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Ash vessel

This piece is teetering on the edge of disaster, mainly because of a crack that developed on the bottom around the pith. It was turned from a piece of branchwood, and I meant to have the pith right on center but somehow it ended up off center. The opening forms a square when viewed from the top. Obviously not finished, needs a little work on the edges.
This was a great challenge for me, I've never tried doing a shaped rim before. I'll definitely be trying this idea again.

Photo Details

kengrunke

Registered: November 2004
Location: La Farge, SW Wisconsin USA
Posts: 199

0

Date: Thu February 16, 2006
Views: 3,052
Keywords: ash vessel

Comments

Philip Peak

I can't wait to see what it looks like when you are done with it. I would have to say that so far it looks great. Kinda reminds me of a tulip bud.

#1 Thu February 16, 2006 4:52am

kengrunke

Thanks, Philip. As I was carving the rim, I heard a sharp popping sound, the cracks happened that fast. They were only on the outside, so I just dipped the bottom in boiling water for a couple minutes, and the cracks closed right up--then I stuck clear shipping tape over it to seal it and allow the inside to dry some before the outside. I'm thinking of using the 50/50 white glue/water soak to see if that will keep the crack from opening up again, anyone ever try that?
Dang, wish I had started this earlier!

#2 Thu February 16, 2006 6:04am

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

Ken, haven't used the glue/water method, but I know Wally has and swears by it. The piece is beautiful and will only get better as you add finish. Good work. 8)

#3 Thu February 16, 2006 6:28am

kengrunke

Thanks, Rev! Yes, I think the first time I heard of the white glue thing was from Wally, either on Wow or Woodcentral.
BTW, I forgot to mention this is almost exactly 4" high and diameter Smile

#4 Thu February 16, 2006 7:23am

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

Forgot to ask earlier, are you planning to leave or clean out the worm leavings? 8)

#5 Thu February 16, 2006 7:30am

kengrunke

They're packed in fairly hard, I was gonna shoot some CA in after the finish goes on--or if I get the white glue, that should take care of it.
We're up kinda late, aren't we Rev? Smile!

#6 Thu February 16, 2006 7:35am

Chris Wright

Looks cool Ken, can't wait to see it finished. No worries on rushing, I have no problem enjoying your piece in the meantime while I contemplate the next one. Wink

The 50/50 glue bit works pretty well by the way, used it a time or two before with success. How wet was this when you started?

#7 Thu February 16, 2006 7:52am

cfuller

Very cool design Ken. Like Philip said, it looks like a tulip. Would look good grouped with some of your petal vases. Can't wait to see it finished.

BTW when you use the glue and water, do you also use hot water?

#8 Thu February 16, 2006 1:34pm

jprosise

Very cool design, Ken. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

#9 Thu February 16, 2006 1:48pm

kengrunke

underdog, I cut a block of 2 x 4 square to the size of the opening, centered it over the opening, then used it as a guide to scribe the lines with a flat blade. My original plan was to incise the lines with a V-gouge, and maybe color it in up to the rim. But my hand wasn't steady enough to make a nice clean line, and my carving experience is kind of slim. So I went on to plan C, cut it away.

Chris, glad you're not in a hurry! Think I'll need a week or so before sending this. Heck, in that time, I can turn another one of better wood and give you a choice. This wood had been sitting in a stack for a couple years, so it wasn't exactly fresh cut. I've turned Trumpet Vases out of it with no problems, but a vessel is a different story!

Curt, I haven't tried the white glue yet, but I think cold water would be best. You're supposed to be able to keep the solution for re-use to last at least a couple months I guess, I'd figure hot water might degrade it.

Thanks everyone for the comments!

#10 Thu February 16, 2006 4:08pm

Yvon Morin

a Original form and design ( stimulation of the brain by the challenge????

#11 Thu February 16, 2006 4:21pm

Gil

Fascinating form, looks a bit like Science Fiction.

#12 Thu February 16, 2006 9:57pm

Chris Wright

Thank you Gil, I was wondering where I had seen the form before...the "Alien" movies. This is just like the Alien gestation pods. Very cool Smile

#13 Thu February 16, 2006 11:35pm

kidcolombia

Ken, really nice design; natural-looking as in a tulip, as Philip said. And with the finish on, wow, it will look even better. Great job!

#14 Thu February 16, 2006 11:44pm