#17 Bowls from Logs Part 1 Cutting Blanks from Logs

In order to answer questions from viewers, I have planned a series of videos to explain all aspects of bowl turning all the way from a green log. These are the methods I use and work well for me. This is the first video in the series and will show and tell everything i know about cutting blanks from logs.

[@chuckhirst9059]

Stephen, thanks for the video. You've taught me a lot. I'm a pen turner and just learning how to turn bowls. I turned 13 bowls this past winter and loved it. Your lessons on cutting up logs are very helpful.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Chuck. Glad you enjoyed this series and found it helpful. I appreciate your comments.

[@stevefromlondon9175]

Excellent video. learnt a lot thank you for sharing your work Regards Steve UK London

[@jonthacker8254]

Thanks for doing this video series. It answers a lot of questions I had on turning bowls from raw logs.

[@StephenOgle]

Jon Thacker Thanks Jon. Glad you found this small series helpful. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@jolox.]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm new to this and it's so fun! Your chainsaw holding device looks very simple and ergonomic. I'm going to try something similar. Plus going to subscribe now. Thank you.

[@LYLEWOLD]

great vid. and good work with that chain saw. looks like you know her pretty well.

[@drains6903]

Thanks for making these videos. So helpful for beginners .

[@Mookdaddy2]

Another excellent video. I just bought a lathe and live in GA where it has been drastically cold so I haven't even gotten it from the box. I am learning a great amount from your videos in the mean time so I should be somewhat prepared to begin my turning adventures. Thanks for your kind help and all the details. Great for beginners as you don't assume we know.....as many videos and books use lingo that beginners are not familiar with.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Janie for your compliments and support of my channel. I am glad to see that maybe I am helping others learn wood turning. Take what you can from everywhere you can get it and develop you own methods. I really hope you enjoy your lathe. I never knew how much I would use mine when I got it. I bought mine for turning table legs and the sort but have yet to turn one. I am hung up on everything else. Maybe I will get to it one day. Thanks again and if I can help in any way just send me a message.

[@daleney7211]

well done, cool southern touch, look forward to future videos.

[@TheDonJoyner]

Nicely done. I recently did the same with several cherry log sections from a friend. But I'm a novice turner so I'm looking forward to part 2 to see how you rough turn the green blanks. Thanks for sharing.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir for your comments. I should have part 2 up in a day or so, weather in Georgia permitting. To cold for the last couple of days. Glad to see you enjoy my videos and I hope you continue to do so.

[@brandonm8568]

Dude, you're awesome. Can't wait to see the rest of your videos. Really appreciate your time and teachings.

[@StephenOgle]

Brandon I am really glad you are enjoying my videos and I hope I can keep you coming back. I should have part 2 up by tonight or tomorrow morning. Thanks again for watching and for commenting.

[@Robbiethewoodturner]

Great video Steve looking foreword to more take care Robbie

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Robbie for your compliments and I like the fact that you actually comment on every one of my videos. You have been one of my mentors when it comes to woodturning. I am Honored by your compliments.

[@stalkertwozero]

I like your 4x4 platform for sawing the logs. I made one tonight. Thanks Stephen.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Stalker for your compliments. I believe you will like the platform. Thanks again

[@JoeBark]

Thanks for sharing your great experience! Excellent content!

[@fredmott7086]

Good presentation. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@SteveSam66]

Stephen, Very informative video. Like most of your videos, I like the way you get the job done with what you have on hand

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir, for your compliments and I hope you continue to enjoy my videos in the future. Thanks for supporting my channel.

[@johnfordham8133]

I get a lot from your videos, Thanks!!!

[@StephenOgle]

+John Fordham Thank you John. Glad you enjoy my channel. Hope I can keep you interested.

[@ferrisweston1391]

Another great video, looking forward to part 2!

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Ferris again for your support of my channel. I'm really glad you enjoy my videos and hopefully I can get the next part up tomorrow, weather permitting. Right now at home it is 6 degrees F. Thanks again and stay tuned.

