just Greg roughing out his chunk of Manzanita! :eek:

Its looking great! Keep the updates coming! Can't wait to see it in person!

-Andy

[Larry Dubia]

Greg I would like to say great work on that thing. I wasn't sure when I gave it to you how it would turn out. I knew it was going to be a good bit of work to get it done but it is coming along nicely. I can't wait for it to be finished to see how it looks. I must admit, the shape is not what I was thinking when i saw it but I like how it is coming along.

Larry...the giver of the beast.:D

[Greg Ketell]

Larry, Don is going to be making some Redwood Burl vases this week too. You have gorgeous wood!!

Folks, if you want some nice burls, be sure to check with Larry!!

[David E Keller]

I'll second the vote for Larry's burls. I've gotten some awesome redwood burl from him.

Looking forward to seeing the finished manzanita piece.

[Tim Rinehart]

Greg,
Where did you get that toolrest from...that's an interesting approach for a deep shallow piece too...I think I like it. A complete pic of it or where you got it if they have pics would be appreciated.

Nice job on the burl...looks like you've been having fun wrestling the insides out of it and are winning! Can't wait to see finished pics of that color.

[Rob Cunningham]

That's a beautiful piece of wood Greg. Thanks for posting the in progress pictures. Can't wait to see more.

[Baxter Smith]

Great job and progress pictures! Good Luck with it

[bob svoboda]

Must breathe....suspense is killing me. Keep turnin' and postin' Greg. Great so far.

[Greg Ketell]

Must breathe....suspense is killing me. Keep turnin' and postin' Greg. Great so far.

Just got back from visiting my father, I have to pick the kids up from school in an hour. THEN the beast takes another round of gutting... :D

[Greg Ketell]

Greg,
Where did you get that toolrest from...that's an interesting approach for a deep shallow piece too...I think I like it. A complete pic of it or where you got it if they have pics would be appreciated.

It is the Powermatic Right Hand Bowl Turning Tool Rest. I bought mine from ToolNut.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162435&stc=1&d=1285364274
The right side can be used to curl around the outside of the bowl. The left side goes into the bowl. It is just about perfect for 8" bowls. For this beast the inside part is too short: I can either reach the side of the bowl or the center but not both. And, personally, I think the right side needs to be cut off so it isn't a full 'U' shape. That last little bit mostly just gets in the way. Actually, if anyone knows somebody that makes 'S' shaped tool rests in various radii I would love to know a source.



Nice job on the burl...looks like you've been having fun wrestling the insides out of it and are winning! Can't wait to see finished pics of that color.Thanks!!

[Greg Ketell]

First shot is the newly protected-from-flying-apart bowl.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162448&stc=1&d=1285375691


Wellll we were talking about tool rests that don't quite work out....

Here's the background... I have two "bigger than pen-blank sized" tool rests. The stock, Powermatic 14" straight bar and the Powermatic RH Bowl Turning rest, which has a gentle curve on one side and a short, sharp curve on the other. At this point in the hollowing I am 4-1/2" deep in a concave-sided bowl.

The straight bar doesn't work well because it is straight and the bowl is concave...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162455&stc=1&d=1285376125


The short, sharp curve doesn't work because it is 3-1/2" deep and the bowl is 4-1/2" deep AND it can't reach the back and side.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162454&stc=1&d=1285376125
You can't really see it but there is a 1" gap between the tool rest and the bottom of the bowl. And that gap gets bigger with every pass.


The "gentle curve", while better than the other two, still doesn't fit well and it is angled away from the interior curves.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162449&stc=1&d=1285375691

So I was making do with the best I had and I was getting things like this:
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162446&stc=1&d=1285375677

and this...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162447&stc=1&d=1285375677

But then one cut went wrong and I got this...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162451&stc=1&d=1285375709
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162452&stc=1&d=1285375726

The wall thickness is 3/8" and the gouge is 1/8"+. Sooooo, finish roughing it, then let it dry forever and a day, then see if I can turn it down to 1/4" wall thickness. Hopefully by then I will have a tool rest that will fit better AND more tool skill.

