Goncalo Alves shallow bowl

[Les Symonds]

I took a fancy to this piece of wood because of the dark streaks running through it. I'd never seen it before, let alone worked it, so was eager to have a go. It's quite a shallow bowl, only about 35mm, and about 250mm diameter, with a rolled rim, slightly undercut on the inside of the bowl.





I reverse mounted it and cleaned up the base, setting a 52ct cabouchon of Unakite into the base. It is set at such a level that it projects below the foot by about 0.5mm, so whilst the bowl sits well, it's possible to turn it at a touch.



The finish is chestnut was over sanding sealer.

Comments and criticisms always welcome....it's how I learn!

Cheers...les

[woodndesign]

Well Les, not only a stunning piece of timber, but form as well, you've created a beauty here, I've a board of Goncalo Alves, if it was correctly marked, and it's a very rich dark brown, I've some Earring stands in it, don't think I've posted them.

One here that will sell ..

Cheers  Dewi

[Les Symonds]

Diolch, Dewi.....any idea what causes the discolouration in Goncalo Alves?

Les

[woodndesign]

Diolch, Dewi.....any idea what causes the discolouration in Goncalo Alves?

Les

Les, I'm not sure why it has happened ... adverse change in a season/condition, pests, stressed or something else ..  somebody may know .

Dewi

[Bryan Milham]

Les,

I've never turned Goncalo Alves but it looks to take a wonderful finish.

I like the design you've created, not sure about the idea of a proud stone to spin on, I've seen similar done with a round shaped foot, just worried that it will damage some nice polished surface your good lady cherishes!

However, as a feature it has great merit, well done.

[woodndesign]

Hi Bryan,

The Goncalo Alves I have is very dense, little/fine grain and brittle, one base split ..    .. finishes very well ..  without looking it up, it's a bit like Iroko, if I recall without the dust..  .. but as my past comment it doesn't look like Les's timber.


Cheers  David

[Les Symonds]

Hi again David/Dewi....I bought this piece recently at Ockenden timber and it conforms to the timber description that I've found on such sites as the lumber data-base etc. Having said that, I've also got several small spindle blanks and none of them has streaking in it. It was really nice to work and, as you and Bryan mentioned, it takes an amazing finish......the bowl has just one coat of sanding sealer and two coats of Chestnut wax.

One other point....it was mildly irritant and gave me a 'picky' throat for an hour or so, even though I had the extractor and the filter running.

Les

[Roderick Evans]

Siwd mae Les

Goncalo Alves is beautiful. I saw someone on TV a good few years ago make a round pedastal wine table from it,can't remember his name now,but although this is a much smaller project it looks just as nice, well turned and equally as good a finish. Well done.

Hwyl,
Rod