Just fooling around....

[Greg Ketell]

I was getting tired of turning bells so looked for a bit of a distraction. What I found was a Chamise root ball even uglier than this one:
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I honestly wasn't sure I could chuck it up but I decided to give it a try. I mounted it between centers and turned a tenon. Reversed it, brought up the tail stock and started hollowing it leaving a post in the center for the tailstock to push against. Original plan was to make a small "art bowl" but I realized that my lovely wife needed a ring keeper in the kitchen so I left the center post.
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The post is ugly but keeping it straight allowed me to wrap it in tape, chuck the post and turn the bottom of the bowl slightly concave.

Finished with about 4 coats of Deft spray gloss lacquer. 2 inches tall, 4 inches in "diameter" (at the one place you can measure diameter).

Comments, Critiques, Suggestions for improvement always welcome!
GK

[Marc Himes]

It is amazing what you can find in a little piece of wood. Nice Job! One suggestion would be to photograph it against another background as I have a little trouble seeing it against one so dark.

[Jim Burr]

You want ugly?...I'll bring you ugly! I gave one of these to a couple of the best turners around and they threw sticks at me!...but they did magic with them too!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Really nice Greg. Amazing what can come out of a piece of wood.

[Wally Wenzel]

Amazing what can come out of a piece of wood like that. I think its great
Wally

[Curt Fuller]

That made a very cool ring holder!

[Greg Ketell]

Sorry about that, Marc; these were "quick snaps" on the way out the door to the family gathering. I'll try to get some time to take better pictures later today.

[Thom Sturgill]

I think 'gnarly' is the right description, along with 'cool'.

[paul vechart]

Greg...I think it looks great as it is...this is truely one of a kind!

Paul

[Greg Ketell]

Here you go, Marc. MUCH better pictures...

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[Michael Dromey]

I think I may turn something like this. I found a small rootball from a eastern red cedar a while back. I wasn't sure until now what I was going to do with it. Very nice work.

[Leo Van Der Loo]

One of a kind for sure and yes very :cool:, :)

[Greg Ketell]

Thank you all for the nice comments!

[thomas prusak]

Very cool Greg! Original