Project by VanDesignWoodworkin | posted 05-20-2022 11:57 AM | 383 views | 0 times favorited | 8 comments | ![]() |
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Everyone needs to understand that I teach at a community college, so May through August is my free time… that’s why I’m able to make so many bowls (okay, I know, that doesn’t explain the clocks!)
I went through my “scrap” gall pieces and found another one that looked like it had potential. I couldn’t believe the variety in the grain when I went at this one with the grinder. Around 6 p.m. last night, seeing what this could be, I ended up staying with it for an hour and a half, taking it through my whole process.
When I was grinding into the bowl, there was a spot of rotted wood. As I ground down, the spot kept growing. Even as I got the bowl to the depth I wanted, the spot was still showing powdery rot wood. I eventually dug out the rot with a screwdriver and was left with a gaping scar across the bottom (fortunately it didn’t go all the way through). I played with the idea of filling it with a colored epoxy, but I’m not confident of my epoxy skills. Instead, I had a black wood stain, so I decided to exaggerate the “canyon” feeling. So, the gaping chasm in the bottom is purposely stained black. I kinda like how that turned out!
I do have some little blue stones… should I put them in the black part and then fill it with epoxy?
I’m also going through my supplies and making bowls of my choosing because… well, something odd happened yesterday. A guy went down to the winery where they carry a few of my bowls. He liked the look of the bowls. Recently, a black walnut tree came down in his deceased father’s yard. He commissioned me to make four bowls from a large branch. He plans to give one to each of his siblings. I’m a little nervous about a commission, but he knows how my bowls look (no lathe/no perfection or symmetry) so I guess I’m going to give it my best. That means I won’t be working with my burl or gall supply for awhile. I think I start the project this week.
I guess that gives those green gall pieces I just picked up a little more time to season.
-- "What do you mean, 'Give me some wild cherry gall?' What do you think, this stuff grows on trees or something?"
8 comments so far
pottz
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26546 posts in 2476 days
#1 posted 05-20-2022 02:06 PM
man they just get better and batter. dont be afraid of the epoxy van in small amounts it’s easy to work with.just gotta be sure there are no cracks were it can leak out.try some turquoise the blue would look great with the color of that gall.
-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
MrWolfe
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1972 posts in 1615 days
#2 posted 05-20-2022 02:24 PM
Another Beauty!
It looks great and like Pottz says, don’t be afraid to experiment with epoxy or stone. If the stone is solid blue you can put it in like you’ve suggested or crush it and use the different grades or grits of stone to get a nice fill. Epoxy or C.A. glue to fill in the spaces between the stone.
Experimentation is what keeps me coming back to woodwork.
TucsonTim
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133 posts in 1534 days
#3 posted 05-20-2022 08:22 PM
It took me awhile to get on the “gall” boat. But you know, the more I see of your work, the more I like it. Well done…
-- Tim in Tucson
VanDesignWoodworkin
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1080 posts in 291 days
#4 posted 05-20-2022 08:43 PM
Thank you… glad it’s growing on you!
-- "What do you mean, 'Give me some wild cherry gall?' What do you think, this stuff grows on trees or something?"
swirt
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7779 posts in 4464 days
#5 posted 05-21-2022 01:00 AM
Another great one.
-- Galootish log blog, http://www.timberframe-tools.com
VanDesignWoodworkin
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1080 posts in 291 days
#6 posted 05-21-2022 03:01 AM
Thanks, Swirt!
-- "What do you mean, 'Give me some wild cherry gall?' What do you think, this stuff grows on trees or something?"
Eric
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5736 posts in 1365 days
#7 posted 05-21-2022 03:18 AM
Nicely done Van, they are getting better, and they all have an interesting grain.
-- Eric, building the dream. the "Loft"
VanDesignWoodworkin
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1080 posts in 291 days
#8 posted 05-21-2022 03:31 AM
Thanks, Eric!
-- "What do you mean, 'Give me some wild cherry gall?' What do you think, this stuff grows on trees or something?"
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