Just practicing technique - Woodworking Talk

Kenbo · 08-30-2009, 12:53 PM

Had a few problems hollowing this one out but in the end, it turned (pun intended) out okay. Applied tung oil and hit it with the buffer for the finish. I like the shape. I had no plans for this one, just threw a piece of oak on the lathe and started turning. Sometimes it's fun for me to start turning and just see how it develops.
Ken

**TexasTimbers** · 08-30-2009, 05:05 PM

It's real purty! Mikey likes it.

firehawkmph · 08-30-2009, 09:10 PM

Ken,
Looks nice, reminds me of an old shaving mug. Where are you finding these pieces of oak that don't look like oak? Pretty unique piece of wood. What kind of problems were you having while turning it?
Mike Hawkins

The woodsman · 08-30-2009, 10:46 PM

Love that rough looking finish,really gives the appearance of an old weather beatin mug.

Kenbo · 08-30-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firehawkmph

Ken, Where are you finding these pieces of oak that don't look like oak? Pretty unique piece of wood. What kind of problems were you having while turning it?

The pieces of oak are 4"X6" that are used in a shipping yard between racks of steel. They are wrapped in a foam lined plastic and used to support racks of steel rods before processing. A friend of mine gets me some from time to time. Some are good and some are not. I think that it is from the center of the tree but I'm not sure. You really have to pick through it to find a half decent piece. I usually just burn it (with the plastic off of course)
As far as the problems....I was just having some issues with the chisel grabbing a catching. It's a technique problem that I'm sure will improve with practice. My chisel technique really needs some work. Watching videos on it just doesn't make it easier. Practice seems to be helping.
Ken

firehawkmph · 08-31-2009, 10:39 PM

Ken,
That piece of wood looks kind of punky. When you get wood that is going soft, it can be a bit tougher to work with. Tools have to be sharp and angle of aproach and tool placement have to be concise also. The harder woods actually support the tool better, and assuming the tool is sharp, makes for easier cutting. The other thing to keep in mind is when you are turning the inside of a mug or a bowl for that matter, think about how the grain changes direction as your cut progresses around the inside. Most of these inside cuts require starting from one end, going part way, then finishing the cut from the other end. Keep going,
Mike Hawkins

The woodsman · 08-31-2009, 11:13 PM

Hey Ken' if you ever want to make one like that nice an shiny,sand it with 80 while on the lathe then maybe 120,then soak it in waterbased sanding sealer,let set a few days,then go to 120 again,then put another coat of SS then let dry another day then you can take it up to 220 or higher,buff with tripoli then wax and you got one heck of a purty piece.You can always make a desk or sumpin in between steps.

Kenbo · 09-01-2009, 07:26 AM

Thanks for the advice fellas. It's always good for me to receive advice from fellow wood workers who have more experience than me. From there, I can apply it however I see fit. Some advice really helps. I appreciate it. Hopefully, I'll keep practicing and, one day, I'll be the one giving the advice. Thanks again.
Ken