Half Bowl

While making this bowl, I noticed a large natural crack extending from the pith for 3” in each direction. I new this is not a good sign but I continued turning nevertheless with hope in my heart. When I was about done turning (working on the bottom), the bowl fell apart in two pieces that splashed on the floor. Enraged, I stepped on one of the pieces and was about to step on the other. Then, I noticed that what is left is a pretty good half and it crossed my mind that I can glue a piece in the back and mount it on the wall. What you see in the pictures is the results of that effort.

The lesson I learned form this is not to be too quick to destroy the not so good pieces. You never know what you can make out of it. Some of the pieces that I’m not completely happy with I decided to give to the kids that come and visit my son. They make a perfect painting project they can be proud of even though they are not worth sanding and finishing since they will not look good enough.

The wood is live oak for the turning and red oak for the back piece. The finish is linseed oil. The piece now sits mounted on the wall in my son’s room (he really liked this half bowl).

-- -- Alin Dobra, Gainesville, Florida