Not posted anything on here for nearly 2 years!
This is a WIP (Work In Progress) account of a bowl made from Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana) from a friend at work who had this cut down as it had died and was in danger of falling on her house.
The tree surgeon took the majority of the wood and I hear he is a budding woodturner so I think he has taken the best bits which show the branch growth which is the trademark of a good Monkey Puzzle bowl because, as you will see, there is non evident in this piece.
However, I had to try it on the lathe as soon as possible as any wood has design opportunities:)
The piece started off at 14.5 inches in diameter and 10 inches long.
I centred the piece as much as possilbe and dropped the speed down on the lathe to the lowest as I didn't want the lathe vibrating and walking out the door.
There was still a bit of vibration as God doesn't make perfectly round trees, but it was manageable, that's the beauty of wood, every piece is unique.
As you can see below, it only just fits on the lathe between centres.
Below: Taking the bark off and getting it round
Nearly there!
Look at that vibration!
Don't try this at home, turning and taking pictures at the same time!
At last!
No branch inclusions but the wood still looks promising.
Now it is 12 inches in diameter.
Where did all that bark and wood go?
Oh, there it is - on the floor.
Looks easy doesn't it?
Nearly an hours work there.
Had to leave it there for today.
Hopefully will get in the shed later this week.
Keep looking:)
God Bless
Jem
