Something from nothing

[KimG]

Last week while preparing logs of spalted Beech for turning I happened to cut a small piece off the side of one, an old branch stum or something like that, it was very pretty inside with an interesting array of colours and markings, it seemed a pity to consign it to the bin, but it was small and oddly shaped, could I do anything with it?

Well, I made a video of the whole process, it's 27 minutes long if your attention span can survive it, I hope it's interesting, even though it does have its odd moments (me sharpening a gouge out of shot for a minute, and a nasty little dig in at about 17 minutes).

Tools used are a 3/4 roughing gouge, a 1/2" spindle gouge (not a 3/8 bowl gouge as I say in the vid) a 3/8 spindle gouge ground fine like Cindy Drozda's.

Once the finish is complete I will pop a pic up in this thread.

If you watch it, I hope you enjoy it!

click here to watch

 

[winemaker]

enjoyed that thanks =D>

 

[Harry 48]

Nice piece very well done

 

[VikingAl]

I like that a lot Kim, I'm eyeing up all my off cuts now!, thanks for sharing!.

 

[monkeybiter]

I like your inventive workholding!

 

[Dalboy]

A well spotted opportunity from what is a scrap piece. Will you post some pictures on here as well as your blog. That is one reason I never throw small bits away the become small projects or get used as finials.

 

[procell]

Nice little Item. Would make a great base for a trophy.
Your workshop seems to be about the same size as mine. A challenge when trying to fit all the toys in.

 

[nev]

forstner bit, clock insert and you have a cute little dressing table clock and ring holder

 

[Spindle]

Hi

An observation on your order of turning - it is generally accepted that when turning work supported only at the headstock to work back from the tail stock end. This method maintains maximum rigidity of the work as it is worked.

With your method a catch, similar to that you suffered, risks breaking the work in the area of reduced section, the risk increasing as you get closer to the tailstock end.

I appreciate that you left a fairly 'meaty' section at it's most reduced, however others following your method may not realise the potential for failure.

Regards Mick

 

[KimG]

For certain things that may well be the best Mick, but it would not have made any difference to this piece, the base being thin at that part anyway, plus on top of that, I had no idea what the thing was going to be anyway, the tailstock end of the piece demands to be left until last by the very nature of it's thinness, it's finished shape would be determined by the base and not vice versa whereas with most projects you have a distinct plan in mind and would start at the other end.

The video isn't intended to be instructional, just a video.

 

[KimG]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Sorry, didn't get that across too well. I meant that 'features' should be turned working back from the tail stock, ie the taper should have been turned first - I didn't mean to imply 'uphill' turning.

Regards Mick

 

[KimG]

I knew what you meant Mick, what I didn't know was that a taper was even going to feature!

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I likey. Much better idea than the tea-light holders I invariably end up churning out from those pieces. I was thinking of the "holy pickle" from Bad Santa when you started shaping the taper, but it turned out really well. I like the idea of a clock insert for it, that would really work.

BTW. I thought I was pushed for space in my 16'x9' garage.