"If I Had Wings" - Loughborough 2015 open gallery piece

[rick_dobney]

A while back I bought a piece of challenging burr elm, the intention (when courage permitted) to convert it into something half presentable and hopefully worthy of being displayed in public. Below are the photo's of "If I Had Wings" in the making which I was proud to display at Loughborough this year.

The blank did dictate the options open to me to a great degree but sometimes you just have to learn to work within boundaries.

The wings are approx. 5 mm thick. Overall the piece is 900mm x 600mm x 75mm.
Finished with several coats of Danish oil cut back between coats then lightly (and carefully) buffed to bring to a sheen.

C & C welcome

Rick

[Les Symonds]

I guess that must have been a very testing piece, both in terms of the skills (and nerve) of you as a turner, and of the capacities of your equipment. I'm glad to say that the end result looks as though both you and that One-Way were up to it. You have brought us a wonderful example of a natural-edged, winged bowl and I see it taking pride of place on a huge boardroom table.
Hats off to you....Les

[edbanger]

Hi Rick

Great set of photo's and one very nice natural edged wing bowl.

There were so many great pieces at Loughborough and for me this was one of round and brown pieces that stood out.

All the best

Ed

[steve w]

Wow - got to have respect for someone that tackles such an item, - lovely finish, looks like a great workshop set up also.

[Graham]

I was admiring that at loughborough. A beautiful bit of work and wood.

[GBF]

A beautiful piece Rick very well done.

Regards George

[rick_dobney]

Thanks all for the positive feedback. As you quite rightly say Les it was a challenge, thankfully the elm was dry and stable so I was able to take my time. My rules were....No attempt made to turn when tired, full face mask and no exceptions, no spectators and an escape route (open garage door directly behind me) should anything untoward happen. Now what shall I do for 2017 ?

Cheers
Rick

[georg]

    You have really captured this piece of Elm to its utmost potential Rick. With a excellent finish.
      Kind Regards
      Tony di

[Mark Sanger]

Rob

I loved this piece, a real natural beauty. I still have not finished processing my seminar pictures. Hopefully I can get them done before it is too late.

Thanks for sharing, great workshop too, see you have a Oneway, very nice bit of kit.

[Bryan Milham]

Hats off to you as a turner.

That is one stunning bowl from an awkward piece of timber.

[Ralph]

 Wonderful piece of turning, well done. I would not have had the nerve to turn something like that.
I gives me a lot of inspiration to see all the fabulous projects that are posted on this forum.

Many Thanks

Ralph

[John D Smith]

Hi Rick,
          I think it has all been said wonderful piece of work "Brave Man" Regards John

[rick_dobney]

Thanks again for the positive reviews.

 I'd like to think we should all push ourselves to try something challenging, not at the expense of safety though. "If I had wings" took plenty of thought and planning.....how to mount the piece, how to reverse mount for removing the chucking point, how to sand without losing detail, etc. It's then a matter of careful work at the lathe, particularly being aware of where your hands, arms and head are at all times. Make sure the wood is stable and not likely to break up....importantly keep checking this as you take material away. Lastly it's using the right lathe speed, very sharp tools and delicate tool control.

OK I have a good sized lathe that can handle big projects, but it doesn't need to be big to be challenging....most lathes have swiveling head stocks or outbound capabilities, just work within your lathes capacity and enjoy / learn from the experience......just do it safely.
Cheers
Rick