Work in Progress

Looking good. I cheat to smaller bases same way on weirdo stuff as standard, by tapering to a thicker bottom after I pass the interrupted portions. Lower center of gravity is about all that keeps some stuff standing upright, and you certainly wouldn't want to put a cookie on the outer edge. I sometimes get in trouble and have to go back and thin the outermost on a bowl because it's too tippy to use.

Common name for those who don't know is boxelder in the US. Acer negundo. Doesn't grow well here because of the climate (or at least until this year) except in sheltered areas, and can't compete in the woods at all.

Thanks George. MOst of the box elder, Manitoba Maple, ash leaf maple or whatever name here is ornamental, but it grows well.

Nice looking piece, Darrell- I'm a little jealous, too. I've been looking for some boxelder for a while now, but every time I've asked after it, people just mumble about bugs and have nothing helpful to say about where I might find the stuff. I know I'm kind of on the edge of where it normally grows according to the field guide I've got, so that might be the problem...

Prometheus A couple of years ago Hurricane Juan went through here. One of the guys was saying how he lost a dozen Boxelder in the storm and my little ears perked up. Before I got any he said that they were already split for the fire. Ouch, ouch and ouch.

And nice work so far!

looks like you can prepare a whole set of bowling balls with those

looking forward to the next part of the tutorial!

Hi Darrell, What a talent you have for making us eager to learn what you teach so well. I think with your help I might even begin to understand something of the old testament's message. As we turners are, your congregation is truly blessed with you as teacher-leader. This latest gift to us is not only a work in progress, but also each step is a lesson in itself. Thank you.

ps, I'm not fishing for a free spruce burl or anything else except maybe, gracious acceptance of sincere praise. :)

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

If it will help, you can send 20 or 30 of those burls to me and I'll make the time sacrifice and turn them.. anything for a friend..

BTW: Is this a circumstance where it might be ok to tell a pastor that he sucks? ;~]

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

No Mac. You should know better.

I believe the operative phrase is "You sucketh".

...Kevin

You're right.. I shoulda known that one..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Hi Darrell,

I just viewed your web page for the first time and I must say that I'm thoroughly impressed... and inspired.

I bought a good wood lathe and turning tools about 20 years ago. I practised and practised until I was fairly proficient using a skew chisel. All the books I'd read said that cutting with a skew was the most difficult technique to master. So once I felt that I'd learned the technique to my satisfaction, I shoved everything into a corner and forgot about it. I was custom gunsmithing and cabinet making at the time so the turning bug didn't really bite. After having seen your impressive body of work... I'm again inspired.

I've bookmarked your site and will be visiting often for tips, techniques and inspiration.

Thank you for reviving my interest.

Michael

In message , Darrell Feltmate writes

After some months of net being able to get to your website, I can so now I can explore :)

But you have a dud link