First hat attempt

[mike fuson]

I have been wanting to try one of these for while, I've only seen it done once and its a lot harder than it looks. Its turned to about 1/16 to 1/8 thick and measures 13x5. Shellawax finish.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/MikeFuson/bowls/hattilt.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/MikeFuson/bowls/hatunder.jpg

[Bernie Weishapl]

Wow Mike that is beautiful. You did a great job for your first. That is some great work.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Now that's impressive Mike! Beautiful wood - amazing how thin you managed to turn this! I have yet to see one of these turned - so how did you keep the wood from flexing? Did you use a light of some sort to help determine thickness? Any special tricks to doing one of these?

Seriously - very nice work!

[Alan Huey]

Wow! That is really beautiful.

[Patrick Taylor]

Wow! Amazing job. It LOOKS hard enough, so I can't imagine how hard it must have been. Great job!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Absolutely OUTStANDING!

If that's your first....I can't wait to see the next 4 or 5!

[mike fuson]

Now that's impressive Mike! Beautiful wood - amazing how thin you managed to turn this! I have yet to see one of these turned - so how did you keep the wood from flexing? Did you use a light of some sort to help determine thickness? Any special tricks to doing one of these?

Seriously - very nice work!


Steve, there probably are some special tricks but I don't know them. I knew the wood would flex so I turned the outside sanded and finished it and then the underside by the time it was hollowed the rim had done moved quite a bit. Some of you all might know Chris Ramsey, he is well know for his hats. He actually lives near me but I have never met him. I did get to see some of his work, mine don't compare but it did inspire me to try it.

[Bill Wyko]

You Go Mike, Fantastic job. I hope I can make time to try one of those.

[Mike Minto]

Wow, that is a beautiful piece - gonna have to go measure my head and get right to work! Mike

[Tony De Masi]

Beautiful work Mike. The wood itself only adds to what you did with it.

Tony

[Bob Hallowell]

Mike,
Outstanging job! those always amaze me. You'll be making one for the Pres. someday
Bob

[Jim Becker]

Kewel hat!! Nice!

[Pete Jordan]

Mike,
That is wonderful! Chris did a demo at my club and there are some tricks. It would probably be worth your time to make contact with him. He is a great guy!
Keep it up!

[Burt Alcantara]

Excellent work, beautiful wood, great photo!

You are becoming a real master.

Burt

[David Wilhelm]

Good job Mike, I keep looking at a cowboy hat at one of the shops near here and thinking I need to try that.

[Jeff Mohr]

Truly amazing. Very nice.

[tim mathis]

very nice .
tim

[Jon Lanier]

I.... uh.... mmmm..... well.... gee.... that is.... uhhhhh..

WOW!

[Brodie Brickey]

Beautiful work, but we can't see how it fits!