First Norfolk Island Pine HF

[Thom Sturgill]

I haven't posted in a while, as I have not turned much since moving, and the Florida heat makes for short shop sessions.
This is my first attempt to turn NIP. Its 4 1/2" diameter and 9" to top of cap. Not quite finished as I am going to inlay a piece in the cap to cover the hole where the pith is. Soaked in BLO/MS mix for 24 hrs, allowed to dry and finished with rattle can lacquer. Will buff it in two weeks or so.
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This picture was taken with a flashlight shining inside the urn.
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C&C welcome!

[Harry Robinette]

Nice piece Thom I'd say your back even with the heat,keep it up.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Really nice vase. I hear ya on the heat.

[Thomas Canfield]

You did a good job with the NIP and picked a different form that usual. It looks like you got the translucent glow. NIP has some unusual character different for regular pine. I would suggest you do a search for Kelly Dunn (Big Island HI) and see his NIP pieces for inspiration for future since I expect you are hooked and want to try again.

[Rich Aldrich]

Really nice. It seems to have eyes and is looking at me..... Nice grain and finish.

[Michelle Rich]

Terrific and nice job on the continuation of grain into the lid

[Steve Schlumpf]

Nice work Thom! I agree with Michelle - really cool how you managed to continue the grain through the piece! How thin did you turn it?

[Thom Sturgill]

Steve, I turned it about 1/8" thick, a little thicker at the base.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Well, the combination of thickness and the oil bath sure worked to bring out the transparency! Was sap a problem? Never turned NIP but figure just by the name that it would be a sticky adventure!

[Thom Sturgill]

Steve, sap was NOT a problem. Despite its name, Norfolk Island Pine ( (Araucaria heterophylla) is not a true pine such as Southern Yellow Pine (Pinus pinus) or white pine (Pinus Strobus). It is a conifer, but that's about all it has in common.

[charlie knighton]

Steve, while sap is not a problem, turning the bark off is very mesy, long sleaves and gloves, leave the pith in try to offcenter it, watch your cut around the eyes, you can get tearout there pretty easy