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.

New Wood Turnings

Here are a few new projects completed on my wood lathe. Primarily concentrated on spindle turning, or turning between centers. As a beginner, this seems a safer, easier way to get the feel for the various turning tools.
These two are basically pieces of art work, meaning I created them for the thrill of doing so, and solely to enjoy. They were fun to create, and I love the feel and color of the wood itself. I saw a picture in Richard Raffan's Turning Wood book, of three turnings inspired by Irish and Middle Eastern Towers. These were inspired by that photo. They were created from a seasoned limb from a Black Walnut tree in our yard. The branch hung over our roof, and had to go.....straight to my garage! Now it sits in my living room!

Here is another shot of two small pieces turned from a burled oak from my backyard:

I thought they might make pretty neat Christmas ornaments. I will say, if you can get your hands on burled and weathered wood, you'll be amazed at the colors, grain and overall look. I'm attracted to the more gnarled pieces and enjoy creating unique pieces.