Can I Tame THE BEAST? - The Ultimate Woodturning Challenge

Join me in this Epic Woodturning Challenge as I tackle a colossal piece of Monkey Puzzle wood. This massive and weighty piece challenges the limits of my lathe, but even with determination and skill do I manage to tame the beast? Well you will just have to watch and find out.
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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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

[@DoloresJNurss]

There's something immensely calming about listening to the gentle voice of someone who takes in stride all manner of unexpected complications with grace and good humor. After watching a video like this, I always feel like none of my challenges in life are all that bad.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Dolores, I really appreciate your message, all the best, Mike

[@huberthicks9080]

You certainly gave your hand and wrist a workout, Mike. A very lovely, huge piece. You did the wood justice. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Hubert😀

[@jjnewton33able]

Such a beautiful piece at the end. It is always enjoyable watching a craftsman create something from a piece of nature. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, one of my best friends at school had the same name as you 😀

[@allochthonplays2978]

I think "Well, that's remarkably undramatic!" is my favorite line from a turning video. Undramatic, when turning huge pieces of wood, is good! LOL Spectacular piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I was expecting something else to happen 😂

[@frankashworth5961]

Thank goodness for video editing, eh Mike? I can't imagine how many total hours you had invested in this unique, swirling piece.

[@MikeHolton]

@@frankashworth5961 Indeed a lot of the actual turning was trimmed otherwise the video would have been a lot longer lol

[@louisjackson4634]

I love seeing people work with monkey puzzle, such a lovely finish. This piece is no exception, especially with all the trouble you had. Great job Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Louis😀

[@rambladesmanmoe6291]

Thanks Mike. Really love that we can follow along with your thought process throughout your turnings. That is what separates you from the rest. Beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend, I fell if I can share as I go along then we can all discover and learn together 😀

[@redsworkshopuk]

Mike, another great piece of art.. The more I watch, the more you are inspiring me to have a turning channel myself. Fantastic job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and give it a go, feel free to email me and I'll give you all the help I can ([e-mail])

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

I've never been so bored during a wood turning😴

[@MikeHolton]

You could have always turned off!

[@allisonv8539]

I love how you keep so much natural beauty in your creations. This piece is no exception. It’s such a gorgeous piece of wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Allison😀

[@markporter4442]

You have the patience of a saint Mike, I was quite apprehensive for when you turned the piece round to hollow but the mortise was a good decision and once again you nailed it. Great piece of work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark, I was so glad it held, that lest thing I wanted was that huge piece flying off the lathe lol

[@deehenry1983]

This is an absolutely amazing bowl! I have never heard of this wood before, so I was thrilled to see what you did with it. Glad to see you still going strong, and with more sponsors!!! So proud to be along on this crazy ride, and to see all of your continued success! Have a great one!!!!

[@amieclay8409]

Mike has done two other videos with the monkey puzzle wood (Knobs Off and Knobs On). You should check them out because they are SO neat!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Dee😀

[@deehenry1983]

@@amieclay8409 i am going back thru all of his old videos, so i am sure i will run into it :) thanks for letting me know!!

[@billmarcus7257]

Astoundingly stunning piece and skills!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Bill 😁

[@troybaldwin5329]

That was a massive piece and you did a fantastic job of turning it. That's a beautiful bowl Mike congrats.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Troy, this is probably the largest piece I've turned 😀

[@TheMadmacs]

oh no! i'm addicted to these turning vids... i'm on two in a row first thing in the morning.... i've only had one cigarette and one coffee.... i think i watched 5 or 6 in a row last night... i was only looking for bark removing tips and got distracted...

[@MikeHolton]

Haha it happens so easily 😁

[@jmwz9657]

Always a good morning when one of these pops up!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like them 😀

[@markdesautels4764]

Very nice! I love larger pieces but even makes me a little nervous just watching. Your patience and thoughtfulness definitely paid off.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark, this certainly took a lot of time to complete, all the best, Mike 😀

[@charlesgarnier4255]

Luv how you reapect the turning by allowing the piece itself to guide you in its end design-- somewhat like the process in raising kids.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, I guess it is like raising kids. My dad told me that it was not his job what to tell me what to do with my life but it was his job to help me do what I wanted to with my life.

[@teddyt4989]

That bowl your turned is one of the prettiest bowls I've seen. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@NickCronin-l2f]

Isn't it lovely when the constant hammering on the tool gives way to smooth when the piece is trued up? Good to see more sponsors coming onboard. Good luck for the move.

