Turning of the Week, March 17, 2025

[hockenbery]

My pick for TOW is Ash Ring by @Michael Nathal.

In an excellent use of material, Michael chose a difficult to turn form and fire to feature an organic element in his blank. ​

This is an object I enjoy looking at and pondering the missing piece.



Michael’s description: Ash 11.5" wide, 13" tall, 4,5" thick, including the ebonized walnut base. Finished with Osmo polyx and buffed. The missing piece was removed along natural cracks, followed by scorching the crack surfaces.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Excellent choice, Al. I find this piece extremely interesting and attractive. It would improve the setting of any atmosphere. Congrats on the feature, Mike.

 

[Will Armstrong]

Bravo Michael! I'm so glad you got the TOTW for this piece, I was thinking it might. Well done.

 

[Michael Nathal]

Thanks guys. I think I'm gonna try more pieces based on rings.

 

[Tom Gall]

Neat piece, Michael ... congrats! The scorched ends and ebonized base ties it all together. Looking forward to future ring pieces. Good choice, Al.

 

[Andrew Hobbs]

This is incredible. I really love the ring pieces. Haven't attempted one yet but will soon.

 

[David Croxton]

Hey Michael, Congrats on your TOTW!

 

[Kurt Manley]

Thanks guys. I think I'm gonna try more pieces based on rings.

I love this piece Micheal! Would you mind sharing more about it? Does the backside look the same? I think I know how you held it for the final steps but would like to hear how you actually did it. Thanks!

 

[Michael Nathal]

love this piece Micheal! Would you mind sharing more about it? Does the backside look the same? I think I know how you held it for the final steps but would like to hear how you actually did it. Thanks!

Yes, the back side looks the same. I first turn between centers, and get the blank round. I then form a tenon on each side and start to form the ring, which in this case is a circular cross section (but doesn't have to be if you want a tapered profile). A half-circle cardboard template aids in getting the shape. After shaping the side facing the tail stock, I reverse to the other tenon and repeat. At this stage, the circular cross section is almost complete but the last remaining thickness is still intact. I then iterate cutting in from each side, visually inspecting to make sure the shape is symmetrical, cutting very lightly. It will eventually get so thin that it will break through. At this stage, the thin bits are removed with a rotary carving tool and/or by sanding

 

[Kurt Manley]

Yes, the back side looks the same. I first turn between centers, and get the blank round. I then form a tenon on each side and start to form the ring, which in this case is a circular cross section (but doesn't have to be if you want a tapered profile). A half-circle cardboard template aids in getting the shape. After shaping the side facing the tail stock, I reverse to the other tenon and repeat. At this stage, the circular cross section is almost complete but the last remaining thickness is still intact. I then iterate cutting in from each side, visually inspecting to make sure the shape is symmetrical, cutting very lightly. It will eventually get so thin that it will break through. At this stage, the thin bits are removed with a rotary carving tool and/or by sanding

Thanks Micheal! Congrats on turning of the week!