A Shocking Discovery! Woodturning the mysterious ASH knot

[@markjleonard]

I know nothing about woodturning or woodworking. I'm so pleased that this video appeared in my feed. I found this fascinating, educational and very relaxing to watch. Excellent work!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark, thanks 😊

[@EsmereldaPea]

You took the words out of my mouth! I was about to say the same thing.

[@aaronneumeyer5572]

I love it. It was broken, healed itself, broken again, injured and scarred, twisted and tossed and yet came out a survivor. You've created a biblical Bowl of Job.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Aaron 😃

[@helencheadle5709]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 very good Aaron! 👍💫👍💝

[@helencheadle5709]

That was just fantastic Mike…I love us how you show us, warts and all..even that heart stopping moment when it flew off the lathe!! It’s the sort of ash boll you see that’s been grown on the edge of a field cattle have been kept on for years, so barbed wire put across the tree, and stapled on, until the wood eventually became irritated and grew over the metal, which in turn snapped bits off over time, which “may “be your nails! It exciting when the large hole appeared at the bottom inside, and the amount of muck you poked out was amazing! I’ve seen the liquid sealant before, but never mixed with gold, how stunning! And overall really a superb piece of Art, turned with love, sweat and a headache bless you! My former husband used to enjoy woodturning until his rheumatoid arthritis Spoilt it for him. Our youngest son took it us, and made me some lovely pieces, but now has married and gone into partnership working in civil engineering all over the country so it’s not easy to pin him down again to wood turning…but I will share your video With him and hope it encourages him to pick up the chisels etc. Many thanks for giving such pleasure watching you in creative mode. Loved it and have subscribed! Warmest wishes from North Norfolk! 👍👩‍🦳👏👏👏👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

@ Thanks so much Helen 😁

[@MikeHolton]

@@helencheadle5709 Thanks so much Helen, I'm glad you enjoyed watching the creation of this one, all the best and thanks, Mike 😀

[@jakes9708]

Nails and knots and resin spots, that's what great bowls are made of.

[@MikeHolton]

Very good! That should have been the title to the video 😃

[@izzpop781]

@jakes9708 I love your rhyme - it's so true 👍 👏👏👏👏

[@chrisberry9017]

Certainly an improvement on ‘slugs and snails and puppy-dog tails’!

[@bobwishart8780]

😁👏👏👏

[@euansmith3699]

Wood turning, like pot throwing and knitting, looks like magic to me.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Euan 😀

[@chrisberry9017]

It is! They are all magic processes!

[@informaturge]

I'm irrationally excited that one of the nails managed to make it into the final piece. Some part of my brain is just like "heck yeah, rusty metal bits!"

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I'm just the same 😃

[@Darvit_Nu]

What a beautiful Ash bowl! I love the knots, nails & inclusions, they add character & interest. This tree had a story to tell. 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

I totally agree! Thanks! 😀

[@robertmatch6550]

Thank you for your well-paced approach, calm narration of your thoughts. I was concerned about your safety and I experienced the tension caused by the uncertainty of the turning experience. And thanks for no music. Good job!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Robert, glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@Dani-Innit]

The gold burnish/polish was a beautiful touch! I appreciate so much that you finshed it despite the flaws in the wood. It really turned out beautifully and I actually love the hole. lol Well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dani, I hate to walk away from a piece than can be saved, all the best, Mike

[@Vinimarshall450]

This is why full vids are the best , to learn how to recover from mishaps , ash is my fave and looks great Mike . I also make planks and beams i scan them first with my metal detector its no fun sharpening a chain with a 40 inch bar , Mike get yourself a pinpointer it will find nails and wire and as we get lots of bullets , a cheap one is about 40 quid but well worth it 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Vini I will, could be useful lol 😆

[@jacquelinejohnson9651]

I am obsessed I could sit in your workshop and watch all day how wonderful to see its development happen before your eyes x😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much, you would be welcome, as long as you helped me clean up at the end 😄

[@jbjeep8324]

I like that you left the nails - a little of its history in it. lovely piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks JB, I think it makes this piece 😃

[@jomama5186]

I collect the knots ! Wow. I love how they look. Many have many sticks coming out of them. I am totally fascinated by them ! Cool to know you can do things with them. I'm happy to look at them.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! They are amazing 🙂

[@johnfothergill5372]

I love your approach. As an engineer and turner, one of the most appealing aspects for me is dealing with unexpected issues which can totally change the initial plan for a piece of wood. Please keep inspiring us!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I will do my best 😃

[@3773elle]

First time watching, could watch all day. Perfect balance between what you show and when you fast-forward. My brother and son have been turning bowls for years, but never shared the process. Thank you. Couldn't help notice the inverse relationship with throwing pots. Trimming, of course is much the same.

