The influence of the Dark Side.....

[DaveO]

It forced me to turn this 12/4 hunk of air dried Walnut into something with a bowl like shape -






I was really happy with it until I realized that my macro level pics showed off all the torn end grain, and the wax I applied just enhanced that.
But none the less it is the biggest bowl (diameter wise)I have turned on the HF lathe that could. About 10½" diameter, 4" tall and the walls are ¼' thick. It's a gift to a friend that gave me the wood several years ago. I think it will make a nice fruit bowl, as long as he doesn't have a thing for Grapefruits or larger Melons

Thanks for lookin' and any advice on the end grain tear out (prevention-wise) would be highly appreciated.

Dave

[RandyJ]

Nice looking bowl, Dave. Being a beginner I can't offer any advice on the end grain. We are our own worst critics...just stop telling everyone and no one will notice!!

[erasmussen]

Beautiful bowl

[NC Scroller]

DaveO, like Randy said we are our own worst critic. I think it looks great and your friend will be very happy to receive such a wonderful gift.

[jeff...]

Dave you need to stop it - man is that pretty - your end grain tear out second picture far side looks a bit like Mrs Buttersworth.

[woodArtz]

Nice looking bowl DaveO! Walnut is a pain when it comes to end grain. I try to get it with a very sharp gouge or scraper. If all else fails... I use the 60 grit gouge . The Milwaukee power sander has changed my life .

[nelsone]

Great looking bowl Dave! You are a much better turner than I, so I can't help with the tear out question.

[newtowood]

Dave, you had to put the plug in there about the HF lathe
A clever ploy to lure me even deeper.

Great looking bowl, Who cares about end grain tear out when something comes out looking that nice. You did a great job.

[DaveO]

Originally Posted by jeff...

Dave you need to stop it - man is that pretty - your end grain tear out second picture far side looks a bit like Mrs Buttersworth.

Jeff... that's not the problem area, it is to the sides of it. The Mrs. Butterworth that you are seeing is the results of the face/long grain of the bowl.
BTW, that is very cool, I didn't see it that way. But it sure does look like Mrs. Butterworth
Thanks for pointing that out


Dave

[Steve Martin]

Sometimes with black walnut, I've had success with tearout by scraping from the center of the bowl out to the edge, using a verrry sharp round nosed scraper (slight burr for an edge) and taking a skew cut, somewhere between 25 and 45 degrees off of horizontal, taking very fine shavings, almost dust. The decision about the exact angle depends on the results of an initial cut. I usually start about 45 degrees and move down toward 25 degrees if it is too aggressive and not eliminating the tearout. The angle may also change as you get closer to the edge of the bowl because the end grain is different. I have also tried using the round end of a cabinet scraper but don't rest it on the tool rest, just free hand it at an angle at the slowest speed or if you have variable speed try about 300 rpms and then adjust until it works. I have taken some used sawzall blades and made a variety of curved shapes which I use as scrapers, depending on the curve inside the bowl. Fellow turners I have shown this to, say they prefer sanding but I like the finish from the scrapers better than sanding, especially on black walnut. Be patient, it will work.

[DaveO]

Thanks Steve, I did use my big monster scraper, but I wasn't approaching it at the angle that you mentioned. I was more like 90° or a little less. I will have to try a shallower approach.

Dave

[cskipper]

Dave, that's a beautiful bowl, tearout or not. Question - when did the slippery slope become the darkside?

[JimmyC]

Where are you hiding all of that beautiful Walnut Dave ? Seriously, I really like the shape on that bowl and the grain just pops. Once again, nice job Bro'.

Jimmy

[Tar Heel]

Nice looking bowl DanO . You're obviously, a man or many talents.

[DaveO]

Originally Posted by cskipper

Question - when did the slippery slope become the darkside?

After you've slipped enough and landed on your backside it becomes bruised and a darkside


Dave