Decided it's time for a vase

[John Hart]

Well it's been a while since I've turned a tall vase so I figured I'd get to it. Don't want to use a hollowing rig....just go the old fashioned way with a big stick.
This is Bertha's big sister...made it a few years ago. Basically an old shovel handle that I cut off and inserted a hefty piece of steel deep inside. The shaft takes 3/8" cutters that I make out of old printer drive shafts. She's 3 feet long and gives me plenty of control even with deep hollowing.
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[John Hart]

Today's experiment is with ambrosia maple. I have a 4" slab that has been drying for about 6 years.
Cutting a 15" piece for this project.
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[John Hart]

First thing is to cut the basic profile. Using a skew mostly and a bowl gouge for the neck.
My main concern is to create a gentle curve up the length. No straight sections allowed
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[John Hart]

Now it's ready for hollowing. I'm mounting it up in my steady rest. A fine tool that Dennis Peacock made for me years ago.
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Drill a hole to get things started
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And I also want to mark my desired depth on the hollowing tool
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[John Hart]

The hollowing tool also accommodates a 3/8 forstner bit so I can drill my guide hole deeper and deeper as I go
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Basically I hollow just in the center alternating between the cutters and the drill bit until I get to the bottom
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[John Hart]

Once I reach my mark on the tool shaft it's time to hollow outward toward the profile. I'm shooting for a 3/8 to 1/4 inch wall.
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I leave plenty of material on the mouth and neck to use as leverage when I'm really deep. In this case...11 inches.
Then after hollowing is complete, I clean up the inside and the mouth to my desired thickness
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[John Hart]

Once the inside is done I remove the steady rest and finish up the pedestal and get all my sanding done.
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[John Hart]

Then on to finish. Using clear gloss enamel for the first time. Have to see how it turns out
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And that's it!!
Thanks for peeking

[Frederick Skelly]

Another beauty, Sir! I'm in awe of how productive you are - every week you turn out (pun intended :) ) another beautiful piece!
Fred

[John Hart]

Geez... thanks, Fred. :)
Gonna make my head swell.
I sure enjoy my time in the shop. Don't get much but try to make the best of it

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Good form and well documented! It's good to see you posting again John!

[John Hart]

Thanks Ken. Nice to see you again my friend. Been gone too long.

[John Hart]

Not impressed with the clear enamel. It dries fast but just ain't the cat's meow.
Sanded it off...switched to old reliable....lacquer. (hic) 'cuse me :)

[John Hart]

Here's after the lacquer. It'll need one more coat after curing
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[Robert Hayward]

Very nicely done, the vase and the pictorial. Thanks for taking the time to post it. I really like your steady rest. Simple and functional. What size is the square tubing that forms the ring ?

[John Hart]

Thanks Robert. Love documenting the work although I tend to get involved in the turning and sometimes leave out key steps.
As far as the steady rest...this piece has given me opportunities that I wouldn't normally have. It's great and Dennis put a lot of love into it.
The slides are 3/4 square while the guides are 1" square. I think it's standard channel found at home depot.
Apparently the mount for the lathe bed was the tricky part.
Here's some close ups.
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[robert baccus]

Really nice work and self learning is the best. I switched to vases and urns decades ago--FYI--there are many really great boring bits out there that really make boring easy even with handheld tools. But I admire home made and frugal tools too.

[John Hart]

Thanks Robert :) Yup, I love to explore and learn new things. It might take a little more time but I think our personal style is the reward. (unfortunately my personal style looks like a sea cucumber from time to time)

[robert baccus]

John, if you are serious about hollowing there is one foolproof tool out there. The entire tool is high dollar but the cutter head(listed as a power head) is a fraction of the whole tool. You are a handy man and the cutter is easily mounted in a 3/8" hole in any shaft you have. It is several times as fast and nonclogging as the rest. I've used it on a homemade Jamison type rig for 25 years--it cuts and not scrapes as many do. It is handled by Packard tools --Pro-Forme tools by Woodcut. Very easily sharpened and lasts for years even at semi-pro work levels I hollow to 20" when Feel up to it. Send a note if you have questions. Also It will Not grab if adjusted like any tool must be.

[John Hart]

Just visited their site and browsed the Pro Forme tools. Actually looks perfect. Heck, I haven't spent any money in a long time. Maybe I oughta splurge just a little!!! :)
Thanks for the tip Mr. Baccus

[Bill Bukovec]

Thanks for the posts. Look there may be a steady in my future!

[Paul Williams]

Thanks for the posts John. When I joined several years ago many folks posted their work and process and many offered comments and critiques. I learned a lot from those. I have yet to try anything that thin and deep, but you inspire me to try.

[Tim Rinehart]

Been a while since I’ve visited SMC, nice to see ya John and making a nice deep form! I’ve not done any hollowing in a while, not that I’ve got it in me to stick a piece of iron down in the hole without some assistance .
I do like the shape, and extra details. 👍

[John Hart]

Thanks Tim :)
It was pretty fun to get back to hollowing. A little un-nerving but just like riding a bike