Bodrighy
Established Member
Made a start on it and got it rough out. I used a bowl gouge to do the roughing as a roughing gouge would be too prone to catching and possibly bending at the tang.
This is the ball as I was given it
First step. Get rid of all the loose bits of root and any mud stone etc.
Next mount on the lathe between centres. Check that both ends are secure and check frequently when turning. Due to the unknown consistency of the wood I started at 400rpm and only ramped the speed up to 700 towards the end when the wood proved to be stable. Surprisingly the piece was well balanced which made it easier.
Next rough it out gently being aware that trying t take off to much could either catch and pull the piece off the lathe or dislodge a loose bit I hadn't spotted. I stopped the lathe frequently to check it was still firm between centres and also look for any loose bits. As it was spinning I could see a shape revealing itself as I took it down.
Finally roughed out to a point where I can work on it later. By the general shape it looks like it wants to be some sort of vase / hollow form. There will be a hole in bottom by the look of it.
Suspect it is some sort of conifer from the smell and slightly sticky sap.
Pete
This is the ball as I was given it
First step. Get rid of all the loose bits of root and any mud stone etc.
Next mount on the lathe between centres. Check that both ends are secure and check frequently when turning. Due to the unknown consistency of the wood I started at 400rpm and only ramped the speed up to 700 towards the end when the wood proved to be stable. Surprisingly the piece was well balanced which made it easier.
Next rough it out gently being aware that trying t take off to much could either catch and pull the piece off the lathe or dislodge a loose bit I hadn't spotted. I stopped the lathe frequently to check it was still firm between centres and also look for any loose bits. As it was spinning I could see a shape revealing itself as I took it down.
Finally roughed out to a point where I can work on it later. By the general shape it looks like it wants to be some sort of vase / hollow form. There will be a hole in bottom by the look of it.
Suspect it is some sort of conifer from the smell and slightly sticky sap.
Pete
Will be interesting to see what comes out of it.
