Waterfall Oak Bowl

Here is an oak bowl I made from a nice slab of Waterfall Oak. it's about 4" high and 10" wide. I especially like the wide brim I put on it - that coupled with a small bowl cut-out makes it unique. Oak can be hard on the tools, but I find if you have a sharp edge and approach all cuts lightly, it's not bad. 

One of the positives of this oak - it sands super smooth and really shows off the grain. It's characterized by a strong grain, but in between there is a lot of personality - lighter shade of tiger type striping, darker patches, etc..   Plus, when you are holding this bowl, you can feel the weight and sense the density.  I think it's a great wood for making gifts for men.  Anyway, enjoy!

New Turned Bowls

First, a new turned very natural bowl.  I turned this from a small log, cut from my backyard.  It's actually a thick branch from a Black Walnut tree.  I chose a section which highlights an offshoot branch, plus some fantastic grain patterns.  The very cool thing about this piece - if you rotate the piece, especially under a good light, you'll see tremendous variations in the grain.  Sometimes it appears quite plain, and others (like here), the grain pops in ways you didn't know existed.  This was very evident as I was applying a coat of tung oil, while it was still attached to my chuck andmounted on the lathe.  As I spun it, I was surprised to see the variations.

This second bowl is an experiment I tried matching two different types of wood - The first is a fallen tree from the backyard, not sure of the species. Top and bottom layers are walnut, purchased from a local woodworking store. I turned the interior, then cut a groove in the top, cut a disk a bit larger and form a corresponding tongue to fit snugly. Once that was done, I Gorilla Glued them together and finished the rim. Basically did the same for a little pedestal on the bottom. The contrast in woods make a striking accent.