Curt Fuller
09-25-2010, 5:51 PM
I think this is an Apple bowl from a block of wood Mark Cothren sent me. The wood was sealed in anchorseal so I cut about 1/8" off the four sides and then sanded them, the bottom and the bowl have a smooth finish, the top I left with a rough "toolmark' surface. It's oiled, really soaked, with tung oil and buffed on the smooth surfaces, just oiled on the rest, 8" x 10" and turned offset as much as I could and still swing it on a 14" lathe. These type bowls are really starting to grow on me, and I think the wood is beautiful, but, well I just ain't no Cothren.
BTW, I would guess the humidity in Conway where this wood grew up is about 80%. When I cut the sealer off this wood there were no cracks. While I turned the bowl, about 30 minutes, I actually heard the wood crack a couple of times. When I was done turning it I came in the house and checked the local weather.....78 degrees 8% humidity. That's a pretty dramatic change for wood to withstand. But I think the cracks that are forming actually enhance the rustic look of the bowl. It's going to be interesting to see how much it cracks.
BTW, I would guess the humidity in Conway where this wood grew up is about 80%. When I cut the sealer off this wood there were no cracks. While I turned the bowl, about 30 minutes, I actually heard the wood crack a couple of times. When I was done turning it I came in the house and checked the local weather.....78 degrees 8% humidity. That's a pretty dramatic change for wood to withstand. But I think the cracks that are forming actually enhance the rustic look of the bowl. It's going to be interesting to see how much it cracks.