Woodturning From Tree To Finished Bowl

Zelcova Bowl

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When I turn solid wood for a bowl, it most often is from urban forestry, wood that comes from private yards and orchards. The best wood is fresh, green or wet, wood.

When I want a perfectly round bowl, I turn it twice with a long period of time in between to dry. To minimize or prevent cracks, I usually seal the bowl with PVA based sealer. This moderates the rate of moisture loss. The differential in rates of moisture loss in the wood is a major cause of cracks. However, this does not prevent warping. The wood will move where and when it wants to as it dries.

I either plan to accept warping or allow enough wall thickness to enable a second turning.

This bowl is 8 inches diameter and 2.5 inches high, finished with walnut oil. This is zelcova, not a usual wood.

Enjoy.


6 Responses to “Woodturning From Tree To Finished Bowl”

  1. charley bell says:

    nice job you have a lot of patience looks great

  2. One never knows the mysteries one will find within a little piece of wood until it is visualized from within

  3. Gary Egbert says:

    Nice video. I agree with the mystery. The wood often tells us what it wants to become. I especially like the shape of this bowl. I like turning wet wood but need to work on my patience with the drying process to avoid continental drift.