[@dmiller777]

Thanks for doing this series. I got a couple of logs this weekend and don't really know what to do with them. I'll get them cut and sealed and wait for the next video.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks David. I'm really glad I can help. After all that is why I do these videos. People helped me, now I want to help give back a little showing how I do things. The next video will be up in a couple of days. I had hoped to do it today however it is in the low 20's in the shop and is supposed to get into the single digits today. I just can't hardly take that cold like I used to.

[@giddyup3660]

Great stuff again, I happen to put word out on Facebook that I was looking for old disused candles and received enough from people to last me the next year or so. Hint taken from one of your other movies and put in practice ad I have also received a lot of timber logs for bowls from friends when they heard about the new hobby. Of course they all want a bowl now. Keep them uploads coming mate. All the best for the new year to your and your family from down under. Guido

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Guido, good job getting the candles from Facebook. A lot of my projects end up as gifts to people who give me wood also. Good luck in your new hobby and all the Best in 2014.

[@ConfusionWood]

Thanks for sharing!

[@StephenOgle]

You are welcome, Thanks for commenting.

[@kirkdavies5392]

Great job, very informative. Much appreciated.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Kirk for your comments and I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for supporting my channel.

[@Appokalis]

Sir, I thank you for all the informative videos you made so far. Makes me want to take some wood-turning classes. Though I think it will take me a life time to get half as good as you.

[@StephenOgle]

+Lord Feff Thank you sir for your inspiring comments, but if you just get out to the shop and go for it you will truly surprise yourself. I am sure of it. Don't worry if you mess up a piece. Everyone does, and after all it is just a piece of wood. Learn the lessons it teaches you and move on. Thank you again very much.

[@billhopkins3245]

Verry Informative Steve!!

[@JonnyBertilsson]

Great video, looking forward to this series. Most interesting, keep it up Stephen.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Jonny, I am always glad to hear from you. Very cold in Georgia the next couple of days has got me in a holding pattern. Oh well.

[@cook6265]

Great video Steve. Regarding the walnut log that you wanted to do a natural edge with except the bark is not holding well. I don't know when that tree was felled, but the bark is supposed to hold better, for natural edge use, if the tree is dropped in the winter while dormant. Thanks again for the video.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks for the suggestions about the log. I believe this one was cut no more than 2 months ago and probably was on the wet ground. I have heard of trees cut in the winter time made natural edged bowls easier to keep together, however I have never really paid much attention to it. You know, If it works it works. If it doesn't it becomes firewood. Ha. Thanks again I will try experimenting on this.

[@Sailabear11]

Awesome job explaining every step. Many thanks Steve! Best wishes. (:: )

[@icespeckledhens]

Good video, thanks for sharing

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks for commenting, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@bobbyharpoon]

Like watching your videos. Great points on doing things economically. One issue I did have with this presentation. You heated your wax directly can in contact with your heat source. This is considered an unsafe practice. Proper heating of wax sould be done in a doubled container. A pan with water then your can with wax placed inside the water. This allows better control over how hot your wax gets and keeps the wax from getting hot enough to flame out of your can. Keep on the great presentations.

[@StephenOgle]

Bobby Harpoon Thank you Bobby for your suggestion and excellent point to bring up. I really should have covered that in this video but the thought never crossed my mind. I remove he wax when it all melts. It will not ignite until after it starts to smoke since it is the smoke/fumes that actually burns and I remove it well before that point. I really appreciate your thoughts and opinions and thank you for bringing up a good point and concern.

[@framel44]

Great video Steve, informative and well planned, keep them coming, all the best Steve for you and your family for the New Year. Frank

[@StephenOgle]

I appreciate your compliments Frank and Wish the best for you and yours in 2014 also.

[@oobazz]

awesome vids mate , you vids have helped me a lot cheers from oz

[@StephenOgle]

+Bazz smith Thank you sir. Glad you are enjoying my channel.

[@nebula674]

great video! I learn a lot. I just starting turning and I have a lot of logs from a pear tree. I was wondering, how long do you wait before turning after you put the wax on? greetings from the Netherlands.

[@michaelwestmoreland845]

Hey Stephen, I really like your rocket stove. Would you share with me and others how you made that. I am also new at wood turning and have found your videos most helpful, Thanks for sharing your skill, knowledge, and information on the net. Looking forward to your new videos. Thanks , Mike.

