My first hollow form (PICs)

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

Mike Rubes

>Hi Mike,

I'll not show you a pic of my first hollowing attempt. Mostly because it is gone. After I blew out a hole in the side, the pieces were tossed in the fire :)

For a first attempt or even your 100th attempt, that's awesome. I like the detail around the rim. While it is very hard for me to critique other peoples' work, the only suggestion I would make past yours is that I think the "trumpet flare" at the top is too large. I personally don't think the hole is too big, but again, those are just me.

Just curious, what method did you use to hold it? Was it all turned/parted from the bottom or did you reverse chuck it to finish off the base?

Thanks for the pic, that's a beautiful piece of wood that, in my opinion, you did justice to it just fine.

Mike

Hoping to spin some wood today in Apex, NC

I agree

TDaniel

>Mike, I think it is a fantastic first attempt! The top would look better if the trumpet were smaller but the rest of it looks very good to me. As far as the diameter of the hole in the top; why do we make ourselves work so hard? Make the hole big enough to work thru while you are learning and when everything is automatic you can start making the hole a little smaller.

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

Joel Hunnicutt

>I'm going to partially disagree with the other two and say that I like a bigger flare at the top. I think it adds a bit of balance to the hips. I really tend to like female forms and this one has that feel to me. I do agree that the opening is fine. Sometimes I think we do tiny opening just because we can. Phenominal work! Keep the pics coming.

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

scott stefanoski in beautiful baltimore

>mike,

is this that piece that was on your lathe the other day? if so, man you work quick. looks like it turned out great.

I like it!

Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level

>Hey Mike, I myself have not taken the plunge into hollow vessel turning. Whenever I do I can only hope to have a result half as nice as yours. I like it! At first I thought the rim was a bit too prominent but now I think it adds flair and interest. Really a nice piece. Cool!

Tommy

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL

>Mike: Fist off, I think that this is a really nice piece - regardless whether it is your first or 100th piece. Wood selection is fantastic, and overall shape is classic. Finish looks great from here.

My critique:

1) I agree with Joel, I like the shape and size of the neck. This is always a tough one. When I do similar shapes, I always really worry over this aspect. Luckily with segmented vessels, I can part it off and start over if I don't like it. I tend to think that like the overall shape, it is like each man's tast in women - some like them big, some small, some curvy, some not so curvy (forgive the sexism - but women you can apply it to men as well). I for one, think that the negative shape created by the curve of the neck looks nice when it reflects the positive shape created by what Joel called the Hips of the body of the base. Your curve is a little tighter than the one that you created in the body. Just my opinion, and yours does not look bad.

2) Hole in the top, my only rule is - if they can reach in, I need to finish that part about as well as the outside. If they can see much inside, the finish has to at least appear to be well finished. Yours is fine to me.

3) If I were to have any "negative" critique, it would be that beads/collar treatment that you did interupts the curve leading up to the neck. I personnaly think that they either need to set on top of the curve, or be submerged in the curve, but the minds eye should be able to mentally follow the curve that you started at the hips/shoulder and follow that same curve to the neck. If you had continued the curve you started, w/o the bead/collar, you would have ended up a good 1/2" or more below where you did. I only say this, because this is the same critique that I have gotten in the past, and I have grown to believe it to be true.

Really nice work, you should be proud.

Mark

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

Keith Tompkins

>HI Mike,

Here is my critique of your piece. As usual, I have to be a bit different....

I think the most important thing about this piece is the amount of thought you have put into making it, and your ability to make an objective critique of your own work. Many turners cannot deal with criticism of their work, even from themselves.

As far as the opening and rim size, I don't think it really matters. Again, you have the ablility to visualize that a smaller rim may look better....that is an important step. You can always make the next one with a smaller rim....

I bet the piece would look good WITHOUT a neck and rim at all....big opening right where the dark line is.

You didn't mention what tool you are making coves with......if you are using the Ellsworth bowl gouge, you may find a regular grind easier, or spindle gouges.

I still remember one of your earliest posts "MY hands Hurt"! You couldn't imagine at that time what beautiful work you would soon be producing. Keep up the awesome work,Keith

Hi Mike

Dominic Greco in Sunny Richboro PA

>Mike,

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to respond to this until now. To much going on at work!

I really like the piece. The overall shape is very nice. You display the figure of the wood very well! And I think that the epoxy and glitter ring is a winner! BTW, what kind of epoxy did you use? I have a cherry bowl I'd like to try that out on. (Remember: Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery!)

My only negative (if you can really call it that) is I agree with Mark's assessment about the breakup of the flowing lines. You really want a smoother transition. But to be truthful, I didn't notice until I looked really, really hard at it.

See ya around,

Dominic

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

Don Henthorn

>I agree with the others who really like the piece, Mike. It has been interesting to follow your progress and it is personally gratifying to me to see you doing such beautiful work. Keep it up.

Re: My first hollow form (PICs)

JamieDonaldson

>Mike- my only negative is the photo doesn't show the base - a light background would be an improvement in conveying the info you want us to have, so lighten up!