Woodturning Elm Burl Vase That Almost Was Not
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I almost threw this wood out – three times. As wet wood, it was a small left over piece. As rough turned, it looked like it would come apart. In finishing, I feared it would fly apart.
The wood is elm burl, that came from a tree a couple of miles from me. They had cut it into short slices. Not very good for bowls. The finished vase is about 4 inches tall and 3 inches diameter with walnut oil finish.
I used my recently revised doughnut chuck to finish the bottom. This version uses a large base on a threaded wood faceplate with t-nuts at 120 degree intervals. A center hole enables custom center profiles. A hefty ring matches the bolt holes but with enough recess that the bolt heads are below the surface, protecting my hands from accidental contact. An inner mortise holds custom rings for different size projects. It is simple to make.
Enjoy!
Beautifully done Alan! A good save from the firewood pile. A lovely piece of wood.
Definitely like your ‘adaptable’ doughnut chuck.
Thank you.
The doughnut chuck is #3 version. Best yet. Go for it and tell me what you would do differently.
Alan
Very cool dohnut chuck concept. i’ll have to make one of those. Great little burl vase from otherwise scrap. Love your videos and find them not only educational but also inspirational to try different things.
Just finished a 11″ diameter Manzanita burl bowl riddled with hoes and cracks. Scared me with each application of a gouge or scraper, but it all ended in a beautiful finished bowl. Only a few small chunks made dramatic flying exits during the process. Friends say it’s a “Museum Piece”.
Many thanks for sharing your work through videos.
I am a bit jealous of the manzanita. Not available here.
Alan