All this for NOTHING! - woodturning project

Part two of our wood drying experiment we started 6 months ago. Initially after reclaiming wood from fallen tress we part turned 8 and set 4 to air dry and 4 in a box with their shavings. Today is the day we take our experiment to the next step, we find out how the drying has gone and test turn a couple of the bowls. All this wood has cost us nothing so what ever happens we win.
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
Dried In Box
Starting weight 6 months later Weight loss
Willow 1 1578g 1078g 32% loss Moisture Content 16.3%
Willow 2 883g 598g 32% loss Moisture Content 15.7%
Ash1 967g 92g 18% loss Moisture Content 14.9%
Ash2 755g 755b 19% loss Moisture Content 14.8%
Air Dried
Starting weight 6 months later Weight loss
Willow 1 1031g 670g 35% loss Moisture Content 13.1%
Willow 2 1469g 87g 40% loss Moisture Content 13.4%
Ash1 975g 774g 21% loss Moisture Content 13.3%
Ash2 1126g 895g 21% loss Moisture Content 13.6%
Support the channel and buy merchandise: ko-fi.com/mikeholton
Chestnuts Spirit Stains used in this video - amzn.to/3ZQqffJ
Interested in the RingSkins ring protector?: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/RingS...
Tools I use:
Record Power Regent Lathe: www.yandles.co.uk/record-powe...
Record Power turning tools and chucks: www.yandles.co.uk/search/Reco...
Facebook: / mike-holton-hand-made-...
Instagram: mikeholton_...
Website: mikeholton.net/
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/mikeholton
And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
search/top?q...
DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@mikehorning4060]

I have also realized that my ears tell me a lot about the smoothness of your amazing projects. The sound gets significantly quieter as the texture is smoothed.

[@CONSTELLATION_PEGASUS]

I really liked the ash bowl. The combination of burning it, the wood grain and the blue dye, then adding the silver, made the pattern look like the ends of a peacock's tail feathers. That was a splendid result of an experiment!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much!

[@mikehorning4060]

I must say, even from my limited camera view, this wood is beautiful. I can believe that I can 'feel' the amazing smooth texture of the wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Mike

[@ronniekeates3349]

I really appreciate your willingness to experiment on camera. We all get a chance to learn something every time you do something new on your channel. Very fun to watch!

[@MikeHolton]

I appreciate that Ronnie, I want us all to learn together and I have no problem making mistakes on camera 😊

[@ronniekeates3349]

​@@MikeHoltonwe could all benefit from an attitude like that!

[@MikeHolton]

@@ronniekeates3349 Haha thanks Ronnie

[@susanholiday7347]

Pushing is to take out lots of material fast. Pulling out is to leave a smooth finish, using the Side Scraping technique. Less sanding (while the lathe is on).

[@johnbrereton4756]

I first started turning six months ago. I started with wood I found locally learning and experimenting until I felt confident enough to start buying blanks from yandles , I is thanks to watching all your trails and experimenting that gave me that confidence. Keep turning and teaching and I will continue to learn. Thanks again.

[@MikeHolton]

That is awesome John and thanks 🙏

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

Nice! I was just getting bored and out of videos on my day off. Then this video pops up. Most exellent.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it! All the best, Mike 😀

[@susanburrows5288]

I understand the hesitancy to experiment too much on materials you've paid a lot for. This is a nice reminder that you CAN and SHOULD play/experiment with your materials, in any craft, because you could come up with things you really like. It is just easier when you haven't paid much money in case it *doesn't* come out with something you like. 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susan, you are quite right and I do love to experiment 😀

[@billrose2083]

Like most comments here, I agree that experimentation for all to see is a great way for us to learn. The bowls came out nice and "warm".

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bill, I do love to try new things. All the best, Mike

[@thenash4822]

Very interesting Mike. Your title was excellent...had me waiting for a tragic ending (from a woodworking perspective)! Instead it was because the minuscule cost made it easier to experiment! Nice work!

