Maple Bowl

[Mike Vickery]

xdThis is about an 8 inch bowl that I just finished.

MapleBowlBottom.jpg

MapleBowlInside.jpg

MapleBowlSide.jpg

The finish is BLO followed by a coulpe coats of dewaxed shellac and wiping poly and paste wax.

Comments and critiques are appreciated.
I have yet to make a bowl that I consider perfect, but the mistakes seem to be getting to be fairly minor. A hundred more bowls and I think I can start calling myself a turner .

[Mark Pruitt]

Good job! What did you settle on for a method of signing it?

[Ron Sardo]

I have yet to make a bowl that I consider perfect

I think we are all striving for that Mike

To start off, you have a real nice bowl Mike. One you should be proud of.

But since you asked, I'm going to nitpick.

The top rim seems a bit, well flat, try curving it a little, maybe even slope in inwards or outwards a bit.

The base seems to curve out a little just before the foot. Continue the curve all the way to the bottom. Try tucking the foot in a bit.

BLO, Shellac, Poly... any one would be fine, you don't need all three. Or better yet mix 1/3 BLO 1/3 Poly and 1/3 MS and then you have Danish Oil.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Nice looking bowl Mike!

I know what you mean about perfect. Each bowl I turn now is hopefully better than the last - but - you just know the next one will be better because you are constantly learning. Makes me wonder if the really good turners still go through that process or if it's just me.

I agree with Ron on some points about the bowl. Try more of a curve on the rim next time and see if you like it. I used to make all my bowls with the same rim as yours but once I rounded one over a little - I prefer it.

Your finish looks great.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Great job on the bowl. That is a beauty.

[John Hart]

I like it. I like the inclusions, the curl, the color, the shape, and the thickness. Definitely a keeper. 100 bowls to be considered a turner eh? Hmmm...200 for me I think.

[Keith Burns]

Mike, I see nothing wrong with this bowl, I like the wood, the form, and the finish

[Mike Vickery]

Thanks everyone, especially Ron.

Mark Pruitt - I had already signed it when I posted the other thread I was just asking opinions on what others do for future reference. The signature is signed over the Shellac and bellow the wipeing poly.

Ron Sardo - Thank you very much Ron, I think you know that I value your opinion. I will try your suggestions on the rim and bottom. As far as the finish their is a method to my madness. The shelac is more to seal in the BLO and seal the wood than an actual finish. I often use shelac in my finishing routines (turnings and flat) though almost never as the top coat ususally on oiled pieces betwean the oil and the topcoat. I am a finish tinkerer and probably have a dozen different finishing routines I have used on bowls includeing homemade danish oil.

[Frank Kobilsek]

Mike
As no one else mentioned it I will. Good Bottom! A little care in shaping and sanding the bottom of a bowl really kicks up the overall quality of a piece. Your two lines are a important touch. Good work keep it up.
Frank

[Glenn Hodges]

Mike it looks mighty fine to me. One of my customers told his wife the other day after she remarked about a small crack in one of my bowls, "Hey it is wood, not plastic."

[Kevin McPeek]

Very nice Mike. The finish looks great. I agree the foot has nice detail. You know woodturners always turn it over and look at the bottom too.

[Mark Cothren]

Nice bowl, Mike! Like that wood a lot.

[Andy Hoyt]

I like it Mike. Quite a lot actually.

But since you asked for comments:

The bottom could be a snoodge smaller in diameter allowing the curve to continue.

And ya might want to check that spellerizing on your name.