:(:(:mad::(:(

[Greg Ketell]

Well I figured that I had already turned it too thin to let it dry and re-turn it "traditionally" so I decided that I would try my friend's method of "turn it thin, finish it, then let it form as it will". Nothing to lose, right?

So I took the straight tool rest and ran it straight down the side of the bowl, grabbed my 3/8" Thompson bowl gouge (the 5/8" was too long) and used many very, very gentle pull cuts.

The snag is gone, the sides of the wall are much smoother and now only 1/4" thick.

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162465&stc=1&d=1285383943

Tomorrow I go and buy a new tool rest and finish hollowing it out to the new 1/4" thickness.

Wheeeeeee.

[Curt Fuller]

Greg, that is such a cool piece of wood. I can't wait to see it finished. You're a brave man!

[Mark Hubl]

Great post and piece so far. Can't wait to see the finished work. Thanks for the progress pics.

[William Hutchinson]

I've been following your progress with much interest. Thanks for the progress shots and commentary. It's a learning experience seeing what you've accomplished and the decision points along the way. Well done.

[John Keeton]

Greg, this has been an interesting journey. I have been silently watching from the balcony!!

I think you have made the right decision on carrying this project to conclusion. Given the look of those shavings, this piece still has a lot of moisture, and I doubt you had enough wall thickness to return it later - and, you surely would have had to true up the outside, and removing that tape and spinning that thing might not be a good plan!!

It is looking great so far, and thanks for taking us along on the this adventure with you!

[Baxter Smith]

Looks great Greg. Glad you went ahead and turned it thin after the gouge. I think the outside edge would have moved too much to ever come back and return, even after a day. I thought about suggesting that last night but didn't want to be involved in screwing up such beautiful work and wood. :)

[Doug W Swanson]

Nice narrative and pictures. This shows how to mount an odd shaped piece of wood and turn something out of it.

I can't wait to see the finished product.

Doug

[Greg Ketell]

Please don't be afraid to offer advice. Those of us still "new" to the hobby are looking for all the help we can get. Especially when we get ourselves into a sticky situation like yesterday!!


Looks great Greg. Glad you went ahead and turned it thin after the gouge. I think the outside edge would have moved too much to ever come back and return, even after a day. I thought about suggesting that last night but didn't want to be involved in screwing up such beautiful work and wood. :)

[Bob Wolfe]

Greg, Thanks for the progress pics. The thinner the walls the quicker it dries and moves so keep it wet until you get the new rest and finish it off. We are waiting for the conclusion.

[Karl Card]

All I can say is WOW.

[Greg Ketell]

I went to Woodcraft this morning but the only curved rests they had were exactly the same curvature as the ones I already had. Which I, of course, discovered after buying one (and its associated post) and bringing it home and comparing it to what I had.

But a friend had heard my pleas and brought over his "prototype" tool rest that he had made for deep hollowing vases.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162553&stc=1&d=1285469513
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162552&stc=1&d=1285469513
Hooyawww, now we are talking.

Here it is just before I did the final hollowing. A 12" deep tool rest reaching 5" deep into the bowl...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162556&stc=1&d=1285469532

And these two are after completing turning. (Yah, the iPhone photo color really sucks)
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162555&stc=1&d=1285469524
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162554&stc=1&d=1285469524

While at Woodcraft one of our local AMA chapter leaders was there for the annual WC open house. We talked for a while and he convinced me to put a negative rake on my scrapers. Man what a difference. The "finish" you see in the pictures is from nothing but the scraper cleaning up after the bowl gouge. Those scrapes at the bottom are the only thing that needs rougher than 220 grit.

Ok, final turning stats: 12" diameter, 9" tall, sidewalls are 0.34" at the rim and 0.30" at the bottom curve (right at those scratches, which is why they are still there), the bottom is right at 1/2" thick (not counting the foot).

Tomorrow is initial sanding of the inside and final sanding of the outside (some fine sanding lines showed up as it dried a bit so needs re-sanding).

I need to talk to my friend (and listen to any advice you all have to offer) on whether I should finish it now and let it dry slowly through the finish or bag it and let it dry that way. My friend, who has turned lots of manzanita, says "It will crack; that is what Manzanita does." so we will see what the final final looks like. No matter what, I will post it here for you all to see.

