Red Gum Eucalyptus Bowl

[Jason Hallowell]

I made this a few months back, and it had me so frustrated that I didn't get around to finishing the sanding until now. It is about 7" x 3.75", and still needs to be wet sanded and have another coat of finish put on, but I was in the mood to post it anyways. This wood was a nightmare to turn because it is very hard, and the internal stresses caused it to move as it was being worked even though it was bone dry. The majority of the giant cracks you see were not visible at all on the outside of the wood. Any comments or critiques are welcome.

[Stephen Hibbs]

Yes, the heartwood of that eucalyptus is a beast once dry. I use ironbark eucalyptus a lot, and I find that if I let it dry too much, even the sapwood can get rock hard. Nice bowl though, and I like the finish. I know what you mean about the cracks not being visible at first with that wood. I generally turn it wet and finish it then, otherwise it's too hard to finish turn easily.

[Neal Addy]

Very pretty bowl! I like it.

I agree with Stephen about turning it in one session. I usually just assume that Eucy is gonna do a lot of yoga as it dries.

[Bill Wyko]

Nice piece. I think the cracks add character. The finish is beautiful too. What is the finish? I have a piece of eucalyptus burlwood. Any idea what I'm in for?

[Steve Schlumpf]

Beautiful color wood! All the cracks and daylight just add charactor! Nice work!

[Jason Hallowell]

Bill- the finish is seal-a-cell, and you might be in for an adventure if that burl is as dry as this peice was. Euc. burl is very pretty though, so it might be worth it.

Thank you to Stephen and Neal for the tip. The local firewood places should be full of freshly downed eucalyptus come monsoon season, and I think I'll wait for some wet stuff before I try turning it again.

[Bernie Weishapl]

That bowl is a beauty. Nice job.

[Dennis Peacock]

Beautiful and I really like the color in this wood!!!!

[Dick Parr]

Very nice wood and form. Love the finish.

[Jonathon Spafford]

Really like the red color! Excellent bowl... you did a great job!

[Tom Sherman]

Super wood and I like the form and finish.