Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Jun 23, 2011 08:58pm | #1

   Pithy

   I think you answered your own question.   Sure looks pretty round,  so it has to be material density.   Is it more heavily pithed on one side?  I'll bet so.

1. 
   alanzip | Jun 24, 2011 06:50pm | #2

   Can't balance a big block of spalted maple

   I appreciate your comment Bruce.  You're probably right.  I'll see if I get any other ideas before I slice it up into smaller pieces.

1. 
   Westchester | Jun 27, 2011 07:15pm | #3

   Turning

   Is the stand a heavy iron structure -3/4 plywood mounted under the top surface ?

   some stands are too light for bowl turning - 

   SA

1. 
   alanzip | Jul 01, 2011 09:50am | #4

   Balancing a big block

   I think it's heavy enough.  It's a sturdy wooden woorkbench with cross braced legs and it's braced to a ceiling joist above.

   I've turned perhaps 100 bowls and plates but perhaps this big piece is just too much.

2. 
   BruceGregory | Jul 02, 2011 07:24pm | #5

   Turning Spalted wood

   Alan I have turned many spalted pieces.  They all had differing densities. Chuck-up the piece.  Turn the lathe on low ( as slow as you can turn), then utilize a router with a straight bit.  It is easiest if you create a jig to hold the router ( a small one).  While the lathe turns slowly cut the outside profile.  I then proceed to cut the inside of the bowl.  I try to preserve as much of the center waste as possible to be used on other turning projects.

3. 
   BruceGregory | Jul 02, 2011 07:25pm | #6

   Turning Spalted wood

   Alan I have turned many spalted pieces.  They all had differing densities. Chuck-up the piece.  Turn the lathe on low ( as slow as you can turn), then utilize a router with a straight bit.  It is easiest if you create a jig to hold the router ( a small one).  While the lathe turns slowly cut the outside profile.  I then proceed to cut the inside of the bowl.  I try to preserve as much of the center waste as possible to be used on other turning projects.