[@philgallagher1]

My thoughts exactly. All through I kept expecting something to explode or go wrong somehow! Very good title that drew me in and kept me watching to the end. And I'm glad I did cos they both turned out beautifully!

[@MikeHolton]

@thenash4822 @philgallagher1 Thanks guys, KZbin is a hard place to get noticed so coming up with an interesting title or play on words is something I work hard on. All the best and thanks both for commenting 😀

[@loopinnerthe]

I love the power of youtube. Those bowls dried and were ready for the lathe in about 2 weeks for me. I enjoyed these two bowls, the ash is the winner for me (Although Joan Armatrading wrote the beautiful song for the other one). A tender touch with the torch and the silver wax....genius.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks my friend, keep the quotes coming 😀

[@Sivnoc]

Most enjoyable! I liked the blue on the willow. It brought to mind a favorite old children's picture book, Little Tim and The Brave Sea Captain. Blue skies, blue sea, and sandy dunes - great fun. Thank you, I'm really looking forward to your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, I think I have read that book, I looked it up and the cover is very familiar. All the best and thanks for watching, Mike 😊

[@dellearts]

LOL you got me with that title. I was thinking that none of them dried properly and you did the work for nothing. Instead you have two amazing bowls from free wood! Love it! And I am super in love with India ink stain. So lovely!

[@lornacy]

Me too! I was so glad the "nothing" meant "no financial outlay"

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks and sorry for the title 🤣

[@lornacy]

@@MikeHolton All in good fun! 👍

[@MikeHolton]

@@lornacy 😂

[@LadyKatJPhillips]

At 8:24 YAY! I love charring! 😊 11:32 Yes to the colour! That ocean blue is gorgeousness! Love the silver also. 31:13 The black interior is fantastic! This would be a wonderful potpourri bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Kat 😀

[@snufflepig60]

I would never have thought of the burn and blue, what a great outcome.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, glad you like it 😀

[@lizacole9520]

I love that you are still being surprised and delighted by the wood you turn. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

I honestly am Liza, I just love that I get to play with this amazing living material 😀

[@ianlee9755]

Nice job, your experimental attitude to your turning is very infectious and a pleasure to watch, thanks again.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ian, I'm glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@tomburns7544]

I love your ability to just have fun and experiment. Well done, Mike! 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tom, life is too short not to have fun 😀

[@wessnyder6345]

Probably there are times that you get very anxious attempting something new, but you really are showing your artistic side by doing this. I certainly enjoy watching you work. In fact, I watch your videos before going to sleep at night as they relax me, ha-ha. Our indigenous nations here in the U.S., use willow to make many of their crafts. Such as the Katsina Dolls, but also bowls like you made. They will decorate them with religious or historical symbols on them. The willow tree brings good luck and protection from the Great Spirit. Many cultures built their homes from the willow trees. I hope that your willow bowl brings you good luck.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for the information, I love hearing about the use of wood in different cultures and what it means to them. Thanks again , Mike

[@raydriver7300]

And what have I just watched? Richard Raffan mounting distorted part turned bowls. It’s worth a look 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ray, I saw Richard Raffan do this a while ago but got the idea from Tomislav Tomasic who studied under Richard.

[@beniborukhov9436]

I really like blue stains. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was a pretty common stain color. The silver wax is a great touch too.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ben, I'm a huge fan of blue as well, I reach for other colours but always end up using blue 😀

[@79Firegirl]

Both turned out unexpectedly nice, especially the ash bowl.. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I love the ash as well 😀

[@sharlenejohnson9987]

The ash bowls has such a beautiful grain. Very nice!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Sharlene 😀

[@markporter4442]

Really enjoyed this one and again gave me some ideas that I would never have thought of. The ash bowl in particular turned out really well.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you liked it Mark, the ash is my favourite as well, a few Christmas presents will be made along these lines I think 😀

[@loobyloola18]

Wow I absolutely love these 2 the black was a really bold choice I thought the blue looked quite nice to start with maybe a couple of coats but I definitely absolutely loved the first one it's stunning 😍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

