I found the "hate it when this happens" thread familiar, so I thought maybe we could commiserate on another front. What percentage of the blocks of wood you mount end up as pieces you are satisfied with/proud of? For me it's no more than 50% - probably less. So many chances for things to go wrong:
- the wood has a flaw - internal stress crack - knot - bug holes - etc.
- I underestimate my drying warpage and don't have enough meat to re-turn the blank
- I mess up the curve - inside or outside or both
- I get get a catch
- I make the bottom too thin
- I make the shape clunky or ugly (myriad design ugliness)
- and on and on