My first figured bural bowl in maple

well like all first tries at something the road is a bit rocky But I want to Thank Scrappy for the help and guidance. He Pointed me towards a nice chuck that didn’t break the bank you can get it here http://www.pennstateind.com/store/CUG3418CCX.html it came with Cole jaws they call jumbo jaws and it came with two other sets of jaws very good value for the money . I got the wood on E bay from Cook Woods in Oregon you will find them here http://www.cookwoods.com/lumber-site/ and on eBay I decided on doing this turning first because the wood was dry and ready to turn with out using the microwave and stuff like that . I place the square blank in the Cole jaws and turned the bottom edge round and formed a little round tenon the fit in the 2 inch step jaws that come with this chuck this was done in fifteen minutes I also had the tail stock in place so as to prevent an accident this first part went great I was very pleased I changed the jaws and placed the step jaws into place replaced the tail stock and formed the outside then I went to the inside I turned out the bowls and made the dog dish inspired sharpen on the outside and the inside then i needed to finish the inside of the bowl and removed the tail stock the cut was going good when i hit a void in the figure and the bowl flew across the room it was luckily undamaged lesson learned watch your pressure if you are turning this stuff there are voids in burls and so it went pretty smooth I used a full set of abralon sanding pads they were from PSI as well but i got them at Ideal Saw works in Fresno for 30 dollars i sanded the bowl to 4000 grit going step by step I know ill get better at this as you always learn new stuff but with Scrapys help I did a good job and it turned out how I planed so I am very happy I have not decided on a finish and that is where i need some help I finished cutting the tenon already and finished the bottom so hard wax is out and the bowl is going to be given as a gift with a huge bag of Pistachios which my brother in law asked for for Christmas we draw names and that is OK I guess especially in these lean times but i need a finish recommendation and remember it is going to hold food Thanks again Scrappy it would not have been this good without your help.

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