Big Leaf Maple HF

[Neal Addy]

This is my first piece hollowed with nothing but the Don Pencil Stinger. The goal was to get an opening less than 1". This rim was initially 7/8"W after hollowing. Unfortunately the piece moved on me (a lot) and I had to open it up a bit to true it for reverse chucking. The final width is a smidge under 1" after sanding. The inside is sanded and finished.

Big Leaf Maple. 3-5/8"W x 3-1/8"H. Sanded to 800, finished with Seal-A-Cell, buffed, and bounced off a wall. :eek:

Comments/critiques welcome.

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[Jim Becker]

Lovely form, Neal.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Neal it is a beauty. I really like the form on that one. Nice job.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Gorgeous Neal! What kind of a finish did you use on that? I really need to try one of those!

[Nancy Laird]

WOW!!! Neal, that is heart-stoppingly beautiful. I love the form of this piece, and that grain is just spectacular. Wonderful piece.

Nancy

[Neal Addy]

Oops, forgot to add those details. Description edited. Thanks, Ken.

[Gary Herrmann]

As the others have said Neal, beautiful form on this one. I haven't worked big leaf maple yet, but I hope to pick some up one of these days.

[Shane Whitlock]

A beautiful piece Neal ... Great form!

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

What everyone else said.

Bruce

[Christopher K. Hartley]

Neal, this is truely an eye catcher. You did a wonderful job here and the form is right on! Nice looking wood too!:)

[Jonathon Spafford]

Beautiful piece... great shape and I love how the figure swirls!

[Mark Cothren]

Nice work, Neal! You made the wood shine!

[Dennis Peacock]

Dang Neal....that looks great!!! I love the curl in that wood, the form is very nice and you did GOOD!!! :D

[Ron Journeau]

very nice, Neal another form for me to work on..by the way, how do you like the stinger /scorpion combo.. Am on the fence between that one and the Monster tool model.

[Neal Addy]

Ron, I'm liking the Don Pencil set but I don't really have much to compare it to. My only hollowing tool so far has been a Sorby Multi-Tip which I got very used to.

So far, I like the Stinger and LOVE the Scorpion. The Stinger when used with the pistol grip is plenty sturdy and works well. My biggest problem is that it doesn't come with a way to attach a tear-drop scraper. I guess the reasoning is that it is strictly for small opening vessels so finishing the inside doesn't matter. I just can't bring myself to do a piece that isn't sanded and finished inside and out. I'm just funny that way. That's also why I don't do collars.

I figure the smallest hole I'll reasonably be able to do with the Stinger is around 3/4" (after some more practice).

I have had some problems keeping the Stinger cutting bits from moving on me during hollowing. They are held in place by tiny set screws that don't seem to want to tighten enough for me.

The Scorpion is a very nice tool. For vessels with a hole 1-1/2" or larger it is perfect. I have no regrets there.

I'd be interested in hearing others thoughts on the Don Pencil set.

[Jim Ketron]

Pure form Neal!
Nice Piece!

[Pat Doble]

Beautiful piece Neal. Great shape. I've been eyeing those Pencil sets for awhile - just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

[Keith Burns]

Another winner for sure! Nice flowing form:) :)