[@StephenOgle]

+Michael Westmoreland Thank you Michael. Glad you enjoyed this project and find my rocket stove interesting. I do cover it in another video. It is not a build video but the construction is covered pretty well. Try this video at about the 26 minute mark. Hope you enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJC2fmiNa7CsfJo

[@SiamWoodShop]

Interesting video, 1 comment that I think needs to be said, drop starting a chainsaw is asking for trouble no matter how long you have used this way. I've seen too many serious accidents as a result of drop starting chainsaws.

[@metroplexchl]

great advice!

[@dandeman94]

awesome video, i just recently found you on youtube. great content and great info. man that chain is sharp!

[@StephenOgle]

+dandeman94 Thank you sir. I hope you will enjoy my channel. A dull chain is no good to anyone and a sharp one will make you job much easier.

[@atomsmasher9411]

Hey; just wanted to say I actually subscribed AND watch the adds so that you can make some coin. lots of good info. like what I've seen. Hope to learn allot.

[@StephenOgle]

+Mike Montelli Thank you Mike. I hope you really enjoy my channel. Thank you for commenting my friend.

[@kleinjahr]

Nicely done. Good idea with the 4 by 4s, a slight improvement might be to drill holes for dowels so there is less chance of movement. There is a nice chainsaw buck/horse on instructables.com, bit more work though. Another use for your chips and sawdust is a sawdust stove.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks for the idea about the 4x4s. I was going to put wedges on them: however I like the idea with the dowels. I also am researching making the fire briquettes frm aswdust. Thank you sir for your comments and suggestions. That is how we all get better.

[@susanbostwick5537]

thanks Stephen Barry

[@sampoole5373]

Have you ever used anti freeze to seal ends bolts>

[@eplevinski80]

I finally understand! Thank you :D

[@StephenOgle]

Ha!! it is just like a light bulb. I have those moments myself. I'm glad you found this video and series helpful. Take care and Happy bowl turning.

[@trippleaaaaaaaaaa]

Stephen,ever think about gluing the bark back on the blanks?

[@I_M_Nonno]

Have you tried using a wedge to split the last remaining wood instead of using the saw?

[@mikeyandalyssab4782]

Absolutely love your videos, thanks for giving such a detailed step by step! One question, how long after a tree is cut down/falls over can you harvest wood for turning and how do you decide if it's good or not? Some videos I see wood freshly downed and in others I see wood covered in moss. Any insight would be appreciated!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Mike. I turn everything from freshly cut to fully cured wood. More care must be taken with green wood to keep from checking. However if you can keep it from cracking it will definitely save a lot of time waiting to finish the piece. The wood should be fully cured before finish is applied.

[@mikeyandalyssab4782]

Thanks Stephen! Keep up the amazing work!

[@ChurchClown7]

Thanks!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir. Glad you enjoyed this project.

[@kbbacon]

Good video!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kbbacon]

I've got ten acres of walnut and hedge and locust just waiting for my lathe!

[@StephenOgle]

That's great, Happy times with making shavings.

[@daflyfisheman]

Which way do you orient your knots when cutting bowl blanks? One piece looked like they were on the side and one looked like they were on the bottom.

[@StephenOgle]

daflyfisheman Thank you sir. I really do not have a certain way I orient them. It is just a feeling before I begin cutting of how I want this bowl to look at the end. It is just personal preference. Be safe though and don't use any soft wood for securing to the lathe. Hope this helps. Just follow your instinct and go with your gut.

[@rexdeal2826]

Thank you for the video Stephen!! What kind of wax do you use and where do you get it? Thank you in advance!!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Rex for your question. The beauty of the wax is it is virtually free. I use old candles and melt them down. Any regular candle will work. You can also buy the Gulf wax at your grocery store in the canning section. I hope this helps brother.

[@patw0000]

Your channel is just awesome!!!! I'm going thru all your videos but running out of time hahaha don't want to go to work any more. Thanks omar

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Omar for your awesome compliments. Truly glad you enjoy my channel. I hope I can keep you coming back.

