Spalted, Quilted, Curly, Burly Maple Square Platter

[Bill Wyko]

This is my first square, off the bed turning attempt. I don't know how to classify this piece of wood because it has a little of everything in it hence the title of the piece. The finish is 4 coats of Tung Oil, 6 coats of Deft Lacquer. Then it was sanded with 600 grit next was 2 grits of Pumice stone and then Rotten stone. Once the rubbing out was done I used a couple coats of Minwax Paste wax.(WHEW):D Comments and critiques are welcome. BTW this is my one year anniversary of my first lathe purchase.:D

[Keith Beck]

Wow, Bill, that is absolutely stunning! Beautiful work!

Keith

[Bernie Weishapl]

Beautiful Bill. I really like the wood and finish. Well done.

[Alex Elias]

It looks outstanding. The wood figure is fenomenal and the shape is very apealing as well. That finish that you made would even bring figure out of Balsa wood. What a work congrats

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks Guys. I just couldn't bear to cut the corners off this piece of wood with all the pattern in it. I used an outfeed roller for a tool rest. That was scary at times. Had to make sure I kept my feet on the thing so it wouldn't jump everywhere.:eek:

[Dean Thomas]

Nice, nice, nice wood. Shape is fun, too.

Are the two pix the same piece of wood??? AMAZING!

Congrats on your first anniversary, too. Do you remember your kid's birthdays, though?? :D

[Pete Jordan]

Great job Bill!

Now I am going to have to copy it.

[Bill Wyko]

Yes, I rember her birthday, she'd never let me forget it.:D It is the same piece, it's just the way the light hits it. My photo skills are a little lacking.:o When I saw this piece of wood, it was covered in wax and black spalting. I did see a corner through that and it had great figure. I didn't realize just how much until I turned the skin off of it. Then I knew I had a gem of a piece of wood.:)

[Jim Becker]

Classify it as "beautiful" and "awesome"... :) As it indeed is! Wonderful piece, Bill!

[Steve Schlumpf]

No doubt that this was a labor of love! Very nice indeed!

[Bill Wyko]

Thanks again guys. One of the funest things about turning this was the invisible ends. It was neat because I couldn't see what I was turning, I just knew it was there. The electrician still hasn't finished my shop so I'm still on an extension cord and lousy lighting. I could have closed my eyes and it wouldn't have made a difference.:eek: It was all in the sound and feel.:D

[Earl Reid]

As the Capt said , Well Done. A few ys ago I was turning my first larger bowl on the outboard end of the lathe , using a outbd roller as a tool rest, and had to go to hospital , smashed finger etc. Keep up the nice work.
Earl

[Bill Wyko]

It is pretty scarry. I don't think I'd try a bowl or a vessel that way.:o

[Mike A. Smith]

Hang that one on the wall, or even better from the ceiling so you can see both sides!

[Dan Forman]

That is gorgeous, probably my favorite type of figure. What are the dimensions?

Dan

[Bill Wyko]

I had to go get a tape.:DIt's 10.5x10.75

[Ed Scolforo]

Wow, that is one awesome piece of wood! Good job turning!

[robert hainstock]

It is obvious that you love your work, and the care and patience you show in the finishing detailat is humbling for sure. Great piece. :D:D:D
Bob

[Bill Wyko]

Thank you all. I had always wanted to try some of these powder compounds and I thought a platter would be a great opportunity. It's not very difficult and produces great results. Plenty of steps to get to the point where you can use them though. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of wood I've come across yet. Whats funny is that it was quite ugly on the shelf when I found it.:) And as I said before, it would have been a sin to lop off the corners.

[Jason Hallowell]

Beautiful platter Bill. That is an amazing piece of wood!

[Skip Spaulding]

WOW! Great work on an exceptional piece of wood.

[Richard Madison]

Might be some of that "Squirrelly Maple". Spectacular figure. Did you mention the size of the piece?

[Zahid Naqvi]

I am not a turner but even I can appreciate such a stunning piece of wood, I think you chose the correct form to highlight the figure.

[Tom Sherman]

Very nice Bill, good looking piece.

[Richard Madison]

Oops, there are the dimensions. Bill, how would you compare the appearance of the rubbed finish with the three-step buffing type finish?

[Bill Wyko]

Actually I took it to the 3 wheel tonight:o The three wheel really made it even nicer. It got rid of some of the ultrafine marks from the hand rub and made a great gloss w/o looking too shiny. I think it all came together with the 3 wheel as a final step.

[Robert McGowen]

Not much to add to what everyone else has already said. Awesome!

[George Guadiane]

SEXY Spalted, Quilted, Curly, Burly Maple Square Platter
What a nice piece of wood, put to very good use!
I still haven't done a sqare, I'm inspired.

[Roy Hatch]

Every once in a while a prospector strikes gold and I think that's what you have done! What's more, you knew what to do with it.

This should be a treasure for generations.

Roy

[John Hart]

Excellent Work Bill. This form (and your reasoning) definitely fits the bill for some wood that I have laying around.

[Bill Wyko]

What do you guys think I should ask for a unique piece like this at the Fountain Hills show in February. I was thinking around 500 to 600. If you think I'm crazy....well... the shoe does fit pretty good.:D Go ahead, I can take it.

[Joseph Peacock]

WOW, Mr.Bill that is Excellent work keep it up.:D

[Pat Doble]

Stunning bowl Bill. Great decision on the form for that fabulous piece of wood.

[Tom Sherman]

Bill you have an extremely attractive piece of wood there, your work looks flawless. And considering the fact that you have buffed it out since posting I'ld say that you are in the ballpark with the price you are considering.