Spalted Oak HF

This HF is from a highly splatted piece of oak that came from an oak tree that was destroyed by the 2013 tornado in Joplin MO. It is 11 ¾”W x 5 ½”H. There is a lot of different character in this piece of wood. This piece was turned end grain. Along with the spalting, it has some bug holes, it had a limb cap and also some bark inclusions. I have purposely left everything natural and unfilled. Once I turned the outside of the form I reverse chucked it and wrapped it in shrink-wrap to make sure it stayed together. Because of the “spaltiness” of the wood, the wall thickness is not consistent from the sides down to the bottom. At this point I have only dipped it (twice) in my blend of oils. I like the way of the different characteristics of the wood appear with just the oil finish and am not planning on buffing it. I have attached several pictures so you can get a good look at the wood. C&C welcomed.

Attachment 307961 Attachment 307962 Attachment 307963 Attachment 307964

Nice looking piece Steve. Glad it held together, looks a little scary. Good choice of finish for this rugged looking form.

+1 on the scary looking....I like it a lot

Very nice shape, was it wet or twice turned?

+2 on scary but with very nice results. I wouldn't have guessed that was almost 12" in diameter by the pictures. How big is your access hole? Any plans for a finial?

Very pleasing form and I like all the natural voids and such.

Thanks for the comments everyone. The real scary part was having to deal with the different density in the wood as I was hollowing.

Dennis--the wood overall was pretty dry. Thus, I only turned it once.

David--the opening is 2 1/4" wide. I have no plans for a finial as I think it would not complement its natural rugged look.

Very nicely done.

I really like the form! The wood sure has a lot of character. I agree with using an oil finish on this piece. A gloss just wouldn't fit as well with the rustic qualities.

sometimes less is more. i agree with Steve..it is perfect as is..rustic