The Process

Every tree used in this process has come down due to storms or health/lifespan. Converting a tree to wood art preserves a piece of a majestic tree that otherwise would have disintegrated or burned for firewood. As you look through the galleries, pay special attention to the beauty of the grain and the “artwork” created by an assortment of creatures.

First I select a blank from the pile of log sections I have cut.  Selection depends on the type of bowl etc. you have in mind to turn. Step 5: The lathe picks up speed for shaping the outside. The final cut on the outside is done by making a shearing cut with a freshly sharpened 3/8″ gouge.

Next, I attach a wooden template and mark the wood with chalk to get an outline of the general shape. I then use a chainsaw to cut off excess wood for initial shaping. Step 6: The inside shape is then cut out to match the outside shape to a thickness of about 3/16″.
Step 3: I mount a face plate to the bottom which allows me to mount it to the lathe. Step 7: Once sufficiently dry, the wood art goes through a series of sanding from 80 to 600 grit.
Step 4: Spinning the lathe slowly, I shape the outside using a 1/2″ – 3/4″ bowl gouge. This is called “roughing”. Step 8: The final stage involves applying a finish and buffing to a smooth surface.