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As some of you know I bought a lathe back in early January. I have always wanted to turn. While spindle turning seemed easy, ( of course I made a bunch of goofs ) I picked it up pretty quickly.

Ahhh…..BOWL TURNING, well that's another story, LOL Some of my mentors and the really experienced turners say, "The more saw dust on the ground the better, that's how you learn".... I had no idea. This has been a challenge as I found out so much can go so wrong so quickly. Dancing with the tool, bevel angle, open/closed, handle ect a lot for newbies and without instruction sometimes hard to know what exactly went wrong.

I joined the Orange County Wood Workers/Turners club a while back. This was the best thing ever. I met some wonderful people and my new turning Mentor, Ken Folstrom has helped me so much. I'm guessing he's made over a 1000 bowls from all that I see in the garage and his shows were he sells them. His patience and skill especially teaching a rooking is amazing. I have watched a lot of YouTube videos as well, you guys make it look easy.. My hats off to you.

I'm working hard at this and trying to not destroy things at the last min. I heard the saying, "Just one more cut is a famous last word among wood turners. I have a Cherry bowl that is proof of that thought process 5th pic. LOL

Pic #1 Black Acacia and Cedar End Grain Bowl.
Pic #2 Walnut, Cherry ( died ), Juniper wood and cedar.
Pic#3 Spalted Maple with Live edge almost done, Sanding left ( my favorite ).
Pic #4 Cherry bowl destroyed with one more scrap to make smoother Ugh.
Pic #5 another angle of Black Acacia.
Pic #6 hollowing the spalted maple inside.

All comments welcome it is how I learn. Thx for looking enjoy.

Gallery

Comments

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They look fantastic, Ken. I'm glad to see that you're not afraid of turning the "imperfect specimens." And, live-edge work is bold indeed, for a "newbie."
Another "saying" to keep in your hat:
"A light touch and a sharp tool. My Momma didn't raise no fool." I just thought that up. Just now.
 

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Great job. You guys are going to force me to buy a lathe.
 

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Nice job Ken, I like 'em all!

Well, all except that shattered one :)
 

· In Loving Memory
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You are doing really well for a relatively new turner Ken, your bowls look great and there is a good diversity of the different types too. The more you turn the more you will know what the tools will do when they're applied to the wood. It is a matter of theory combined with experience. Having a good mentor has put you on the fast track. Have fun!
 

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Nothing to be ashamed of here!

I just recently got up enough nerve to try a natural edge bowl- it left with the trash man.

If you can find some "green" (freshly cut) pieces, it makes learning a little easier- because of the easy at which the tools slice thru the wood.
 

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Great job Ken. You got this. I really like the spalted maple bowl. Have fun.
 

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I like where you are heading Ken. Those bowls show a lot of skill. I agree with others about the the variety of different bowls. Looking forward to see your new challenges.
I just had a burl bowl explode on me but I think I can save it. And yes, I said, just a tad more. BOOM
 

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You lost the battle and down the slippery slope you go.
I had been avoiding buying a lathe but lost also and I am waiting where it leads .
You do some great work and that life edge bowl is a beauty but that bowl on the right in the first picture sure caught my eye also .
Great to see you diving into turning and producing some nice bowls .

Klaus
 

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Gorgeous bowl, Ken!!
 

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Those are beautiful bowls and hard to believe you have only been on this slippery slope of Turing for 5 months. Awesome! Looking forward to seeing your future turnings. Great job buddy
 

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Looking good! You're really developing your talents with that lathe.
 

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You're on the Road Again… making good progress!

Thank you for the update…

COOL work…
 

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Ken, Beautiful Bowls and I love the grain and the swirls in the wood. Great work.

Regards,

Cliff.
 

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Ken you are way ahead of me…I still haven't tried working a lath, but I can make a mean bowl on my
Ring Master. Great job
 

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I really like the cone shaped vessel with the void in the first picture, Ken! You are well on your way. Took me 2 years to complete my first bowl. Thanks for sharing!
 

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You did a wonderful job!
Really love the one with the hole in it, that's my favourite and what wonderful spalted wood on the other one!
I think you have come a long way, so no need for anything but hurraaaa.
Best thoughts,
Mads
 

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Good job. You're way ahead of me. That cherry bowl? Oh yeah, been there, done that.
 

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Very nicely done. There are many "whoops" moments in all of our endeavours. We all just need to try to work/play as safely as we can.
 
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