Evil Eyes Black Walnut Wood Turning
Entertainment
Introduction
Two years ago, almost to the day, my nephew told me about a large black walnut tree on the farm. He offered me some trimmings from its branches, and of course, I took everything I could find. This included several pieces that I thought would make excellent spindle turnings, and among them was a crotch piece from the tree. Although it had a rot area that I cut off, I was excited to see what I could create with it.
Setting Up the Piece
The piece I selected was about 9 inches long and 7 inches wide at its widest point, with a thickness of approximately 5 inches. I had determined that one side was relatively flat, while the other dipped down, so I decided to use the flatter side as the top. After identifying a suitable center point for my lathe setup, I prepared to make a flat spot for a worm screw at the drill press.
Back at the lathe, I secured the piece with the tailstock and set it to a speed of around 620 RPM. Using a sharp 5/8-inch bowl gouge, I began shaping the wood while wearing my face shield. Despite the cold weather that fluctuated dramatically from one day to the next, I pressed on.
Shaping the Bowl
As I proceeded, I started enjoying the beautiful grain and chatoyance of the walnut. The natural features, which included areas that resembled "cat eyes," were captivating. I realized I needed to refine the shape a bit more. Swapping to a 1/2-inch gouge, I found it easier to achieve smoother cuts without removing too much material.
After pulling the tailstock away for more space, I concentrated on flattening the area and transitioning the shape. By maintaining contact all around as I worked, it became easier to achieve the desired contour. Each cut revealed more intricate details in the wood.
Sanding and Finishing
Sanding was the next step, and I started with a nylon brush to remove strings of bark without losing the ripples in the wood. I progressively sanded from 80 grit up to 400 grit, ensuring a smooth finish while avoiding any accidental damage to the unique features.
Once satisfied with the sanding, I applied a shellac-based sanding sealer to bring out the beautiful grain. The contrast between the heartwood and sapwood was stunning, and I noted the spalted areas that added even more character to the piece. I commented on how cool it looked with just the first coat of finish.
The Final Piece
The following day, after taking some time to consider the final shape, I flipped the bowl around and started on the insides. Working carefully, I formed the interior while keeping in mind the dramatic drop-off on one side, concluding my shaping. After the last touches with the 5/8-inch gouge, I wrapped up with sanding and finish prep.
In the end, my creation measured 8 inches wide, 7 inches tall at the highest point, and 3.75 inches at the lowest. The ripply edge, where the bark had fallen off, turned out to be as delightful as the bark itself. I used two coats of Zinsser shellac for finishing, and the final piece radiated beauty with a captivating design, earning its nickname: "The Evil Eye Wood Turning."
I also want to extend my gratitude to my nephew, Warren, and the Peachy Pig Farm for the wonderful piece of wood that might have become firewood if I hadn’t collected it. Be sure to stick around to check out a picture of the great pig that welcomed me as I arrived at the farm.
Keyword
- Black Walnut
- Wood Turning
- Crotch Piece
- Spalting
- Grain
- Chatoyance
- Shellac Finish
- Evil Eye
FAQ
Q: What is a crotch piece in wood turning? A: A crotch piece is a section of wood that comes from where the trunk splits into branches. It often has unique grain patterns and figures, making it desirable for turning.
Q: What type of finish did you use on the wood turning? A: I used two coats of Zinsser shellac for the finish, enhancing the grain and providing a protective layer.
Q: How did you determine which side of the wood to use as the top? A: I assessed the flatness of each side of the piece, choosing the flatter side as the top to achieve a better overall appearance.
Q: Why did you choose to call the piece "The Evil Eye"? A: The name was inspired by the eye-like features I observed while shaping the wood, which resembled the gaze of a cat looking at me while I sat in its favorite chair.