Spalted Birch HF #9

[Steve Schlumpf]

Another in the continuing series of spalted birch hollow forms (I roughed out around 20 of these back in August;)). This particular piece was on the verge of being beyond turning – very punky and wanted to tear or rip out even with extremely sharp tools. Took quite a while to turn as it only allowed for the lightest of cuts.

Spalted Birch: 8 ¾” x 4 ¼”, sanded to 400, Watco ‘Natural’ Danish Oil, lots of coats of wipe-on Minwax Gloss Poly and then buffed.

78388 78389 78390

Comments/Suggestions are always welcome!

Thanks for looking!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Dang Steve you have been a turning machine. Another excellent piece. Nice form and finish. Well done.

[Ben Gastfriend]

Wow, Steve! Awsome work as always! You just keep crankin' 'em out, and you don't sacrifice any quality for this quantity! Wow (again)!

[Ron Erickson]

Steve another very nice one. Would it be possible to see a picture of a roughed out bowl before you start returning it, and any helpful hints on how you turn these beautiful pieces, would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Bob Hallowell]

Steve- your turning in to the hf guru great job.

Bob

[mike fuson]

I like it Steve, turning spalted wood is harder especially if it is starting to get punky, and tear out is usually a lot worse which means more sanding.
Just for a tip in case you don't know , When I get the form the way I want it I apply a heavy coat of seal coat and let it dry. This will usually stiffen the fibres of the wood enough to take a nose cut with a sharpened gouge. The tear out is usually a lot less requiring less sanding.

Nice work Steve !

[Mike A. Smith]

Another great one Steve!

Ya know, if you're running out of storage space for all of these beauties...

[robert hainstock]

I coming over to see this up close and personal. As always, nice work! :)
Bob

[Tom Sherman]

Steve you are doing a bang up job with these HF's.

[Dan Forman]

Wonderful job, well worth the persistance required. You sir, found some really nice wood last summer, between this and that maple.

Dan

[Bill Wyko]

Steve, you,ve done it yet again. Another fantastic piece. Don't forget to schedule time to say hi to the family once in a while.:D

[Stan Cook]

Beautiful wood, excellent form. Well done!

[Ed Scolforo]

Another beautiful piece, Steve.

[Dennis Peacock]

Steve,

This one really needs to come to my house for a visit. :) Very nice piece sir!!!! :D

[Shane Whitlock]

You have been posting some great turnings Steve and this one is another beauty ... Great job!

[Pat Doble]

Great piece Steve. Spalted birch sure does rough out nice and quick, but finishing it can be a pain. My current/last load of birch may be heading to the firewood pile - can't even get a tenon turned on it that won't just rip off the minute I chuck it up :mad:. But as you've shown here, it can look soooo nice when you can get it to work....

Sweet looking finish.