I've been working....

Since coming back from holiday last week I have been trying to get some older items done. I have succeeded to certain extent.

Jacaranda bowls I finish turned this weekend. They were originally turned about 3 months ago.

I've been making smoke this last week and was able to finish this Karee (Rhus Lancea I think) calabash form.

Status and new developments....

I have been away on holiday so there were no postings  - but I'm back.

BonzaBay beach, East London

There have also been a new development on the internet side.

This is my 3rd year of blogging my activities and I have felt that in addition to this blog I need to have a more static space on the internet as well. Therefore I have registered the url www.abwoodturning.co.za

Please feel free to visit the new website.

A Eucalyptus vase

A vase turned from Eucalyptus ( I'm not sure what sort). About 160 mm (6 1/2") high. The piece has a couple of coats of shellac applied as a sealer - I recently started doing this and seems to produce a better finish. This wood was dry and comes from a tree that had to be removed from my garden a couple of years ago. Tell me what you think!

Ringholders completed and Saturdays meeting

The ring holders are completed in time. The 2 outer ones are made from Jacaranda and Imbuia while the inner 2 are made from Cyprus and Imbuia.

We also had a woodturners meeting yesterday with the highlight being a demo by At Smit who turns deep hollowed elliptical vessels.

The tallest vessel shown is 450 mm (18"). Something unique for sure!

Some production items

My wife asked me to make her some ring holders. Here they are in-process. Made from Jacaranda, Imbuia and Cypress.
See below for the original......

Made from Yellowwood and Imbuia, many years ago.

An attempt to do something different....

Once in a while I try to get out of my comfort zone and try something new for a change. This is one of those times!
here I'm combining two mini hollow forms into one object. The shapes are not as good as I'd like them to be but access to turn the form was severely hampered by the tailstock of the lathe.
It's made from Jacaranda and the fattest form is about 50 mm (2") diameter. Shortly after this pictures was taken I went through the wall of the thinnest vessel:( Maybe a bit of piercing is in order!

Wood is unpredictable......

Over the last week or two I have shown some of the wet turnings I have done. If you've been following you'll recognise the two vessels shown. Both were turned wet and with the pith slightly off-centre.
They are starting to dry and have shown more movement than expected. The vessel on the right has some cracks that are not shown. We'll see how well they dry and if "design opportunities" present themselves.