May I make a suggestion when dressing the wood after charing? I've had great success using a medium and then fine synthetic steel wool to buff the wood after charing. Also ive found that less is more with charing. Take it slow and steady. It takes longer but you can get the grain to blacken where you want it and the other segment of grain that stays lighter, will take a beautiful golden brown toasted colour. Then, your synthetic steel wool buffing takes way less effort and time and is also less messy. More time with the torch, less time dressing the wood after. Ive noticed that most people who go heavy on the char (including myself) end up sanding it back a ton for the majority of projects. When that happens, one loses the golden brown toast colour on the unchared parts of the wood. Slow, light torch work ends up saving a bunch of time and effort overall.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for the tip, I will give it a try, all the best, Mike 😀

[@oldncarvingJohn]

Love watching these again.❤❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😀

[@oldncarvingJohn]

This was great presentation Mike. Love the ash not so keen on the inside of the willow. Still great fun though. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, the willow is going to be a marmite situation I feel 😀

[@lv_woodturner3899]

A mis-quote of a song lyric comes to mind "Money for nothing and your bowls from free". LOL Glad that your bowl dried out without too much warping and almost no cracking. We are at the mercy of mother nature when twice turning a piece. Some folks swear by the air drying, some swear by the box with wood chips. In theory the box with wood chips should be a slower process which may result in less warping. I was given a number of once turned bowls by the widow of a turner who passed back in 2012. About 1/3 of these are too warped or in some cases cracked almost in two. I think these were air dried in his basement. I twice turned a couple of slippery elm bowls from a piece of a tree felled at a friends place. Some warping, some cracking due to having a bit of the pith, but I was happy to be able to get two bowls. This was was over 45% moisture when I first turned. A LOT of free water thrown all over myself and the wall. Hence I was not sure if it would warp too much. I got lucky. One of the bowls was given to the friend as a memento of the tree. They had to take it down due to the tree age and disease before a storm took it down. They loved their bowl. I like ash and have turned some ash pieces. I do not have any willow so have not turned this. The ash bowl looks very good. Not a surprise you did the charring and colouring on this. The open grain works well with this technique. I love the outside of the willow bowl. Nice contrast. It must look even better than the camera can show. Thanks for sharing the fun and experiments. Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much as ever Dave for insight, I'm still very new to twice turning but it certainly appeals to me. Not great for KZbin as you can't start and finish a bowl in one sitting but I will still be doing a few. This willow is nice but the grain has no real strength and you can't make it shine like you can other hard woods. It certainly do not take a colour as nice as ash does either. The willow in the rest of this pile will be left all natural. All the best, Mike

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Love all the testing you're doing.... Great information Mike....

[@MikeHolton]

More to come Dale, always more to come 😀

[@michalcoston3949]

I'm glad you left the outside of the willow un dyed , really liked that . the blue bowl is an interesting experiment . I love the silver wax !!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael, the silver was is always fun to use, I have a gold as well that works great on oak

[@davidtyers4903]

Oh, I have lots of Ash cut into blanks and slowly drying. I guess I am going to rough turn them and then come back to them in a few months. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome David, it certainly cuts years off the drying time 😀

[@cdjbkl3]

Thank you, Mike. One again, tremendously interesting.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@ShevillMathers]

Interesting video, both the drying techniques and the wood dyes. Thank you for sharing your skills and experiments. Greetings from Tasmania Australia.👍😁🇦🇺🦘

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Shevill and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I get a lot of people watching from Australia which is fantastic! All the best, Mike

[@Ted_P]

These blanks are perfect for experimentation. I’m. Big fan of the embellishing wax. The bit at the end where you struggled to set them all up in the lathe was a great addition. 😂

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Ted, that was a nightmare, I needed a couple of extra hands 😂

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

It's fun to experiment with turnings. Great job!