[Thomas Canfield]

Greg,

Here is post I made about the lamp installation on my Powermatic. It still works well if you need to attach a lamp to the lathe and cannot install the lamp remote. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=104479

I use a 60W heavy duty bulb and do not have any real issue with vibrations, but then I try to keep speed under the real shaking level.

[Greg Ketell]

Thank you. I'll be making some of those in the next few days!


Greg,

Here is post I made about the lamp installation on my Powermatic. It still works well if you need to attach a lamp to the lathe and cannot install the lamp remote. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=104479

I use a 60W heavy duty bulb and do not have any real issue with vibrations, but then I try to keep speed under the real shaking level.

[Mike Cruz]

Greg, I'm really glad to see that the whole thing stuck together thus far. I was afraid that this was going to end up with a pic of pieces everywhere. Sounds like the advice to wrap it with tape was a good one! Hey, maybe you didn't need it, but it sure didn't hurt!

So, I assume that you've already taken it off the lathe and unwrapped it if you found tool marks on the outside of the bowl. No pics of that? Or are you just keeping that from us so you can wow us with the final pics? ;)

[Greg Ketell]

I'm pretty sure that without the tape that snag would have shattered the bowl. Thank you, Allen!!

The bowl is still on the lathe for sanding today. Once sanding is done I will try to figure out how to flip it so I can turn the foot to final. Once again, "I'm afraid!": that has been the step that has broken the majority of my broken bowls. When the bowl is "loosely" mounted, get a snag and throw it across the room. Keep your fingers crossed!!

GK



Greg, I'm really glad to see that the whole thing stuck together thus far. I was afraid that this was going to end up with a pic of pieces everywhere. Sounds like the advice to wrap it with tape was a good one! Hey, maybe you didn't need it, but it sure didn't hurt!

So, I assume that you've already taken it off the lathe and unwrapped it if you found tool marks on the outside of the bowl. No pics of that? Or are you just keeping that from us so you can wow us with the final pics? ;)

[Scott Hackler]

Greg, once you "flip it" just remember to have a razor sharp tool and take very, very light cuts until the bottom is finished. I used to destroy a few bowls when I started flipping them around and using a jam chuck. But then I slowed way down and right about that time I bought my first diamond honing stone and was able to really work up a sharp edge.

I have some Manzanita root chunks and I can attest that its really hard and the dirst and such can dull a tool quickly.

Good luck!

[Greg Ketell]

Thanks, Scott. Very sharp tool with pull cuts is the plan. (Same as I used cleaning up the snag.)

And thank you for the inspiration. It was your tag line that got me to go for thinning it out more to clear up the snag. I had just seen your dino egg post and figured "Hey, 1/4" is THICK!". :D:D

[David E Keller]

One other things that's worked for me on the bottoms of things... I drop down to a 3/8 bowl gouge or small spindle gouge. It seems like my catches are less frequent and dramatic with the smaller tool.

[Greg Ketell]

and rough-sanded/shaped.
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162604&stc=1&d=1285529691

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162605&stc=1&d=1285529691

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162606&stc=1&d=1285529701

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162607&stc=1&d=1285529701

Now time for final sanding to 320 and a quick coat of sanding sealer to help it dry slowly.

ps These are color-corrected shots. This is exactly the way it looks.

[Greg Ketell]

So I was a bad boy and grabbed a can of Deft sanding sealer while the bowl was still on the lathe. I can't help it. I wanted to see what its final look will be. (These are color corrected for where it sits on the lathe...)

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162610&stc=1&d=1285530482

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162611&stc=1&d=1285530482

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162612&stc=1&d=1285530497

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162613&stc=1&d=1285530497

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162614&stc=1&d=1285530508

Even fully sanded I never expected that! Wheeeeee.


My Mark-zero finger-depth-gauge was wayyy off last night. Instead of the 1/2" I thought I had, I actually have 1-1/2". But that is OK because I'll turn off the foot and where the chuck was rubbing and then make it a little concave to stand nicely and then it will be a more reasonable depth yet I still shouldn't punch through that deep area.

