This video is also posted to YouTube, Vimeo, and FaceBook. Where best? – Right Here!

While redoing some landscape in my yard, I removed an old rose bush including the root ball. This root was a bugger to dig out. When I realized how big it was, I just had to try turning it.

I’ve turned other smaller rose roots previously. They are always unique experiences – sometimes frustrating experiences. I planned to turn this one completely while wet. However, when I started sanding it, the sandpaper loaded up with the wet wood almost immediately. I put it away in a paper bag for a day until the surface moisture could evaporate. Then I could sand it and let it warp.

My day turned into two weeks and it beat me to the warp stage. This caused other problems in trying to sand and finish this vase.

However, the delay also generated an opportunity to change the design. The individual roots at the bottom had spread. Incorporating these roots into the design instead of parting them off radically changed (and improved) the result.

I’ll keep a lookout for another large rose root.

My vase is 7 inches tall and about 4 inches in diameter, finished with walnut oil. It has developed its own character.

Enjoy!

Links:
Update To My DIY Lathe Steady Rest