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, well it certainly make me happy 😂

[@racheldray1057]

I particularly like the graduated burn pattern. The black inside was really interesting. Personally I would like it black on the outside as well with the natural rim, but that's just me. The drying was a lot more effective than I expected. Great to see the full cycle. Thank you

[@MikeHolton]

You're more than welcome Rachel. I like the idea of black on the outside, inside with just a natural rim, I'll have to give that a go one day 😀

[@racheldray1057]

I know you like to experiment, I saw someone burn lightening pattens into a vase and wonder if that is something you would consider?@@MikeHolton

[@katm6]

I appreciate that you share your thought processes with us as you work. I'm still anti paint/color...I don't think I'll ever change on that. But you are the artist, I'm just the YT viewer. I liked when you lightly burned the wood and brought the grain out.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kathleen, I don't do a lot of colouring but sometimes I like to have a play 😀

[@katm6]

@@MikeHolton - Your channel! You get to do what you like. 😊🙃

[@MikeHolton]

@@katm6 Haha that is so true 🤣😂

[@thehampshirewoodturner]

Nice one Mike, I have to say that Ash bowl is quite spectacular, lovely colour with some great grain running through it, I have in the past tried both ways of drying wood with little success, it was good to watch your experiment , Take care Steve

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, that reminds me I must put your wax in the post lol 😀

[@gjn711825]

I really like the Shou Sugi Ban style bowl, it turned out beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊 all the best, Mike

[@andrewhall1693]

Some of my best wood is from the "fire wood pile" ....inspiring work.....thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew, I love turning firewood 😀

[@trinciacakewalk]

Fun and beautiful! Thanks for sharing these experiments. I really enjoyed it.

[@MikeHolton]

So glad Trincia , sometimes it's nice to try new things 😀

[@tombruno3986]

Mike, I love the dying technique.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tom 😄

[@fionakronert5060]

Love the look of the Shou Sugi Ban, very nice work. Thankyou

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you too Fiona 😊

[@cudamank]

I enjoyed your experiments. You are braver than I for using the black. I think I prefer the black inside willow bowl out of the two. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I get these ideas in my head and have to do them otherwise they start to become an obsession, that probably says a lot about my mental state! All the best, Mike

[@nicholasscott3089]

They are magnificent. If you are unhappy, I am more than willing to remove them from your mind and store them in my collection. Great work, beautiful finish, especially with the willow ❤️

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Paul, I'll let you know

[@stevedoran3631]

I've led a pretty sheltered life when it comes to wood turning, I've never seen coloured wood before... in a bowl anyway.... I was dubious when you first started with the dye..... but wow...... it did look great when you were done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, I don't do much colouring but it is fun 😀, all the best, Mike

[@MelkeinMaalla]

Thanks for showing the willow, I haven't seen others use that so far. We had a willow tree family species fall in the last storm and I harvested it. There was a little fungus in it, which obviously caused the tree to give up in the wind but the patterns were amazing. I love to collect wood that is a bit weathered, as you dry it the fungus dies and it is not toxic, no mold or anything like that, but the patterns and shades you get are amazing. Still waiting for it to dry but it feels lovely to touch. Experimenting with colours are fun, I would have put some texturing on the black inside, to make it look African ceramics inspired pottery, on the blue one I would have continued breaking the pattern with stripes and textured patterns (sometimes a pattern that is a bit too dominant settles down as it creates a lovely background for scratched patterns).

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for the ideas about texturing, that's something I have never got into but will give it a go one day. All the best, Mike

[@christopherharrison6724]

Love these experiments very interesting,but also love the finished results.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris 😃

[@RMRowlandm44]

Very interesting and useful study. You covered a lot of bases on this one. More information for our mental toolboxes. Thank you, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bob, I try to be useful 😀

[@markduggan3451]

Very impressive, I especially liked the blue one.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark, me too 😀

[@danielstieler8664]

I’m not a fan of burning wood for effect, “but” I do like it with blended colors. Great job. Thanks. Dan

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Daniel, I know it's not for everyone 😀

[@lornacy]