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162615&stc=1&d=1285530508

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162616&stc=1&d=1285530518

Next up, reversing it and turning off the foot. Wish me luck!

[Ray Bell]

Greg, this is beautiful. The shape, grain, and color are wonderful.

[John W Dixon]

Greg, I can't say enough how much I have enjoyed going along for the ride! It's a project like this that you really stretch your limits on that makes you a better turner. Can't wait to see it come down the homestretch.

John

[Greg Ketell]

Hmmm what to do. My vacuum chuck is too shallow (plus other obvious issues with using vacuum chuck). I don't have a "center point" on the bottom to line it up on a jamb chuck. Ahhh, I have it. Use my friend's "vacuum-less vacuum chuck".

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162632&stc=1&d=1285534906
Jumbo jaws with the jaws just snug enough to put the bowl in the center; no "holding power" at all. Then, LOTS of blue tape. 6 diagonal wraps that each go all the way around to grab onto themselves. I later added two wraps around just above the jumbo jaws as a "tensioner" on the diagonal tape.


One hair-raising hour later...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162633&stc=1&d=1285534906

A quick coat of sanding sealer (and one bad photo)...
http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162634&stc=1&d=1285534914

OK, the voting begins now. Do I just finish it and let it dry naturally? Or do I back it until the base is fully dry and then finish it?

[Bob Wolfe]

Greg I don't know what to suggest about finishing it so I'll let the experts take that one, but I wanted to let you know that I've really enjoyed watching this one come together over the last few days....It it absolutely B E A U T I F U L !!! I can't wait to see it after you finish it. The wait will be be torture for us if you end up having to let it dry before proceeding.

How about taking a photo of the shape of your scraper that you shaped into a negative rake for a smoother finish a few posts back? I'd really like to see a picture of that too.
Thanks in advance.

[Greg Ketell]

Ok, not knowing exactly when it will be "finished" I took some semi-final pictures of it with just the sanding sealer.

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162635&stc=1&d=1285540122

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162636&stc=1&d=1285540122

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162638&stc=1&d=1285540136

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162637&stc=1&d=1285540136

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162639&stc=1&d=1285540150

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162640&stc=1&d=1285540150

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162641&stc=1&d=1285540159

For now, the bowl is in a bag until I decide which way to go. When time for final finish I will sand it to 400 and then finish. But for now...

[Josh Bowman]

Greg, that is beautiful!!!:)

[Ray Bell]

Very nice Greg. Aren't you glad Frank suggested taping this. It looks plain scary to turn.

[Baxter Smith]

That is a great looking piece for anyone! You have got to be a "little nuts" to have tried that for a first NE piece!:) I have done a few and it gives me shivers just looking at it sitting still.

[Curt Fuller]

That's just beautiful! With that crack that's going across the bottom, I would say you picked just the right time to call it good. That sure is some pretty wood and you brought out the best in it.

[Mike Cruz]

WOW, that really turned out fantastically! Thank you so much for taking us along for the journey. I'm so glad to have witnessed it.

[David E Keller]

Greg, that's an absolutely stunning piece. As for the finishing, I'm not sure what you should do. If you're going with an oil finish, I'd probably go for it. If you're gonna use poly or lacquer, it probably needs to be really dry. I don't have much experience with manzanita, so maybe somebody else will chime in with real advice.

[Michael E. Thompson]

All I can say is WOW, beautiful. Excellent work and very patient.

[Greg Ketell]

Very nice Greg. Aren't you glad Frank suggested taping this. It looks plain scary to turn.

VERY VERY glad.


That's just beautiful! With that crack that's going across the bottom, I would say you picked just the right time to call it good. That sure is some pretty wood and you brought out the best in it.

Thank you!! I do think I quit at the right time. But I also think I will use some epoxy+coffee to fill it from the bottom. I'm afraid that the crack will grow until the bowl splits in half.

[Greg Ketell]

I've really enjoyed watching this one come together over the last few days....It it absolutely B E A U T I F U L !!! I can't wait to see it after you finish it. The wait will be be torture for us if you end up having to let it dry before proceeding.

