Still Roughing Out

[PreacherJon]

I have been slowly working on Mother's Day Cherry Bowls for a Church order. I am still doing the first turning (rough out).

Still testing out what I can do and not do with the heart.

 

[leehljp]

Bag-um and wait! Then the beauty of the wood will emerge!

 

[Humongous]

I bet your shop smells great!

 

[NJturner]

I've had pretty good success drying small turnings by taking the paper bags, filled with sawdust and shavings and taped closed and putting them in the microwave at one of the lower settings for a minute or two at a time. Microwave it, let it rest for about 5 minutes and repeat. I normally keep microwaving it until the outer bag is warm and getting damp, then let it sit overnight. Next day either test the moisture level of the wood, or if you think it needs more time then microwave it again a few more times. You just need to let it rest between cycles and then settle for a few hours after the microwave. Typically I get minimum distortion or cracking and can work the piece as I wood a normally dried bowl in just a few days. Good luck!

Kevin