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Turning of the Week for January 5, 2026

Tom Gall

Tom Gall

TOTW Team
Joined
Feb 20, 2013
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Location
Hillsborough, NJ
My choice for TOTW for January 5, 2026 is “Maple Platter #567 by David Wyke” .

There have been many very fine pieces posted to the Gallery recently making my selection for TOTW a bit difficult. After narrowing down my selections I kept returning to David’s platter. Although I like all the creative ways to embellish and/or color a piece, this, to me, is the true essence of wood turning … “round & brown”, if you will.

I like what looks to be a slightly convex curve on the rim, which is bordered by the two beads. The well-prepared surface with the oil & wax finish gives it a mellow glow. David always seems to find the most highly figured woods!!!

Very nice photo too! … except for the stand. I realize a stand is needed for display, but there are ways to eliminate it for a Gallery photo.

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An excellent choice and an even better platter David!! Unleashing the natural beauty of wood enhanced by excellent skills is what we all strive for…what a terrific example of a bar in reach of us all!!
 
Thank you Tom, it is an honor considering all the great pieces post on this forum. I give 90% of the credit to Mother Nature. This log has produced some beautiful grain and I have a lot of pieces still drying waiting on the final turn.

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.
If anyone has suggestions on how to photo a platter without using a stand please let me know.

Here is a couple of additional photos. I wish it was easier to add additional photos in the image gallery.

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David Wyke said:
If anyone has suggestions on how to photo a platter without using a stand please let me know.
Click to expand...
David, all you need is something to lean the platter against.
For the platter below I used an OJ bottle filled with water (for weight). Find a container (or other item) that is sized to hold up the platter that won't be seen. Hope that helps.

1767636828389.png
 
Tom Gall said:
David, all you need is something to lean the platter against.
For the platter below I used an OJ bottle filled with water (for weight). Find a container (or other item) that is sized to hold up the platter that won't be seen. Hope that helps.

View attachment 83772
Click to expand...
I’ve tried that but need a nonslip surface or the platter won’t stand and it’s hard to keep it perfectly balanced. I’ve thought about trying the non slip shelf liner just not sure how it would look underneath the platter.
 
David Wyke said:
I’ve tried that but need a nonslip surface or the platter won’t stand and it’s hard to keep it perfectly balanced. I’ve thought about trying the non slip shelf liner just not sure how it would look underneath the platter.
Click to expand...
I think if the platter is near vertical that shouldn't be a problem. Only if necessary - attach a piece of clear tape to the back of the rim and to the backdrop to eliminate the chance of sliding.
 
David - Beautiful piece and congratulations. I’ve used a spot of museum wax on the rim of pieces so it slightly adheres to the flat surface. It doesn’t leave a mark or residue, so is a good choice without the need for a nonslip surface.
 
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