You won't have to wait long. I'm going to finish it tomorrow. I'm not a patient person. :rolleyes:


Greg, that is beautiful!!!:)

Thank you!


Very nice Greg. Aren't you glad Frank suggested taping this. It looks plain scary to turn.

It was very scary. And very "empowering" to have completed it successfully. Now I can take on other challenging projects. Not without fear, but knowing that I can (probably) succeed. ;)


That is a great looking piece for anyone! You have got to be a "little nuts" to have tried that for a first NE piece!:) I have done a few and it gives me shivers just looking at it sitting still.

More than a little. My sister says it looks like something from Madame Pele's (Hawaiian volcano Goddess) house. I think it might be because I was feeling the heat while making it.




WOW, that really turned out fantastically! Thank you so much for taking us along for the journey. I'm so glad to have witnessed it.

I'm glad you all came along. It was fun posting and reading everyone comments as I went. I've either been in the garage or at my computer for this thread all weekend. ((My wife is a little irked))


Greg, that's an absolutely stunning piece. As for the finishing, I'm not sure what you should do. If you're going with an oil finish, I'd probably go for it. If you're gonna use poly or lacquer, it probably needs to be really dry. I don't have much experience with manzanita, so maybe somebody else will chime in with real advice.

Thank you!!

Tomorrow morning (before it gets to 100-degrees here) will be finishing day.


All I can say is WOW, beautiful. Excellent work and very patient.

Thanks for the nice comments!

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Ok, not knowing exactly when it will be "finished" I took some semi-final pictures of it with just the sanding sealer.

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162635&stc=1&d=1285540122

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162636&stc=1&d=1285540122

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162638&stc=1&d=1285540136

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162637&stc=1&d=1285540136

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162639&stc=1&d=1285540150

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162640&stc=1&d=1285540150

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162641&stc=1&d=1285540159

For now, the bowl is in a bag until I decide which way to go. When time for final finish I will sand it to 400 and then finish. But for now...

WOW Greg, that is an awesome piece, never mind if you did turn for years already, and quite a feat as a first closed form.
Very attractive wood, and pretty rough looking before you started on it.

Yes Allen was right to call for putting tape around it, he had just that bad experience with his beautiful piece coming apart.

Thanks for taking the time to post all the pictures of the work in progress right up till the finishing, thank you :D

[Greg Ketell]

Ok I finally dug out my photo stuff. Only several months late, but oh well.

Finished with 6 coats of Deft spray gloss lacquer and one coat of Deft spray satin lacquer.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=176449&d=1294257387

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=176451&d=1294257389

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=176452&d=1294257391

The cracks on the bottom were filled with Epoxy mixed with coffee grounds.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=176450&d=1294257388

[Mike Cruz]

Greg, I'm glad this one stayed together. You'll remember it forever! Nicely done. And thanks for posting the final pics. I was thinking about this piece recently, and wondered what happened to it.

[bob svoboda]

Greg, that's simply outrageous. I absolutely love it.

[Jon Nuckles]

Greg, I'm glad you waited to post the final pictures. I'm new here and missed the original thread until you brought it back up. Great job!

[Art Manansala]

It's even more fantastic in person. Great thread Greg!!

[John Keeton]

Worth the effort, and the wait!! Great color, Greg!

[Curt Fuller]

Greg, that turned out just beautiful!

[Bernie Weishapl]

That was well worth waiting for. Great piece Greg.

[Fred Belknap]

Wow that was a blast:D:D:D

[David E Keller]

What a great finished piece! I think you've managed a really special form from a special but challenging piece of wood. Thanks for sharing the whole process.

[Don Alexander]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

[Greg Ketell]

Thanks everyone for the great comments. This is certainly my first "Keep at all costs" piece. It was a blast to make and is gorgeous to look at!

[Jamie Schmitz]

176571
Just in case people were wondering what a manzanita tree looked like.

[Greg Ketell]

176571
Just in case people were wondering what a manzanita tree looked like.

Thanks for that; I had never seen one. It sure looks like you would get equally pretty wood out of the branches.

[charlie knighton]

very nice, thanks for sharing