Hi folks! I have a feeling I should have joined this group a long time ago. Alot of friendly and talented people here. I hope I can contribute something useful once and a while and have some fun too. Quick intro: A little over a year ago I lost my business due the bad economy. Two days later I found out I had stage 3 lymphoma cancer. Tough week huh? Anyway, I figured I better find something to keep me occupied during the chemo and radiation that wasn't overly physical. I always enjoyed woodworking but thought I'd give woodturning a try. I bought a used Powermatic with my last 2,000 dollars and haven't looked back since. What an awakening it was. I had finally found my true passion (it only took 55 years)! It was very therapeutic, creative and just plain fun. All is well now and I'm in full remission and not looking back. Way too much wood out there that needs to be turned. Now that the docs are letting me out, I'm having a ball meeting other turners like Mike Stafford, Frank Penta and many others. So much to learn and this site is another step forward. Many more steps to come. This is just too much fun. See how something that appears terrible can turn into something fantastic? I did. This piece is an 18.5" Buckeye Burl platter. I really enjoyed turning this even though it was a little nerve wracking at times worrying about an important piece coming off, but none did. A bit punky in spots, but some shellac mix helped that a lot. Some texturing along the rim and some on the back as well. Thanks for looking and all c&c are more than welcome. Don Leydens All critiques and comments are more than welcome. Don Leydens