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome! Thank you Ellen and welcome 😀

[@gailhoffmann9498]

Very intersting, educational, and relaxing. The bowl turned out beautifully.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Gail 😀

[@daphnemouat2436]

The first time I have joined you in this amazing and stunningly beautiful process. Thank you for sharing with us in such a wood-loving manner. Really appreciated.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and welcome Daphne 😀

[@sylviamaunder3409]

What a beautiful result after all those little “difficulties”. Those nails are going to bend my mind for a while yet. I must admit I almost threw my iPad onto my dog, who watches with me, when the bowl flew off the lathe. So glad there was no damage and my dog is safe too. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Haha please apologise to your dog for me 😂

[@Eudi2020]

My dad did woodworking as a hobby. We (my bros, sisters and me) were never allowed in his work area when he was working, however we could sit on the steps which lead into his workshop and watch. Watching you work brings back such happy memories. I can still hear the machines and smell the cut wood🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for sharing, and thanks so much for watching 😀

[@CrazyManuel94]

What a beautiful piece, really happy you saved it with some resin

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much me too 😄

[@Rwizard206]

As stated by others, this is why full videos are the best. A beautifully ash bowl. I have made many things with ash but never a bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! Ash does make for a very nice bowl, beautiful wood to turn 😃

[@kenmoon2331]

Thank you; It's good to have a wood turning video where it's explained what's going on, the thinking behind it and why. Very good.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Ken, and thanks 😀

[@cazdough6565]

i love how the burnishing wax gives the Ash that wonderful warm glow, the shape of this bowl is very cute, love it, and the 'mending' of the bark scar enhanced the look of the overall aesthetic .......... super work Mike 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Caz 😊

[@leonbarnes1402]

as a knife maker i really do appreciate the hidden beauty in wood. i also appreciate when youtube drops wood turning videos into my feed. excellent skills and a fantastic bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Leon 😀

[@williamkaplan9288]

The sign of an artisan is one who can overcome obstacles without compromising the quality of the product. Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, I really enjoyed this one 😁

[@EightBitTony]

45 minutes sanding! Mike, you've made me a happy man. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, you're welcome Tony 😂

[@peterthornton8520]

What started as a journey of discovery turned into a journey of repair and recovery. Considering the lovely Bowl produced it was well worth it. I have to admit that when you went through the bottom i shouted at the screen to use resin to plug it. Well done Mike it was a 100% worth it effort. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, resin was always the best way forward 😁

[@ritalowrie1296]

Wow I didn't know that Ash has such a beautiful grain. What a beautiful bowl 👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rita, it can be amazing! 😀

[@vdubboy85225]

Good on you Mike. That one fought all the way and you took it with strength and humility. Took a deep breath said alright, and worked a beautiful solution. Turned out amazing as always.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, the one great thing about dealing with problems is that now nothing really phases me, with a bit of though and imagination you can fix just about anything 😃

[@larryjefferson2146]

Like I always say “discovery is art” and this one provided you with lots of inspiration! Love to watch you process your artistic progressions Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Larry 😃

[@susannah4Him]

Beautifully worked bowl. Well done! I said it when I first started watching your videos, but I will repeat it again: I truly appreciate your commitment to safety, and teaching us how to be safe. Thank you again for a wonderful video.

[@MikeHolton]

You are more than welcome Susannah, being safe is good! 😃

[@robertwells1650]

Despite the challenges with the nails and the hole in the bottom, the piece has turned out beautiful. Well done Mike. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rob 😃

[@mikew2468]

Lovely Mike. I’m glad you experience some of the challenges we all do and are happy to share your thoughts and solutions. As usual, a great project and fantastic result

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Mike, I'm no different to anyone else, we have have 'issues' from time to time 😃

[@myriammoquin2684]

You did it justice! Well edited video !

