Wood Working Woodturning Bowl

A worm ridden and slightly decaying piece of oak firewood was retrieved from a friend's wilderness cabin woodpile. The plan was to make a bowl as a thank you gift for our pleasant weekend visit.

Upon examination there was a living wood boring grub that had to be removed, and its tunnels were in the wood. In addition, some dry rot had started. The result was a difficult turning, with large and small voids. Even after sanding the end grain felt like chin stubble.

A batch of EZ-Poly was mixed and pressed into the end grain as well as the worm holes, using my fingertip while the bowl was still mounted in my lathe. I first used sanding dust from the bag on my hand-belt sander to mix with the EZ-Poly to help match holes to the wood. (Unfor- tunately, the dust was from a tulip poplar plank and much lighter in color, but the effect was pleasant as it showed the imperfections without the glare of a stark color contrast.)

Next, I sanded with fine sandpaper, then finished with a food safe woodturning preparation.

The end result was a sturdy and very smooth surfaced bowl, useful for nuts, candy, or as a holder for loose change and keys over night. Or placement in a classy museum!

NOTE: When mixing sanding dust into EZ-Poly, mix it into the "A" portion first, then add the "B" part in equal amount to "A" and mix well. Apply immediately with the finger (and a stopped lathe!)

The EZ-Poly will wash off with soap and water if hands are cleaned right away.

-- Bob Heltman