Finish or Firewood?

[Steve Schlumpf]

Roughed out this birch bowl back in Feb 05 – just after I had started turning. Wrapped in paper and wet shavings, placed in a double brown bag and stored until a couple of months ago. When I unwrapped the blank I found all sorts of radial checks (I mean lots!). Glued them the best I could and just set it aside figuring it would end up on the firewood pile.

Today I checked the bowl over and it looked like the glue had held. There were no additional checks. Figured I would give it a chance and see if it would turn without blowing up. This is the result and only had to chase it across the floor one time!

Birch Bowl 9 ¾” x 3” x ½” Two coats of Watco Natural
54687 54689 54688
So, because of the number of glued up cracks, do I take the time to finish the bowl or throw it over to the firewood pile?

As always, any and all comments are welcome. Thanks for looking!

[Jim Young]

With my skills that would be a master piece. Definitely finish.

[Robert McGowen]

As long are the cracks are no wider than a piece of popcorn, I would finish it! Looks nice from here.... :D

[Pete Jordan]

Since I burn corn, I wouldn't know about firewood but I would certainly finish that piece.

[Christopher Hunter]

To most of us turners, cracks are bad.
But most people will just see them as character....
Finish and sell !!!
Great form by the way---
--Chris

[Mark Pruitt]

With a story like that, it's an easy answer! Git-R-Finished!:D

[Bonnie Campbell]

I'd finish it. :)

[John Hart]

Finish it. Finish it. Finish it.

That's three votes.;)

Nice bowl Steve!:)

[laurie sullivan]

i'll take it. my vote is finish it.........or sent it to me.

laurie

[Curt Fuller]

You would have to be a conniseur of fine firewood to even think about burning that. That's a nice bowl!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Great bowl! Finish it! ......BTW............I"ve got an NE I'll post pictures of in a day or two.....You will see some real cracks.........Filled with epoxy and instant coffee..............If the turning gods allow me to finish it....I"ll post photos.

[Steve Schlumpf]

First off, thanks everyone for your kind words.

I checked the photos that I had posted and noticed that none of them showed off the cracked areas very well - so wanted to throw one more at you to show you why I wondered what to do with the bowl.

54702

[John Hart]

I see your concern Steve, but still...a little shellac on a piece of 220 sandpaper and that crack will go bye-bye.

[Christopher K. Hartley]

Look Steve, I've just had it!:mad: If this is the best you can do for a crack then I'll just send you some of mine!:p Better yet, send me all your cracked bowls and I'll put them down (you know, like put them out of their misery) so it isn't so difficult for you.:( Actually, if you don't put some finish on it I going to report you to the ASPCB (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Bowls).:eek: :eek: :eek: :D :)

Actually, I'd fill it and make it a keeper, I love that wood grain.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Steve.......the beauty of the wood....demands that you finish this bowl!

[Leigh Costello]

Finish the bowl and see how many folks complain. If you find one, bonk 'em on the noggin with the bowl. If it doesn't break in half, then it isn't cracked.

[Barry Stratton]

I understand your concerns Steve. Given that it is -15F here, send it to me and I'll burn it to keep warm ;)

No use risking injury to satisfy some folks on the internet:D

[Bernie Weishapl]

Steve finish it. The cracks will be fine. I have a couple sitting on the table the LOML uses for candy dishes or a catch all dishes. She loves them.

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

Definitely a KEEPER.

Bruce

[Glenn Hodges]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I believe at this time you are the one that be holding it.