This morning I saw a root ball and found myself wanting to send it to Mike to see what he'd make of it. Since I live in the USA in Seattle, and it was in the neighbor's yard, that seems like a bad idea 😂 The black stain on the willow disappointed me a bit, but then I reminded myself this is not the last piece of wood with interesting grain. It's a neat effect on the finished bowl! Thanks again for another great video 😊

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome and thanks for thinking of me when you saw the root. Postage across the pond would have probably meant a re-mortgage so best to leave it where it is 😂. Thanks again, Mike

[@lornacy]

@@MikeHolton ... and the neighbors might have had an opinion about me digging up their yard. 😂

[@MikeHolton]

@@lornacy well sometimes it's better to ask forgiveness than permission 🤣

[@LoisHubbard]

I showed your channel to my sister tonight and this was the first video I showed her. We can't agree on anything and I loved the blue one but she wasn't as won over XD great to see you trying new stuff though Mike! Looking forward to seeing more of these bowls be turned

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, sisters can be like that 😊 Thanks Lois, all the best, Mike

[@judithstanka6471]

It´s so nice to watch your love for wood! And even if it turns into a struggle with your curiosity for new things - or even more so then - I can learn so much on the way. Thank you for letting us be part of your experiments and all the thoughts on the way.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Judith, I love what I do (or try to do) and am just glad nice people like you enjoy watching 😁

[@OmegaPrime76]

The willow bowl is beautiful!!l

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I appreciate it 😊

[@bassstrangler]

Absolutely beautiful work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

I love your little experiments. You keep me guessing where you are going to go, right up to the end! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ivor, I sometimes keep myself guessing as well 😀

[@deehenry1983]

Wow Mike, 21K!!!!!! Your channel is growing so fast, and well deserved. These bowls today are beautiful. I love the blue and silver combo, one of my faves! Have a great week and we will see you again soon!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Dee, it's beyond my wildest dreams and I'm just so grateful to have friends like you who have been with me for so long. Till next time 😀

[@williamweaver4946]

Great job Mike. I truly love the way these bowls came out and can't wait to see what you have instore for the rest of them.

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers William, not sure if they will be filmed but I will let everyone know the outcome one way or the other. All the best my friend, Mike

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, That very satisfying to watch and gives food for thought. I have not been a fan of colourizing Bowls but slowly I can see the artistic benefit, the willow bowl surprised me and I agree with the way that was done. I can say the same for the ash because of the same reasons. So I like them equally. Thanks for the video looking foreword to the next one. 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Roy, I don't do a lot of colouring but I do enjoy it when I do 😀

[@jwrowland77]

Love that embellishing wax. Really pops that grain out. Very nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it! I love using it, the cold one looks great on oak. 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

Thank you Mike, once again, so much learning for us in this video. I love that you have so much fun and share that fun with us as if we are in your workshop with you, having a chat; great stuff!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, I do try to keep it light hearted and fun, after all hobbies are meant to be just that 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

@@MikeHolton PS, I hope you soon recover fully, you should do, somehow you have passed that bug to me via KZbin!

[@MikeHolton]

@@davidbaxter5132 Haha sorry about that, it must have been a digital virus

[@tonymazzan6067]

Keep experimenting. I think it looks great.

[@MikeHolton]

That's the plan Tony, I love to try new things. All the best, Mike

[@bartharwood2791]

Well done. Impressive creativity.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much!

[@michaelbrennan6582]

Great job Mike! 3:55pm central time

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael and happy😀 new year

[@Zander1509]

Great video, I’ve learned so much from it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, that is great to hear, all the best, Mike

[@rosannamize6622]

I didn't think I'd like the blue dye. However, it turned out beautifully! I love the outside of the willow. However, I personally didn't care for the black dye inside. I don't know how it looked in person, but on camera, it looked as if the dye covered the gorgeous grain patterns. I'd much rather be able to see the grain patterns. I'm not criticizing your work or decision. Just my opinion. Great work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks is 100% fine Rosanna, thanks so much for your honesty and half of me wishes I had not died the Willow but it was something I wanted to try so I can live it it 😀

