Elm NE

[Mark Cothren]

Seems like Elm is a popular wood this week... guess I'll join the fun...:)

This tree took a dive in my neighbor's yard. I saved a few pieces from it and made them a salad bowl. This piece had a funky "rib" and I decided to try a NE and see how it would work. I got a surprise with all the color and streak the follows the "rib" line.

It ended up 12"x10" wide and 6"x5" tall. Not sure how I let it end up so lopsided, but with the crazy edge it has I don't think it hurts too bad.

Would be glad to hear what y'all think.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/markfromark/ElmNE01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/markfromark/ElmNE02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/markfromark/ElmNE03.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/markfromark/ElmNE04.jpg

[Dennis Puskar]

Like it very much,very nice work.

Dennis

[Benjamin Dahl]

Mark, that is great.
Ben

[George Van]

Mark, I think the shape is very good, asymmetrical can be good at times and I think this is one of them. It reminds me of some of the good rowing skiffs.

[Tom Sherman]

Mark, this one is almost magical very cool.

[Jack Savona]

The more we turn, the more we can visualize an optimum design and shape. Good vision! I can't think of a better use of that wood than a NE. Like the foot a lot. I might have made it a tad thinner (nit-pickin!). The walls look VERY even (challenging with a NE) and you were able to keep the bark intact. (When was the tree felled?)

What character!!! I think the "lopsided" edge actually might enhance its freeflow design.

Basically your bowl is one of those "I wish I had turned that!!!!".

What finish did you use? Sanding procedure?

Congrats, Mark!

Jack

[Mark Cothren]

(When was the tree felled?)


Around the end of March, if my memory is correct.


What finish did you use? Sanding procedure?


Power sanded (on the lathe, but not spinning) thru 800 grit and then buffed after two coats of antique oil.

[Matthew Barrett]

Great job. I aspire to that someday. I really like the fact that its out of a local tree.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Mark that is beautiful. I really like the wood and finish. Great job.

[Shane Whitlock]

Thats a beauty Mark!!!

[Sam Starr]

wow thats cool

[Nancy Laird]

Mark, as you know, NEs aren't my favorite form, but this one is just stunning because of the wood that you used. I may have to rethink!!

Nancy

[Ernie Nyvall]

The NE King strikes again. Wow Mark, that's a great piece. I think you got it centered just right with the way the grain runs through it. Brautiful work sir.

[Patrick Taylor]

Great job! I love it. I can't say I'm crazy about the foot but I love the rest.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Beautiful work Mark! Love the way the natural edge jumps all over the place! Great finish - and have to agree with Patrick - not to sure about the foot on this one. Impressive work - as always!

[Mark Cothren]

Thanks all... on the foot, do you think its too tall? too wide? both? Or is it the burn that doesn't fit?

[Steve Schlumpf]

Mark - for me - the color difference draws my eye to the area and makes the foot seem larger than it really is.

[Jim Becker]

I'm not big on NE pieces, but I really like this one, Mark...it's one of the most interesting ones I've seen in a long time. Very nice!!!

[Nancy Laird]

Mark, my opinion (which, along with $4.50 will get you a cup of designer coffee) is that the foot is just a little too tall. I'd shave about 1/8" off it, remove the burn, and make it look more like the NE is floating on the surface where it's sitting. Otherwise, this piece is stunning.

Nancy

[Mark Cothren]

Appreciate all the feedback.


I'd shave about 1/8" off it

It may not look it, but that foot is altogether right at 1/8". I guess the burn makes it look thicker/taller?

I have another chunk of this wood - similar to this one. I'll try a shorter foot on it and leave off the branding for a comparison.

[Sean Troy]

They don't get much better than that !! really nice work.

[Keith Burns]

Well, Mark you have gone and created another wonderful piece. Great orientation. Now, why did you paint that brown stripe down the middle ?:eek: :D

[Paul Engle]

ah ,,, I like the foot, but am partial to mortise / recess tho. nice work on the bark for sure. you got the grain right on , very nice piece and nice workmanship Mark.I really like the smell of elm when turning ... sneeze :eek: alot tho.

[Mike Vickery]

Not sure how I missed this one. Beautiful Mark. Your natural edge piece seem to have a very distinctive and pleaseing shape to them.

[Tom Sherman]

I guess I am not very observant, I was so caught up in looking at the grain and the bark I totally missed the foot till I noticed some of the comments. After going back for a new look I can't say that it is bad. I don't believe that the foot detracts from the effect of this piece ... let's see more.

[Pete Jordan]

I think it kinda looks like the Ark. Great job!

[TYLER WOOD]

I love the piece!!! Foot and all it's great. If you don't like it ship it!!

I love elm and I love this piece. We have elm, pecan and mulberry here, not much else in quantity. So it makes my affinity for elm even more. Plus my best wood to turn so far has been some spalted elm burl I found. (your getting some Mark!)

[Pat Doble]

What a great piece Mark.

[Bill Wyko]

That piece is great. It has a very delicate look and shows off the wood nicely. Good job Mark.