Aloha! I've just got an order for several calabashes (Hawaiian Bowls) for retirement gifts, and I must complete them by Dec. 31st. What is the best method for quick curing rouhed out bowl blanks, freezing, burning with alcohol, microwaving? Thanks, it's been a while.
Spy in Hawaii
Aloha! I would say rough-turn, microwave, finish-turn. Rough-turn to an even thickness all around, say 10 percent of the diameter. Guess you have that done already. Microwave a batch together until they're hot and steaming but *not too hot to touch*. Then let them cool and stabilize for an hour or two, and do it again three or four more times before finish turning. Good luck!
Ken Grunke
Just for future reference:
Cascara does not take to microwave curing at all well.
That is for those of you who have turned cascara.
Brian
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