First HF – Spalted Birch

[Steve Schlumpf]

This is my first attempt at a ‘true’ hollow form. I say ‘true’ because a year ago I hollowed out a small piece of cherry using only a round scraper but it was more of an enclosed bowl… I’m rambling… :rolleyes:

Spalted birch, 4 3/8” x 4 3/8” x less than ¼” thick. Finish is 2 coats of Watco Natural, 7 coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly, Beall buffed.
55499 55500 55501 55502
Not 100% sure of the form. Was a little nerve racking while hollowing having tool hanging so far over the rest. Lucked out and didn’t have any major catches – but still thinking about Ken’s new hollowing system!!

As always, your comments/suggestions are more than welcome.

Thanks for looking.

[Mark Pruitt]

I like the form Steve. Really pretty piece of birch too!

[Bill Wyko]

Thats beautiful Steve. good job. I'm just curious, what causes the spalted effect in the wood?

[Mark Pruitt]

I'm just curious, what causes the spalted effect in the wood?
Bill, somebody else on this forum pointed out this article which helped answer some questions I had about this.
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/techline/producing-spalted-wood.pdf

[Brett Baldwin]

Nice job Steve. That spalting shows great on those curves.

[Neal Addy]

That is really nice, Steve. I like the form you selected. Nice tapered base and a strong shoulder. It shows off the spalting pattern well. The form reminds me of a native american pottery piece.

Just out of curiosity, did you finish the inside as well? That opening just begs to be peeked into.

[Christopher K. Hartley]

Steve, I have to tell you that at the very first glance the form combined with the wood absolutely grabbed me and stopped me in my tracks:eek:. There is something about this piece that I am riveted to. Great work and don't change a thing!!:)

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks mark, I always thought it was submerged in water for a long period of time. It looks like it would be soft but it seems hard to the touch. I have a small peice at home, I'll have to play with it.
Steve, again thats a beautiful piece. How long did it take you to make?

[Brad Hammond]

wowser! beautiful work!

[Frank Kobilsek]

Steve
Nice work, your form is fine. There is something about hollowforms that is fastinating for both us turners and our freinds. Make more it gets less scary.
Frank

[Keith Burns]

Steve, you've been holding out on us !! First HF ? You really expect us to believe that? Well, wheather it's your first or not, you did a FANTISTIC job. I like the wood and the form is great ! I would be proud of this one.:) :)

[Quinn McCarthy]

Steve

That is a wonderful piece. I was toying around with trying a hollow form.

Bill

The spalting is the mycelea from the fungus in the wood. The dark color is actually the fungus. Woods like birch and maple are susseptable to breakdown by the fungus. This is just part of primary decomposition of the wood. Quite often you will see a shelf fungus on the outside of the piece indicating that there is decomposition happening inside.

Hope that helps.

Quinn

[Steve Schlumpf]

Thanks for the kind comments everyone!

Neal - I didn't finish the inside. The opening is a little less than 1 1/8" and any scraper I had that would reach the bottom of the HF wouldn't fit in thru the opening.

Bill - best that I can remember it only took a couple of hours or so. The finishing took almost 2 weeks waiting for everything to dry!

Keith - this is actually my first HF. Have a second one out on the tablesaw drying and hope to be able to post that one in a few days.

[Jonathon Spafford]

Hey, that is a real prize piece... I love the shape and the tiny foot. Does it have balance problems or is it one that you lay on its side for display? Anyway, I love the wood and you did a great job on it!!!

[Skip Spaulding]

Very Nice! Skip

[Alex Cam]

That's a great piece -- nice job!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Steve.....that is knockmedown beautiful! For your first.....I'm not sure you'll be able to reach that high again! Well done!

[Bob Hallowell]

Steve,
I think that turned out very nice!

Bob

[Travis Stinson]

VERY nice 1st HF Steve! Great job on the form. :cool:

[John Hart]

EXCELLENT Steve!! I like the form very much. The wood is awesome. Nicely done sir!:)

[Bernie Weishapl]

Steve that is a beauty for your first. Wish mine looked that good. Nice job.

[Ernie Nyvall]

Wow Steve, that's a great looking HF. Very nice.

[Jim Ketron]

Nice Piece Steve!
HF's can be addictive so look out!

[Ed Scolforo]

Nice, Steve! You're raising the bar for first time hollow forms.
Ed

[Glenn Hodges]

Steve the HF is exquisite. The design is pleasing to the eye as well as the wood. You did a great job.

[Tom Sherman]

Let's make it unanamous nice job Steve.

[Curt Fuller]

That's a beauty Steve. I like the shape and the wood and finish are very nice.

[John Chandler]

Nice looking wood and I think you did a great job with it.

[Pete Jordan]

You did a great job! I can't wait for more.