After a few shear scrapes I took the tailstock away and started to determine the shape of the top. It looks like there will be a bark section that will pop out. The question is, should I leave it as a bit of a natural jag or make the opening larger. At the moment I like the coloring around the top and will leave it. If I want to remove it later, I can.
|
|
It has been hollowed through what is already a fairly large entrance and the grain is looking good. Surprising me, the bark around the entrance has stayed in place.
|
|
The shape is refining itself into a nice oval with a heavier bottom half than is the top. I intend to lighten the bottom by having it stand on a small base which will only be visible from a straight on view. In most other positions it should appear to float.
|
|
Notice that the center of the branch on the top of the picture is almost in line with the one at the bottom. Judicious use of a chainsaw can be fairly accurate.
|
|
Rotating the lathe a touch allows us to see that the center of what had been the top or the piece is also in line with previous centers. This is not necessary but I like the ascetics of the line up and it will aid the finished piece in drying in a line parallel to the base. Having shear scraped and sanded to 1200 grit, the colors are really standing out. Notice the edge of the blue hose from the dust collector at the bottom of the picture. I like my lungs and use the dust collector and a good, cartridge dust mask.
|
|