Another maple burl bowl (pictures)

[Bill Grumbine]

Good afternoon all

This is some sort of record for me, getting two burls turned and finished this close to one another. But, I am getting ready for an "art" show next month, so I need to get my clip on ponytail out, turn a few artsy fartsy things, and be ready to talk about the muse with my customers. :D

<img src="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/lippedmaplebowl01.jpg">

This is a piece of maple burl that was given to me by Lloyd Brown at the Five Barns Picnic last year. It is approximatly 11" wide at its widest, 8" at its narrowest, and about 2" high. It is approximately 1/4" throughout.

<img src="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/lippedmaplebowl02.jpg">

The finish is my usual - Watco Danish oil followed by buffing with the Beall system. I have to tell you, buffing this thing was exciting, more so than usual. All that flat surface and jagged edge was just reaching for the wrong side of the wheel so it could be flung across the shop.

Taking the picture was no picnic either. I kept getting glare from the lights, and it was amazing how much dust had settled on my seamless paper overnight! I have some diffuser material, but yesterday's snowstorm prevented me from modifying the booth. I guess that is next on my list.

Thanks for taking a look.

Bill

[Dick Parr]

Beautiful Bill, each one outshines the one you did before. Very-Very Nice!

[Eric Naessens]

Outstanding once again, Bill. Thanks for posting not only the pics, but also what you used for a finish. I'll definitely have to give that a try on a future maple project. Good luck on your upcoming show, too. Just remember to take off that ponytail when it's over! :)

[Stefan Antwarg]

Hey!!! Why didn't I get to use some burl at my lesson? :)

Seriously though - very nice work. I obviously still have a lot to learn. Also, when you put on that pony tail, be sure to take a picture :).

Stefan

[John Miliunas]

'Ya know, Bill, every time, just about the time I think I'm getting the hang of this spinny thing, you pull another ace outta' the hat! Between you and Jim B., I'm starting to get a complex over here. :mad: Truly, a wonderful piece of craftsmanship! I think you nailed the proportions on that right to the "T". Yeah, like I should be surprised.... :rolleyes: Keep up the great work and keep posting the inspiration pieces. Maybe, just maybe one of these years..... :cool:

[Jeff Skory]

What a cool looking piece of wood! Will the lucky purchaser of this be able to use this "bowl / table" :D or just put it into a showcase?

Never having turned yet it just seems like it would be very scary having that jagged piece of wood spinning next to you while you try and slowly move the chisel in. :eek:

[Lloyd Brown]

When I saw the picture I thought it looked like a "scrap" I had at one time. But then again I can't remember what I had for breakfast. My wife thinks it is funny I can remmber what a piece of wood looked like but birthdays forget it!

[Jim Becker]

That's a real special piece, Bill. And forget the clip-on ponytail...grow a real one! (All the good-looking guys have them...:D )

[Bill Grumbine]

Good morning all

Thank you for your kind words and comments - even the pony tail ones!

Stefan, we save the burls for after you've been here a few times. :D They are actually stored in a laser protected vault secreted away in one of the barns. ;)

Jeff, the use to which it is put is up to the owner. Personally I think it would look great filled with something like M&Ms (I think anything looks good filled with M&Ms), but I have functional salad bowls sitting on display only in people's homes because they think the pieces are too beautiful to use. I wouldn't suggest eating cereal out of it, but there are lots of practical uses even for a piece like this.

Jim I know about those guys with the pony tails. :D Every now and then I tease Lisa about growing one, and she threatens me with her Samson and Delilah act.

Bill

[John M. Cioffi]

Bill, as usual, your work is outstanding. This bowl is very beautiful. my first thought was that the bowl appears to have melted from the bottom!
It really has a very strikingly pleasant appearance.
Thanks for sharing.
Someday, even I'll learn to turn...a bowl...

[Chris Padilla]

Ha! John, I was thinking the same thing. Cut out a hole in a table and insert the bowl and it'll look like it melted all over the table! Neat effect! :D