Joe Melton
01-12-2007, 8:25 PM
I got this blank in an exchange with Chris Hartley, down in Texas. It is spalted pecan, and was my first attempt at a semi-serious hollow form. The walls are about 1/8" thick, diameter about 7.5" and height about 4.5". I did most of the hollowing with a Sorby hollowing tool (mostly scraping). I think I goofed with I used Watco Natural as a finish, as it significantly darkened the wood, obscuring the stunning grain and spalting patterns. Some bug havens are still visible - perhaps I should have filled them. When I was first going after the inside, the tenon snapped off in the chuck, and I was sick. I glued it back on with epoxy, and then timorously continued, using the Sorby tool, expecting it go flying at any moment. When I finally got it to size, I felt like I could make a 7-10 split.
My photography sucks, and I think the piece looks better in person than in this photo. Anyway, critiques are welcome. I consider this a stepping stone to greater things. I still have a nice layered blank Lee sent me that I have set aside till I feel comfortable with attacking it.
PS. I made a pen from one of the corners cut off of the blank, and it looks real purty.
Joe
My photography sucks, and I think the piece looks better in person than in this photo. Anyway, critiques are welcome. I consider this a stepping stone to greater things. I still have a nice layered blank Lee sent me that I have set aside till I feel comfortable with attacking it.
PS. I made a pen from one of the corners cut off of the blank, and it looks real purty.
Joe