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Myriam, I spend a lot of care and time editing my videos, thanks so much for noticing 😀

[@paulplager9498]

You have to enjoy a project that makes you think. That's where new ideas and techniques come from.

[@MikeHolton]

Could not agree Paul 😊

[@drucker03]

Since I watch your videos where you explain nearly every step I understand much better what other woodturners on youtube do and why they do it the way they do. So I benefit a lot of it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, so glad it helps 😁

[@julianguy3203]

As enjoyable to watch as ever. Your commentary and explanation , with the odd bit of humour thrown in isoutstanding. Thanks for entertaining me once again.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Julian, I really appreciate it 😃

[@rhiannonpoole6019]

As ever, great to watch you working and explaining so clearly your thought processes. And a super big thankyou for the flashing light warning, I was able to close my eyes till it finished. Very thoughtful of you.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome, when I was editing I thought that it may be a problem so thought I had better do something 🙂

[@ChristineJeffs-l6f]

Loved it. At school some 62 yrs ago, the woodwork master let me use the lathe and I made a sugar bowl. It was only because my Dad was a carpenter that Mr Evans let me use the lathe!!!! Mum used it as a sugar bowl and my daughter loves it too. It's become an heirloom 😂

[@MikeHolton]

That's fantastic Christine! 😀

[@peterbarriscale7857]

Always helpful to see how and when the problems surface as well as how you figure out the solutions. A lot of learning for me as a newbie. Lovely result, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Pete, this is why I will always show the mistakes and misshapes, it helps us all learn 😊

[@mysteryms55]

Love the grain and your explanation of how the different areas of the wood formed. Just beautiful! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@Ms.W529]

Love this one too, Mike. I love to watch you reason through a problem, and the bowl is lovely. I like that crazy grain.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it, the grain is just weird lol 😆

[@racheldray1057]

That was really good fun to watch and the grain is so interesting, thank you for finishing it and discussing the grain and bark inclusions as you went along. Such a pretty and unique bowl from all your efforts too

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, love projects like this 😃

[@BadJawa]

I love what the gold wax does for the ash. It’s so beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it really does work well on this wood 😃

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. That gave you a few challenges, but your solution to each just made the whole bowl even more beautiful. But it also demonstrates just how dangerous it can be, and not to be treated lightly. However, I’m looking forward to your next video - hopefully, without any troubleshooting required!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Angela, I've started the next one and so far so good, but it's still early days lol

[@Angela-en6oh]

@@MikeHolton Excellent! Can’t wait!

[@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn]

It's always a joy to watch you at work just to see what kind of magic you pull out of your hat. Beautiful bowl! 😺

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Barbara 😃

[@lorainenatalino5534]

Glad there was no damage when the bowl went flying…love the gold wax finish and the deep design of this bowl…nice work Mike…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Loraine, I recently put down foam zip mats on the floor so it just bounced 😀

[@CarlosPena-cn9kr]

I really enjoy your sharing your creative and problem solving process.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Carlos 😃

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Great tutorial on salvaging on problem pieces, ash is a beautiful wood, Great job Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Dale, it was certainly worth saving 😃

[@kristikey8320]

Absolutely gorgeous! This is a real favorite of mine.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Kirsti 🙂

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

"I see light at the end of the tunnel, not a hole in the bottom of the bowl." Made me laugh. 😁 I have to admit, I really enjoyed this episode. The surprising challenges and how you chose to deal with them resulted in a gorgeous piece. Well done, Mike!! ☺️

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Cynthia, this was so much fun, I love problem solving and difficulties. And the nail in the wall was just the icing on the cake 😃

[@robinmcgrew2245]

Loved watching you work this, your patience and love for the wood shows! Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Robin, I appreciate it 😀

[@katelinnett9020]

You just about gave me heart failure with this one, Mike! I actually jumped when that thing shot off the lathe...and you didn't even flinch! 😎👍

[@MikeHolton]

Haha sorry Kate, and don't worry I flinched inside 😀

[@chrispaine5551]

Great turning Mike love what surprises you get with wood another great project

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Chris 😁

[@barbfilion5646]

