Black Poplar Bowl

It's been a long time since I posted a picture, so here is my latest Black Poplar Bowl. I just love the grain in Black Poplar especially the "holographing" in the grain. It's is 8" in diameter and 3 inches high.

Photo Details

Bertminator

Registered: October 2006
Location: Manitoba, CANADA
Posts: 413

9.5

Date: Tue January 5, 2010
Views: 1,379
Tags: 1
Keywords: black poplar bowl

Comments

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

Nice piece and some great work you did. A little more curve to the sides and you would have a great piece. You've come a long way and are starting to show some real potential. Way to go. 8-)

#1 Tue January 5, 2010 5:13am

Frank Van Atta

I agree; the grain is spectacular.

#2 Tue January 5, 2010 5:28am

Brendan McAreavy

Lovely work Bert. You've presented it very well because it looks like it is floating there. I agree with Rev.Doug about the sides but this is still a very attractive piece.

#3 Tue January 5, 2010 11:25am

Don Leydens

Don Leydens

What a gorgeous piece of wood. You did it proud. Beautiful finish also.
Don L.

#4 Tue January 5, 2010 2:23pm

Bill Bolen

What a pretty piece Bert. Haven't seen you in a while...glad you are back...Bill..

#5 Tue January 5, 2010 4:31pm

Bertminator

Thanks guys! I have YOU to thank for the results of the finish. I always read in this forum about sanding to 800 + grit, but I was always too lazy to "do it", but I have to say from now on, this'll be the way I finish my pieces.
Bill, your work was my inspiration in achieving that "mirror finish". I also posted a Youtube video on how to get that mirror finish in a 9 part video. Here's the link for those people interested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph83ZzcFjIo ....NOW, if only I can figure out a way to decide on different shapes for my pieces so that they are not all so "straight & dull to look at"....I'm listening if anyone has any advice on that.

If you want to view some of my woodturning videos, you can go to my Youtube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/@Bertminator/videos

#6 Tue January 5, 2010 6:24pm

TomTunget

Tom Tunget

Bert,
Your piece is certainly not dull to look at! Surprising but it is actually fairly difficult to make a long straight edge with hand tools. Long gradual curves are the hardest, IMHO, because it is too easy to get unintentional flat spots.

Try using you hips and slowly arcing around. Get a nice wide stance and practice the motion first while at the lathe.(Just don't let people see you!)

#7 Tue January 5, 2010 8:30pm

TomTunget

Tom Tunget

By the way, I love the way your finish carries the light into the pores giving that chatoyance, or 3D look. Thats why I like gloss finishes that penetrate the wood.

Makes the wood pores become fiber optic strands and allows the little light rays to dance upon the surface and...... sorry got carried away!

#8 Tue January 5, 2010 8:34pm

Makepeace

Leo Makepeace

Love the wood, love the shape and the finish, IMHO if all items had the "perfect" angle/slope/curve, then most things would look pretty similar, off the beaten track is a good way to go sometimes. Just my noobie 2c.

Ruining lots of good wood to get a few average bits.

#9 Tue January 5, 2010 10:41pm