[@karenmaverick8476]

Absolutely stunning bowls, so glad u sanded some of the burning 🔥 away & then applied the blue hue & silver, beautiful grain in willow, we have about 32 different varieties here in Australia 🇦🇺 my favourite is Torturosa or Cork Screw next time l see one I'll give it a hug 🫂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Karen, willow is not really a tree I know much about, this was pussy willow which is pretty common in the UK

[@William_Kenny]

Great video mike great looking bowls.👍

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like them William, thanks, Mike

[@petershipman7314]

Loved it nice colours 🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter 😀

[@neilvernon7699]

A like the change-up in finish styles. I’m more partial to the blue ash, but they’re both beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Neil, I like the blue one as well 😀

[@vinimarshall7301]

Personally im not a fan of painting or dying wood but nice work Mike , i do like the information you put in the description of all the moisture contents 👍👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Vini, I know it's not for everyone, all the best, Mike 😀

[@timponder7487]

Nice work Mike 👏 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim 👍

[@deborahthompson258]

I love the ash bowl. The way you brought out the grain withe the burning and that coloring is beautiful. However, the willow one for me would take a little getting used to, but your idea of displaying something in front of it is interesting. 😊❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Deborah, looking back I probably should have left it but I had an idea in my head that I needed to get out 😀

[@rockcat5000]

I do not care for the black interior, but thank you for trying it. Usually prefer natural wood tones, but the blue bowl is awesome.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I get ideas that I have to try, if I don't they eat away at me till I do it lol 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

LOVE all your experiments and hearing your thought processes as you work. 2 more beautiful bowls in the world now. The burn/sand/color/ombre effect is so pretty and the black Willow (Widow) would look stunning with bright oranges or lemons in it. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks!, you are right about the oranges, I have a few so may just shove them in 😀, all the best, Mike

[@TheBerteh]

Interesting stuff. Really liked the Ash bowl 🙂🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Me too! Thanks for watching, Mike 😀

[@MightyWizardTim]

Very nice Mike. I was a skeptic on the burning of the ash, but it turned out rather nice. I really like the blue on it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, I love burning ash but oak also comes out great as well 😀

[@ericparramore5136]

Beautiful work. I hope to be able to try some of this soon

[@MikeHolton]

You can do it Eric, it's easy to do and fun as well

[@ericparramore5136]

Just trying to find time at the moment. Got some family stuff dealing with, but hope to be turning more consistently soon. Thank you for the encouragement

[@MikeHolton]

@@ericparramore5136 You're welcome Eric, I know all about family stuff, all the best, Mike

[@AlienLeader4]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing all your experiments with us. Keep up the great work. 👽

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, will do my friend, hope you are keeping well?

[@AlienLeader4]

@@MikeHolton Yes doing great over accross the pond. Thanks for asking.

[@MikeHolton]

@@AlienLeader4 No worries, I like to know my favourite guys are keeping 😃

[@mickwilson127]

Nice bowls Mike, I like the black bowl,it looks like a deep sky astograph! I admit though I liked the blue dye into the willow, It reminded me of a island lagoon 🤷‍♂️

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Mick, as I look back at it now I liked the blue on the willow more than I thought, oh well 😅

[@frankashworth5961]

AAAwww! Come on, Mike! You saw the internal heartwood of the 2nd bowl. You gave a Smurf a black eye.

