SSS (Super Spalted Sycamore)

In July of 2024 a storm blew down a large sycamore down by the creek. Blocked the road too. I got the road clear that day and later cut a couple chunks to try it out on the lathe. While I did need windshield wipers for my face mask (hint to investors out there) it turned wonderfully. I was just starting hollow forms and these were some of my first. One didn't survive my inexperience. I went back and pulled out a log from the creek and set it up on some dunnage in the log yard where is sat for some time.

In March this year I did make a bowl or two out of some of it. I noticed some spalting starting. Oooo, this could be the start of something great. So, I decided to leave the log for a while longer to see how much more spalting occurred. Of course the growing season arrived with its full green and I didn't get back to check it until October. After 15 months sitting out, but off the ground, the spalting is in the "wow" category. Unfortunately, 15 months is probably a bit too long. The wood is about as punky as it could be. It was very challenging to cut smoothly. No matter how sharp/bevel/sheer I did it was just rough. Time to deploy the 80 grit bowl gouge...

I'm not going to say these are the most amazing turning I've done, they are actually more sanding than perfect cuts, but the wood just demanded I finish them.

July 2024


March 2025


October 2025