[@dinkscowgirl]

Steve your videos are great I have learned a lot from them. I'm a disabled vet that has found a new outlet thank you. I have one question the wax you use to seal the end grains is it regular wax or a wood wax? Thanks again and keep those videos coming.

[@StephenOgle]

+dinkscowgirl Thank you for commenting. The wax I use for sealing the endgrain is just paraffin. I just melt old candles or it can be bought at a supermarket from the canning section. Hope this helps.

[@terryvance9390]

I enjoy watching all your videos. I would like to built one of those stoves you melted the wax on. Can you steer me to a plan? What part of Georgia are you, I am in middle Georgia, near Macon. And you are right about the weather here. We still have some snow in shaded areas and only had an inch and a half. Crazy.....cold.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Terry, for commenting and supporting my channel. As far as the rocket stove design. You can look it up on youtube just search for rocket stove. Simply it is just a 6" stovepipe with an elbow at the bottom contained within a steel drum or can depending on the size you want. Ensure you insulate the pipe with sand or dirt of some kind for a better burn. I am in North West Georgia near Rome in a small town called Rockmart. It has been really cold this week and I have not even been in my shop. Still have ice on the ground here also. Brrrr. To old for that stuff. Hope I have been helpful. Thanks again for supporting my channel.

[@jeffoldham3466]

Stephen is the pith in the middle of the log,,and where do you get your wax,,,

[@joseantoniodruetalvarez4649]

Hi thanks for video . Pls which one wax are you using ? Thinking in Amazon to buy it

[@StephenOgle]

I just melted normal cheap candles. I hope this helps.

[@rodneybethel3282]

Steve I don't think they busted the mold after casting you I'm very sure I also was casted too wait a moment very sure that I'm older good job. Rodney

[@StephenOgle]

+Rodney Bethel Thank you Rodney. I agree my friend.

[@jimholladay2383]

Thank you, very helpful. What is the wax you use? Just paraffin?

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Jim for your question and comments. Yes, it is just paraffin wax from a large candle I had.

[@davidbaldwin9830]

So after watching a many of your videos I finally had to look something up, (it is true I have not been doing them in order, in fact I watched all the others in this series before the first)... I really like your easy going descriptions and explanations on WHY you do things the way you do.... What I did not understand was what "pith" was... All I knew is that is was BAD... Keep up the good work and thanks. And that rocket stove, who's design did you use?

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you David. I really appreciate your comments they are very inspiring. Glad you found the answer to your pith question. As far as my rocket stove I watched a lot of videos from several people on the subject before deciding on the design for this one. Most people use them as heaters.

[@FixitAll]

What wax did you used?

[@StephenOgle]

I just melted old candles. You can also buy the paraffin wax at your supermarket in the canning section. It is cheap to buy. I hope this helps.

[@FixitAll]

@@StephenOgle Oh, i see. Great idea. Thank you!

[@faridkamali4962]

Hi Steve, how long dose it take after sealing the logs to dry? Thanks

[@StephenOgle]

There are variables according to where you live. A year or two should yield stable blanks. I hope this helps.

[@terryvance9390]

Hey Stephen, Good video. What part of GA. are you located? I live near Macon. I like the idea about the wax. There are lots of candle pieces around my house and the will soon disappear. I really like your rocket stove. Can you direct me to a plan or is it your design? Keep the video's coming. Thanks, Terry

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Terry for your comments, they are greatly appreciated. I live in Rockmart in North-West Georgia near Rome. Sorry to here about all the candles going missing. I wander where they have gone. Well the rocket stove is my design based on what I have researched on You tube. However it is simply a 6" stove pipe (black not galvanized) attached to an elbow forming about a 4 ft. chimney. Place this into a steel barrel and pack it all with sand or clay for insulation and a better burn. I hope this has helped; however there are lots of information if you search for rocket stove on youtube. Not rocket stove heaters. Thanks again for your comments and supporting my channel.

[@reltcl1995]

What do you mean wax and where you get it Thanks

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir. I just meant candle wax from melted down candles. Most department stores will sell them. I hope this helps.