[@MikeHolton]

haha sorry Frank, I promise to leave the next one natural 😀

[@j.g.campbell3440]

Somehow, looking at the outside of the willow bowl after shellacing, reminds me of some of Georgia O'Keefe's images of Southwestern Nativre American pottery.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I had to look that one up as I have never come across it before but now I see what you mean. Thanks so much for the reference! All the best, Mike

[@MisheleWalkerLPC]

Hi, I just found your channel. I really like your experiments. It was fun to watch. I sculpt with clay and it inspired me.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mishele, I would love to use clay but I can't actually stand to touch it lol. All the best and thanks for your support, Mike

[@Audie1234]

❤2 nice pieces❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 🤗

[@haroldhoskison7239]

I like the dying of the bowls. The burning is very interesting.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Harold 😀

[@everydayrenaissanceman2246]

Good to have fun and experiment. Like this one time, at band camp…

[@MikeHolton]

😂😅😂 probably good you stopped that story there 😂😅😂

[@The_Joker_]

You should try a litre of vinegar, steel wool and a few rusty nails, let it sit for 24hrs stir and filter the iron oxide vinegar mix into a squirty bottle. Spray a few pieces of wood you’ll be surprised at the effect it gives. I do this on ash and oak turnings they come out pretty amazing ebonizing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I have made up my own ebonising fluid in the past, it's fun to make 😀

[@kristikey8320]

It's a first for me to see someone put a recess inside a bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

It works well and saves a lot of tine 😀

[@WoodWizardrybyColin]

very interesting great pieces

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Colin, Mike 😀

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks 👍

[@MikeHolton]

No problem 👍

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. Well - two for the price if one this week! And what a treat was in store for us all when the video started. Both bowls are so totally different and yet you have brought out a wealth of beauty for each. And I do love your experimental attitude to these, without worrying too much if the whole thing goes wrong. Not that I ever think you will make a complete mash up of your turnings. But I am looking forward to what you do with the remaining blanks. Certainly something to look forward to in the future, should you decide to film them. Have a good week, and I hope you are feeling better for the next “production”.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Angela, I'm pretty much recovered already which is a relief, it hit my wife a lot harder than it did me, all the best, talk soon. Mike

[@Angela-en6oh]

@@MikeHolton My regards to your wife, and I hope she is better soon.

[@MikeHolton]

@@Angela-en6oh Thanks Angela, she got it a few days before me and is now fine 😀

[@raydriver7300]

H again Mike. I am now caught up with you, but it’s 05.07 so I’m putting my iPad down now. As always, thank you for sharing your expertise and producing two beautiful bowls. 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ray, I feel like I need to send you a certificate for completing them all 😂, all the best and I hope you get a well earned rest. Mike

[@raydriver7300]

@@MikeHolton So good of you to take the trouble to reply. I’ve done almost nothing this week except sit with my feet up 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

@@raydriver7300 Sounds like you have had a perfect week. I would have replied this morning but Thursday is my crazy day at work, I have classes all day including a couple of lectures. I normally get time to answer a few before I leave for work in the morning but today I left just after 7. All the best my friend, Mike

[@billkroulek3814]

Good presentation

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Bill 😀

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice work Mike. I have found Weeping Willow to have a very nice grain. Spalted Weeping Willow is really beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Loran, this is pussy willow 😀

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

I haven't tried that.

[@jsprankel4712]

Adding those different colors is indeed interesting, Mike. Honestly, I think I like the blue on the outside best! Keep up the great work, Sir!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jim, I do love the way the ash came out 😁

[@fionacrouch1732]

Again, an awesome video Mike. With each step of the ash bowl, I was thinking "stop, its perfect" but then loved the next thing you did, and it has turned out so amazing. Also not sure of the black, but as you said, this was an opportunity to try things and have fun, and I'm sure it is so much more than the camera shows. Hope you do show some of the other bowls, or at least how they finished. Thanks for sharing, Mike. I can sleep happy having had my daily dose of Turner and Hooch 😂

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Fiona, if I don't video the turning I will certainly be showing images for the finished bowls. All the best and have a great evening, Mike 😀

[@MASI_forging]

Nice work dude 👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😁

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very Nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Many many thanks David 😀

[@Tseringlhatso]

Good to see the experiments! love the ash, was loving the willow till the black went on. I think I would have liked it if it had been a dense black colour, but when it started to lift and go patchy I wasn't so sure, think I preferred it natural 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Yeah I think I agree but I needed to try it so I don't feel too bad about how it came out, all the best, Mike