Gary Baler
01-27-2014, 1:48 PM
First contribution to this (or any) site. A customer told me she had some elm she had hauled to Colorado from Missouri from a tree that was destroyed in an ice storm 7 yrs. ago. There were four 6" slabs that were 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Must have weighed 2-300 lbs. apiece green, but they had split and when I dropped one it just shattered. I did, however get a burl about 30" long and 16" diameter at it's widest point.
Here are the results. I got 6 bowls ... one goes to my customer ... selling the rest. They are finished with Danish oil ... three coats soaked in as much as I could ... then wet sanded with thru 2000 grit. Lots of hand sanding. The 2,000 was a little overkill, but I had it so I used it.
Living in Colorado, I do lots of aspen bowls and lamps that I sell at Farmer's Markets, but we don't have much hardwood here. I do get some American elm from time to time, but this doesn't look like elm at all.
Most of the stuff I do is pretty simple, so this is the first thing I thought I dare show this sophisticated group. I know they aren't perfect, but your comments and criticism are welcome. Kind of wondering if I might put a tougher finish .. but really like the texture of the wood like it is.
I've been a longtime lurker and just became a member. I've truly enjoyed and learned so much from all of you.280919280920280921
Here are the results. I got 6 bowls ... one goes to my customer ... selling the rest. They are finished with Danish oil ... three coats soaked in as much as I could ... then wet sanded with thru 2000 grit. Lots of hand sanding. The 2,000 was a little overkill, but I had it so I used it.
Living in Colorado, I do lots of aspen bowls and lamps that I sell at Farmer's Markets, but we don't have much hardwood here. I do get some American elm from time to time, but this doesn't look like elm at all.
Most of the stuff I do is pretty simple, so this is the first thing I thought I dare show this sophisticated group. I know they aren't perfect, but your comments and criticism are welcome. Kind of wondering if I might put a tougher finish .. but really like the texture of the wood like it is.
I've been a longtime lurker and just became a member. I've truly enjoyed and learned so much from all of you.280919280920280921