I recently received some Cholla Cactus from Jerry Marcantel. Thanks, Jerry!!
I turned one piece as practice... it had one side of the form completely missing, and I blew it. However, it was kind of neat to see the tool while it was cutting.
Cholla is hollow in the center, so I made a plug of Walnut, so the Chuck Jaws wouldn't crush it during the turning. It still will crush... it's very dry, and fragile.
This little form is about 4' diameter, with a 1/2" foot. I hollowed it as thin as I dared... about 3/8 - 1/2 inch. I then refined the walnut plug a bit, and glued it in place.
Really dusty while turning... this is soaked in Danish Oil... it's not cured yet, so it hasn't been buffed out. The areas that were sanded will shine like a new dollar, when complete.
I had fun turning it.
Don't have room to leave it, (and didn't have time to set up) the tent. So these are bridge shots.
C&C welcome.