Holly vase, knots, pith and all. PICs

[Dave Smith]

I turned this vase from the trunk of a holly tree. Pith in the bottom and about 10 knots around the side. I almost turned through the side when finishing the inside. A dead limb didn’t survive the rough turning so there is a 3/16" hole about 1/3 of the way up the side.

Sides are 3/32" and less in some spots. The piece was rough turned to about 3/8" thickness then soaked in alcohol for 9 hours. Wrapped with paper and allowed to dry for several weeks. It was basically dry after 2 weeks as the piece only lost 0.15 ounces during the third week when I finished turned the top of the vase. It took a couple more weeks before I got around to turning off the tenon.

The vase is 8" tall and 3 1/8" wide at the base. The rim is 2 3/4" wide. All the knots and the pith remained in tack. Sanded to 600 on the lathe then hand sanded with the grain with 600. Finished with two coats of Rockler’s Gel Polyurethane. It weighs all of 4.35 ounces.

<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com/Alcohol/holly/holly1.jpg"><p/>
The missing limb looks like a black spot at the lower right.
<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com/Alcohol/holly/holly4.jpg"><p/>
Several knots that did not split and crack.
<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com/Alcohol/holly/holly5.jpg"><p/>
The pith is off set from center because I mounted the piece in the center of the trunk.
<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com/Alcohol/holly/holly6.jpg"><p/>
Top of the vase.

I need to get a longer hollowing tool or not make such tall vases.

Thanks for looking.

Dave Smith

Finally setup a photo booth in Longview, WA.

[John Shuk]

It looks great! I like all of the natural features. I'm glad you kept them in and I think they add to the piece.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

What hollowing tools do you use for this type work? Thanks Alan