Always good to see the work around for things that happen, bowl turned out beautiful Thanks Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barb, I find pieces like this far more interesting to turn 😃

[@SetemkiaFawn]

What a lovely first exposure to your work. I've always loved burl wood and things made from it. It's always very special. Although I've never done any lathe work, I truly appreciate watching craftsmen work on a lathe. And I love your finishing idea of buffing the gold into the wood grain. It's truly beautiful. What a lovely piece. May it give someone many years of joy. In fact, generations of joy. That's one of the lovely things about wood. Well-made pieces last, well, not forever, but for a very long time.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Setemkia and welcome😀

[@stuartmcintyre3923]

Great recovery Mike. A beautiful bowl in the end. It really pays to persevere with a project.

[@MikeHolton]

Completely agree Stuart, thanks 😊

[@johngallarini5422]

I've always loved the look of ash. Great job on the work around the defect.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😃

[@clintmyrick4128]

I appreciate your thought processes Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad they are useful 😀

[@richardcole7400]

Gerry Anderson would have been proud, because this was truly an International Rescue ! Love the Ash with gold grain enhancement. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and thanks so much for watching 😊

[@Tzrnutt]

Really pleased you persevered after the initial set back. What you ended up producing is a lovely, characterful piece. Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks 😀

[@csranch2000]

Really finished up well! Like the makers coin in the bottom too! Bravo!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers 😀

[@lisawheeler53]

Challenge met and overcome-beautiful ash bowl! Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and thanks for watching Lisa 😃

[@cudamank]

Always amazing on what the wood has to show us. Great design opportunity and handled expertly.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Mark 😁

[@thenash4822]

Lots of discoveries in this one Mike. Nice work and a beautiful bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend 😃

[@daniellekiey-thomas1327]

Beautifully done. Always wonderful to see persistence paying off. Thank you! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Danielle 😀

[@blue8ify]

I love everything about this video! The wood carries so much history and character. What a beautiful piece! Also, i thoroughly enjoy your process. I learned new things and I admire the patience you demonstrate. Well done sir!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it 😀

[@litspirit1]

Beautiful piece! Ash is a delightful wood... Great to see how you recovered this unusual challenge... thank you for sharing your skill... A real pleasure to watch

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it 😀

[@michaelandbrendatainsky3290]

I am impressed with your thoughtful perseverance. Wonderful outcome.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Michael and Brenda 😃

[@reginapopihn9853]

Ingenious problem solving, beautiful ash bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@mollynakamori]

I guess I'm silly, but I really look forward to your "Shave and a Haircut," moments. Ash is such a lovely wood, especially considering what a dull tree it is. Lovely piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Molly, I think the shave and a haircut is here to stay 😃

[@donaldadams5342]

I would think that you have every right to be pleased with the final outcome of this project Mike. It is a very beautiful Ash bowl that stretched you a little in some ways but it is good because it allowed you to show the recovery process that you went through to save this piece rather than relegate it to the rubbish bin or fire. Cheers, Don from South Australia.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Don, I always see projects through to the end, it's by far the best way to learn 😀

[@user-hk6jl3ub2d]

Thank you. I’m new and learning a lot from your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome and thanks 😃

[@FiregirlHandmadebyWendy]

You made it in a beautiful bowl.. “the golden eye”. Great learning project 👌. You ‘nailed’ it perfectly 😇💪

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Wendy! 😂😅😃

[@litlwing13]

So beautiful! I’m glad you didn’t give up on it.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too! Many thanks 😀

[@rastaralph7154]

I carved quite a big toadstool from ash with a hammer and an axe and Saw. I left it with flat side's instead of rounding it and the grain looks amazing. I didn't stain or varnish it but it's got darker with dirt over the decades. I made a rounded one also but it doesn't look as nice as the other and looks quite rude 🤣💚💛❤️

[@MikeHolton]

Hahaha that's funny 😃

[@jackwebster4568]

This piece had a lot going on, beautiful result.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Jack 😀

[@silverback484]

Haven't been watching for a while but glad to see more wonderful turning ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you, good to see you again 😄

[@jamescollins798]

Your persistence paid off, Mike. You earned that one. Beautiful piece with lots of character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much James 😀

[@gaynorpearson8788]

The bowl turned out to be really lovely, brilliant

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gary 😄

[@Illuminatelight]

Absolutely beautiful! Such a story told by this piece of wood. Now turned into something so wonderful! Thank you so much!❤🕊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it 😀

[@susannah4Him]

Agree with Aaronneumeyer’s comment 100%- sometimes brokenness can let the light shine through even more!

