Wood Working Woodturning Bowl

A worm ridden and slightly decaying piece of oak firewood was retrieved from a friend's wilderness cabin woodpile. The plan was to make a bowl as a thank you gift for our pleasant weekend visit.

Upon examination there was a living wood boring grub that had to be removed, and its tunnels were in the wood. In addition, some dry rot had started. The result was a difficult turning, with large and small voids. Even after sanding the end grain felt like chin stubble.

A batch of RayCrete was mixed and pressed into the end grain as well as the worm holes, using my fingertip while the bowl was still mounted in my lathe. I first used sanding dust from the bag on my hand-belt sander to mix with the RayCrete to help match holes to the wood. (Unfor- tunately, the dust was from a tulip poplar plank and much lighter in color, but the effect was pleasant as it showed the imperfections without the glare of a stark color contrast.)

Next, I sanded with fine sandpaper, then finished with a food safe woodturning preparation.

The end result was a sturdy and very smooth surfaced bowl, useful for nuts, candy, or as a holder for loose change and keys over night. Or placement in a classy museum!

NOTE: When mixing sanding dust into RayCrete, mix it into the "A" portion first, then add the "B" part in equal amount to "A" and mix well. Apply immediately with the finger (and a stopped lathe!)

The RayCrete will wash off with soap and water if hands are cleaned right away.

-- Bob Heltman