First attempts of turning plywood

Bob, these are gorgeous turnings. It is amazing what beauty lies hidden in “firewood”. I, personally, would never have dreamed that plywood could produce pieces such as this but you and Sam have definately convinced me otherwise.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

They both look good. Sam better look out. :) I really like the contrasting Elm you added. A VERY nice touch.

-- Backer boards, stop blocks, build oversized, and never buy a hand plane--

Really amazing. If you have the time it would be cool if you blogged the next one. First time impressions are valuable to those of us who haven’t given it a shot yet.

Very nice turnings Bob. I agree that the Elm gave it a nice contrast for the top. Just a couple questions here.

1. I am guessing that the plywood used is wood core plywood. I know that plywood comes in varying degrees of quality and some plywoods use an mdf core or some other material. Could you relay a little info on the plywood used?

2. Looking at yours and Sam’s work, my assumption is that turning ply is very similar to turning laminates with mixed grain direction. The concept seems similar to me. Are those your thoughts also?

3. Do you have any suggestions for those that might want to give this a go? Look for non-gap plywoods with a certain core, etc.?

Beautiful bowls Bob and it really shows a good use for those plywood scraps that may be sitting in the trash bin.

David

-- There is little that is simple when it comes to making a simple box.

astonishingly beautiful

-- Life is enjoyable especially when you borrow from people

WOW…... Just WOW

-- Marine, Nurse, Dad.

very nice! I think I will give it a shot this coming weekend…

-- "Does this lathe makes my butt look big?"

I did lough loudly but I did not feel any threat, I felt we became much closer friends.
Really amazing try and result. congratulation, Bob.

-- Sam Shakouri / CREATING WONDERS WITH WOOD.....Sydney,Australia....

i like the basket weave look you gave them.
very cool turnings.

Not bad consideriing it is your first efforts, and it was salvaged timber, it makes the whole thing even better!
I love the elm you added to the rim and base on the first one. It really sets it off nicely.

-- Theresa, https://sites.google.com/site/tmj65treasure/

Thanks for the comments, I had to try turning ply wood after seeing the great projects of Sams.
Can’t answer your questions Dave as I know little about ply wood. I do know that the importer had Husqvarna Mowers delivered on these pellets, so maybe the ply wood is from over Norway or wherever the mowers come from. Maybe even CHINA like everything else. Here is a photo of some salvaged ply.
Maybe Sam can answer your questions better than anyone.

-- Bob C, Australia. I love sharing as long as it is not my tools