Holly bowl and wood

[Brian McInturff]

So I came into some holly from a tree we had to bring down at work:

http://stampclassics.com/images/creations/holly%20logs.jpg

And I had a chance to cut some blanks:

http://stampclassics.com/images/creations/holly%20blocks.jpg

Then this past weekend I had a chance to rough turn(and it's rough) a bowl. I decided to try a NE. Actually that's what the wife wanted:

http://stampclassics.com/images/creations/Holly1.JPEG

http://stampclassics.com/images/creations/Holly1a.JPEG

I rough turned it and soaked it in IPA. I let it soak for 2 days and took it out. Then did the 1 hour dry and wrapped the outside in Brown Paper. Checked on it yesterday and it had developed a crackin the middle of one of the sides but not all the way through the side. I filled it with CA in hopes that it won't crack any more. The size is 10" which is the maximum swing on the Oneway 1018. If no more cracks appear then hopefully I can cleanup the outside(and inside) to a little more aesthetic look although this is the look(sorta) that the SWMBO wants. What finish would you put on it?
Thanks, Brian

[Brian McInturff]

If anyone is interested in some Holly blanks just let me know. I can trade also. Thanks, Brian

Andy, what size of blank would you like?

[Corey Hallagan]

Looking good Brian. Nice job.

Corey

[Andy Hoyt]

Huh? Who me? Oh right, the phone call. Shoot me a piece that will max out your 1018 and I'll shoot you a chunk of cherry the same size. Shipping should be the same each way, I suppose.

Interesting shape, Brian. Not sure what it might be called, so I'll wait until you get it done. 'Cause if you're like me, these things have a tendency to undergo radical changes. Ooch! Ouch! Dang! Huh? Hmm? Okay! Ouch! Ooch! Oh Honey, whatcha think of it now?

[Glenn Hodges]

Brian, I use lacquer finish on my NE bowls with success. I have also used a tung oil solution a lot also. I wish I was closer to you that holly wood is just what I have been wanting. Try to keep it from spalting.

[Tom Sherman]

Brian that looks most unique I have seen the form before but where escapes me should be a beaut when finished.

[Brian McInturff]

The form is from an antique water bowl my wife's mom had. I think it was probably an urn of some sort. I'm wanting to round the bottom a little more and make the curve?cove more defined.
Brian

[Tom Sherman]

Looking forward to seeing the final form should be a goodun.

[Henry C. Gernhardt, III]

Great gloat, Brian, and that's a nifty looking bowl you have in the works. If it were me finishing the bowl, I'd look at some sort of grain sealer followed by a hard topcoat, probably in a satin/semi-matte.

Good luck!