Buckeye Burl Hollow Form

Buckeye Burl Hollow form, 4" dia x 5 1/4" tall, 3/4" opening, 3/32" wall thickness. Sanded to 800, 6 coats of antique oil, buffed & briwax.

Photo Details

Chris Wright

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

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Date: Wed June 29, 2005
Views: 1,142
Keywords: buckeye burl hollow form

Comments

Rick Prevett

Wowser! Super piece Chris. Did the voids help or hinder you when you were clearing out the interior of shavings?

#1 Wed June 29, 2005 3:19pm

keith bundy

Really nice piece, Chris. I don't mean to sound like jerk, because I know the skill it takes to get a piece this thin, but why do you turn them so thin? Is it because you can or that you feel it is needed? I usaully blow them up at about 1/8".

#2 Wed June 29, 2005 3:27pm

Gil

It is beautiful, but it sure does look fragile.

#3 Wed June 29, 2005 6:53pm

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

Very cool. I had a hard time making the pic look like the piece is only 5 1/4" tall. Looks to be much bigger. Curve, shape, and finish all look pretty good from my perspective. Simply beautiful, Chris. Thanks.

Is the oil you are using by Minwax? 8)

Still not sure why you need all that lathe to do these small pieces. Wink

#4 Wed June 29, 2005 8:35pm

Chris Wright

Thanks guys.

Rick - the voids helped on this one not only to blow them out but the keep the wall thickness even. I used a tiny goose neck LED light taped to the tool to see inside through the voids while hollowing the upper 1/2. The shoulder area is always a point of danger on these so any help is nice.

Keith - I like to turn them this thin for 2 reasons: 1) because I can and I like to show off (in case you all haven't noticed). 2) to see the look on people's faces when they pick it up and it weighs mere ounces. Under 1/8" is scary, especially when you get to the point that the caliper ends don't seem to have any space between them and you need to make one more cut... Wink

Gil - it actually is pretty fragile, not only is it thin, but buckeye burl isn't dense to begin with so one drop and it's toast, even on carpet probably.

Rev - Yes, Minwax Antique Oil, it used to come in a red can. I coat it with a brush with a liberal coat, wait 15 minutes or so until it tacks up, wipe the excess off and apply additional coats in the same way. 3-6 coats depending on the piece. Then after the last coat, I let it sit for a few days to a week until the finish hardens, sand it back with 600 grit and polish on the buffer. Then a coat of Briwax. Comes out smooth and very shiny. As for the lathe comment, I'll post a photo of the platter I'll be finishing this weekend to justify the lathe. Wink

(18" diameter Carob platter/bowl)

#5 Wed June 29, 2005 11:53pm

cfuller

Sometimes the words of praise get a little redundant but this is another amazing piece of work. One of the factors beyond your skills as a turner and an artist is your access to such amazing wood. I've heard you make mention of your wood supplier a few times. Is it someone online or do you have a walk in and pick out the good stuff type place there in LA? At any rate the combination of your turning skills, artistic touch and some great wood always makes for some mouth watering pieces.

#6 Thu June 30, 2005 12:54am

Chris Wright

Thanks Curt. Steve does have some awesome wood. He's a drop by and pick yourself out something cool and most times I have to call ahead to find out what species he has on hand. Unfortunately the largest AAW club, Glendale, is near me and I have to compete with those guys for the choice cuts when I go shopping. I love working with maple and buckeye burl so when I have chance to get over there and shop for some I take a wad of cash and stock up cause it may be awhile before I get to again.

#7 Thu June 30, 2005 8:20am