Silver Maple rescued from underneath some hard packed snow in November 2021, this hotsell piece has dried out just perfectly for my needs. Left the naturally warped rim as an inclusion, along with a crack that was just enough to wake me up at 800rpm. Foot has some minor details as well. Grey/green interior paints for effect.
How I make these:
I use local hardwoods from trees that have already been taken down due to various reasons such as wind damage, dangerous cracks/rot or disease. A chainsaw is used to cut the logs into manageable size pieces, sometimes the pieces have a go on the bandsaw to further rough out the shape. Careful attention is given to grain orientation and other factors such as cracks and knots in the wood. Once the blank is prepared, it is mounted on my lathe and turned to a rough shape. The wood is still very wet at this point, so the rough bowl is left to dry, a process which can be forced in days, or many months depending on the piece.
Sometimes we acquire pieces that have a moisture content suitable for immediate processing, and these find their way into the queue sooner than later. Kiln dried lumber also has it's place in our shop - pieces of sometimes sustainably sourced exotic woods, and also local species are given new life. We work with a local lumber supplier who provides off-cuts from larger slabs that would otherwise have become trash.
After the wood has stabilized (no more warping) at a moisture content of less than 10% the rough bowl is remounted on the lathe and turned to its final shape. It is then sanded and prepared for finish. I use a food safe oil/wax finish on all of my functional pieces. Each piece is finished according to what it seems to call out for. Some get an easy to maintain matte sheen finish that shows off the beauty of the wood, others have a high gloss finish.
To maintain the finish and clean the bowl:
- rinse and wash with warm soapy water
- do not let it sit in water
- hand dry with a dish towel
- when the bowls finish becomes dull apply mineral oil, butcher block oil, or a salad bowl wax to bring back a bit of shine
- reapplication will need to happen every few months with frequent use
*** bowls should not go in the microwave or dishwasher
*** do not use a scotch brite pad when washing the bowl as it will scratch the surface
*** for pieces with live edge bark, extra care must be taken as bark can chip and be broken easily
*** for bowls with voids, it is not recommended to use as salad bowls where dressing can get into the cracks
Many hours of work go into creating each piece. These items are 100% hand made by me. The prices vary depending on hours of work and the type/species of wood. Please feel free to contact me for more information, pictures or questions about any of my products.
Free shipping available for Canada
Please contact me for local pickup/delivery options.
Product code: Silver Maple w/Painted Interior [7.25" x hotsell 3.5"]