[@beehappywoodworkingandhone439]

I melt my bees wax in a old crook pot I got for 5.00. its the easy way to do it. plus I have overr 100 lbs of it from my beehives per year.

[@donbomer5630]

BEE Happy, Beeswax sells for $8 per pound or more. You can buy a LOT of candle wax for that ;o)

[@michaellapointe2137]

I like the video I didn't read any of the comments left to you so if its a repeat I'm sorry but why do you just seal the end grain and not all of the log I'm looking into getting into turning and I watched tons of videos but your are my favorite you are down to earth and keep it real I don't have much money I got hurt at work in 07 and now on disability so I won't be out cutting up logs but my neighbor will give me some that I will be able to use and already cut to sizes I could handle but I figure if I start stock pulling while I am trying to save up for my lathe it won't be a great lathe the 34706 model from harbor freight I will start saving my wives wax that she can burn

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Michael for your compliments on my channel. I'm glad you enjoy it and find it helpful. Sorry to hear about your getting hurt. Hope all goes well for you. As far as your question. If the entire log is sealed then the moisture would have no means of escape. The idea is to seal the endgrain which is where the moisture escapes the fastest. You will get a more even dissipation through the face grain on the sides than with the endgrain. Use the equipment you can afford and you will be surprised what you can do with it. You do not need the super high end equipment to produce super high end projects. I am not really familiar with the Harbor Freight lathe you are going to purchase. However, It will be as good a lathe as you will allow it to be. Remember that a lathe just "Spins Wood". Most not much better that others. I myself use a Grizzly G0462 which a lot of woodturners scoff at but it has served me well for about six years now. I have no regrets. You will not either. If you can't find enough candles. The same wax is available at your local grocery store in the canning section. It is just plain Paraffin wax and it is very economical. I hope I have answered your question Michael and hope you will continue to enjoy my channel.

[@michaellapointe2137]

Thanks Steve I looked up the details of the lathe it is kinda just like yours style wise the low speed is 600 rpm also from my understanding that just makes it harder to true up bigger blanks do you think a router speed control would work to just true up the blanks

[@StephenOgle]

Well I am not really sure about using a router speed control because I have never tried it. My lathe's minimum speed is also 600 rpm. I generally rough and true on the lathe at that speed. It is scary sometimes. I have my lathe bolted firmly to the floor and have never had any real problems with truing up the blanks. I suppose the router control could work as long as it is rated for the same amperage as the lathe. I however am no expert on this matter and can not say definitely. I don't know if I would try it with a new lathe. Hope this helps and thanks for the question. It is definitely worth looking in too.

[@Tommo158]

Hi Stephen. I was just looking through your videos and a question came to mind. Do you need to seal the knot that you had trimmed? What type of wax do you use? Is it just melted down candle stubs or is it specifically for the timber? Thanks for the videos and keep your humorous style going. Happy New Year for 2017 from County Armagh, Northern Ireland

[@StephenOgle]

Tom. Yes, I should have sealed that also. The wax I use is just paraffin wax like you can get in the canning section of the grocery store, or from old candles also. I just melt them down and paint it onto the surface. I really hope this helps.

[@morrisshankleful]

where do you get the wax for the end grain. I am just starting. thanks like your videos

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Morris. I just use old candles melted down. I hope this helps and welcome to the woodturning world.

[@morrisshankleful]

Thanks

[@natespregg3103]

Why did you wax just the end grains and not all the exposed wood?

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Nate, for your question. I never seal the whole thing, only the endgrain. This is because I want the wood to begin drying and if the whole thing is sealed with wax it would not loose any moisture. Sealing the endgrain allows water to leave through the faces which is much slower. I hope I have answered your question and thank you for watching.

[@morrisshankleful]

Are you anywhere close to Middle Tennessee you sound like a southern man. just went this morning picked up several Walnut logs

[@StephenOgle]

I actually live in NW Georgia. Take care.

[@nickdispensa9762]

like

[@user-qq1ps8ty8c]

You do nice work. Especially on a lathe. Your safety tips are questionable. And your chainsaw skills are horrible. But. You are an achievier. Nice work.

[@ernestgrainger4397]

'

[@hanksme3]

Stood job