Sumac Vase

This was a test piece to see about making waterproof vases that can be used for live flowers & water, a common request & problem for woodturners. Turned end grain, pith centered from a piece of Sumac Ken Grunke sent me a long time ago, it is 8" tall x 3 7/8" at the widest point. The inside is hollowed to 2" at it's narrowest point, big enough to hold a dozen of most flowers. The finish is 2 coats of System Three Clear Coat, sanded from 320-600 between coats.

Photo Details

Chris Wright

Registered: November 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 1,684

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Date: Mon February 12, 2007
Views: 1,686
Keywords: sumac vase

Comments

TomTunget

Tom Tunget

Chris, I like this shape.
So,, does it hold water!?

#1 Mon February 12, 2007 6:00pm

Chris Wright

Testing started tonight, 8 ounces of water went it and then the top was covered to slow down evaporation. Will check water level every day for a few days to see how it holds up. Not only am I looking for waterproofness, but also to see if the water effects the finish clarity/color.

#2 Tue February 13, 2007 2:38am

Ugly Duck

Lee Goehring

Glad to see you finally got some decent wood to work with Spinner. Thumbs Up!

Just kidding of course.
Sumac is one of my favorites for looks, but finding anything much over 3" dia. is a challenge, and it's a little soft for easy turning and sanding. Nice looking vase, and I'll be curious to see how it and the finish hold up.

#3 Tue February 13, 2007 4:03am

Chris Wright

Day 3 of testing and have some interesting results so far. It is definitely water proof, 8 ounces in, 8 ounces back out after 48 hours. The area where the standing water was did cloud up however once it air dried, the color was back to normal. No water spotting or discoloration on areas where the water was poured in/out.

Added 4 more ounces of water today for a total of 12 which brings the level to about an inch below the rim. This will allow me to test the hardness of the finish after having held water for another few days.

Side note, I did leave the end grain on the bottom of the foot unfinished so I can see if there is any water seepage more easily.

UD - It was pretty nice stuff to turn. It's been dry awhile and while hollowing end grain is never as much fun, it wasn't a chore on this piece. The colors are great and sanding was real easy. Wouldn't mind having access to more of it.

#4 Wed February 14, 2007 6:31pm

Ugly Duck

Lee Goehring

Well, COOL! I'm glad to finally see some actual results, rather than just second or third hand info.
I've noticed some major swings in color intensity differences between various pieces I've turned, and I need to do a little research on whether that can be predicted before cutting (ie. green vs. dead, size, whatever). That might lead to a surplus of stock on hand.

#5 Wed February 14, 2007 10:49pm

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

I'm waiting to see how the experiment is going. Was chating with Russ Fairfield the other night and he suggested Plexiglass. Melt it down in acetone and it goes on like other brush on finishes. The result would be pretty much rock solid. I believe that it would turn out glossy, but I also think you could knock it back, like you do lacquer, with 0000 steel wool. What do you think? 8)

#6 Sat February 24, 2007 5:00am

Ugly Duck

Lee Goehring

Any updates on the leak test?

#7 Tue March 13, 2007 11:51pm