[@MikeHolton]

Completely agree 😀

[@egyfalcon5643]

Leaving the nail was a great idea. It speaks the wood's history! Love the grain pattern too. You did a beautiful job :D

[@egyfalcon5643]

Hello from Alabama, btw! :)

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😃

[@MikeHolton]

And hello from Cleveland, UK 😃

[@melthomas6250]

I really enjoyed watching this . the last time I turned anything on a lathe was 65 years ago in HighSchool . I just acquired an old ShopSmith and am looking forward to practicing once I get my shop put back together.i was glad to see how to work through the problems. Wish me luck.

[@MikeHolton]

That is awesome and good luck! Let me know how you get on 😀

[@duncanpickford9098]

Brilliantly done Mike. Love the way you worked around the problems chucked up by this piece to end up with a beautiful finished bowl. Also loved the unique nail inclusion. Thanks for your dedication in bringing us so much pleasure through your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Duncan 😃

[@donaldtemple8090]

This was great. I learn a ton about using steady rest, epoxy, patience. I enjoyed watching your turning technique. The whole video was very helpful. Thanks

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Donald and thanks for watching 😃

[@jlynnmartin-z1j]

I don't usually watch turning on a lathe videos, but I stumbled onto this one. It was fascinating to watch the processes you used to overcome the challenges it presented. Beautiful bowl. Thank you for sharing its creation

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome and thanks so much for watching 😀

[@melindamcdaniel2479]

I love listening to your instruction, introducing us to explanations, problems, and solutions with this piece. It turned out absolutely lovely!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad it was helpful Melinda and thanks 😀

[@coordinatezero]

Thank you for not subjecting us to crappy generic public-domain music (like some OTHER woodturning channels seem addicted to using).

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome, I did try it when I first started but soon dropped it 😀

[@TimMaidment]

I can't resist... totally nailed it despite the shenanigans :)

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Tim 🤣

[@angelajones9852]

Love the gold resin.. perfect for the bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Angela😊

[@ColinBall-e2d]

You succeeded yet again Mike. A real work of art once again. I had an Ash crotch that had inclusions as I turned the outside and |I filled them with red opaque resin for a contrast. As I hollowed out the inside it had even more of an inclusion which I filled with the same colour. Not my best bowl but my son loves the resin/wood combination.

[@MikeHolton]

That sounds great Colin, thanks for sharing 😁

[@missflowerpower8724]

I love wooden bowls, especially beautiful ones like this one.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@Johnbro8]

Fascinating work, shows how to correct and not make mistakes. Well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, although it's usually the other way round 😀

[@carolriley8472]

Lovely bowl...Ash is so pretty with its gorgeous grain!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Carol, the grain is very pretty 😃

[@EsmereldaPea]

Gorgeous. Loved the process. Loved watching you troubleshoot and talk through the hows and whys. Thanks for keeping those bits in. I will likely never work a lathe, but I love watching the work.

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome and thanks Esmerelda 😀

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Hot glue on Cole jaws….Love it! Game changer for me using the jaws in the future. Given the shape and the branch hole, I might have been tempted to turn it thinner and and make it a lamp shade! But I love the way you turned it, and how you fixed the problem. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Valerie, never made a lampshade, may give it a go 😊

[@Dove96]

Nice save, also love the enhanced gold. Love to listen to your calm measured voice while learning from your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome, thank you Elizabeth 😀

[@Tashishi0]

That is a lovely piece!I'm glad one of the nails made it in the final, and it's crazy how you see it on one side but not the other!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I know! That last nail made me so happy, so strange and such a talking point! 😀

[@jennygrim2057]

Beautiful. Thank you for showing us the process! ❤😂

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome Jenny 😄

[@maximimturning]

As always sir. A fantastic finish to something you have just proved is not easy to do but so rewarding once finished. Cool job man.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