[@MikeHolton]

It is a great feeling Nick, even better when you can get the speed up about 300 as well lol 😀 Moving is all happening next week, can't wait 😀

[@Ian-g2g]

They say go big or go home !!!. What an absolute pleasure it is to watch your skills bring the timber to life time after time.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ian, really appreciate it 😀

[@scottfonner]

Well done Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott 😀

[@chandarussell]

I love the colours and the figuring from the knots. I was thinking this would make a great fruit bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

It would! and it will certainly hold a lot of fruit! 😃

[@zzota]

Beautiful egg cup! Worth the effort.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, I would hate to come across the bird to fill it 😀

[@johnwoods9995]

Well done Mike. Stunning result. You've inspired me to be braver with big pieces, which i really need right now as I'm about to turn some crematory urns from big hunks of heavy native wood heren New Zealand. It's the hollowing I dread the most. Thanks.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I would be very tempted to split the wood into three and glue back together with perhaps a thin accent piece in-between. Will help no end with the following and also help keep the wood more stable long term. Let me know how you get on.

[@stephaniecarisse7132]

Wow, I have never seen or heard about this type of wood. Beautiful bowl !

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! If you look back on my channel you will see me turn it twice before, the video are called something like knobs on and knobs off lol 😀

[@stephaniecarisse7132]

@@MikeHoltonwill do. Thank you

[@doreenwatson-read]

Flipping heck that's gorgeous

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Doreen 😁

[@johnbuchanan578]

That was a challenge well met. Great result.😎

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, it was a bit of a workout! 😀

[@robertrichards1840]

Another brilliant demo mike was suprising how much it moved on the outer rim as you were hollowing , again fantastic colour

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, to wood was still quite wet so as it dried it changed shape 😀

[@kevinsmeds5226]

what a lovely shape out of that piece. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kevin, I did have other ideas at the start for the shape but the rot took me in a different direction 😀

[@karengilchrist9774]

Very impressive piece, Mike! Lots of hard work but great result.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks! 😀

[@scottpoettker2268]

That's a gorgeous bowl and will make a fantastic center piece for family dinners in your home! Thank you for showing that anything is possible with patience and determination!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott 😀

[@lizacole9520]

Another brave shout, with a fabulous outcome! I love the way you never seem to give up on giving a piece of wood a new life! Gorgeous colours too! 😍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Liza, I don't believe in giving up, only if all hope is lost will I throw in the towel 😀

[@jimwinter4635]

Absolutely Beautiful... Very well done, not the easiest of woods to work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Jim and you're right about that lol 😀

[@NomaD_203]

I love listening to you 'think out loud' as you work and ponder over challenges as they arise. The finish really brought out the character of the wood and let the grain 'emerge' to fill in the negative space around the eyes. Before that, they looked a lot like something else to me 🤔🤭🤣 . Well done! Another triumph over adversity and another beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for your comments, I want to try and include everyone with what is going through my mind, hopefully this way we can all learn together 😀

[@watrgrl2]

Gorgeous bowl! Great job!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@79Firegirl]

❤ very nice bowl.. the colors in the wood came out amazing with the oil and wax.. 👌👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Wendy, I have never seen this many colours before in this wood 😀

[@jessicamorelli2003]

My first time seeing your work. I will be back for more. Beautiful bowl, nicely done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jessica 😀

[@chrisdodds3383]

Mike. That is the biggest Sake cup I have ever seen, nice work 😳👍

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, don't tell my wife or she will be putting Pinot in there lol 😀

[@cottrilltoolwoodworks]

A nice challenge that turned out wonderfully. Well done sir.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly ☺️

[@isabellerininger6249]

Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Isabelle 😃

[@l.m.892]

Happy trails, my friend. I never got the chance to do this type of thing in school. Watching you do it is an experience. Cheers from America.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I did it at school but then over 35 years passed before I tried it again lol 😃

[@colinmitchell6676]

A huge amount of work but so worth it when you see this result

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Colin 😀

[@bethjohnson2793]

Wow what a beauty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Beth

[@nickabercrombie4001]

Very nice project you make it look so easy.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks I do a good impression of someone who knows what their doing 😃

[@PasqualD]

Really like the final product makes me think of flames in colour and pattern. Very nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 🙏

[@kathryntrinder]

Gorgeous piece, again! That really was a beast. We were worried all through that it would throw itself off the lathe and land on you! You really do have a magic touch ❤

[@kathryntrinder]

I've started sharing some of your videos as I find them relaxing to watch and I know others who could benefit from watching something relaxing. So nice in this mad fast paced world to watch someone work at a natural pace, and take their time over details. Doing the turning must be good for you too I'm sure, especially with the recent stress of the house. Thanks for giving us some of your time when you must be immensely busy. 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, I guess I'm just lucky 🤣

[@jsprankel4712]

Great job Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim 😀

[@donnagreen7386]

That’s a beast Mike!!! It’s a stunning piece 😁

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Donne, it certainly is a big one lol 😀

[@AlienLeader4]

That is a super bowl. Wow great for a huge salad bowl at family gatherings. Keep up the amazing work. 👽

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😀

[@rocketman13f51]

I was sweating this turn the whole way because I recently broke two toes when a piece came off my band saw and landed on my left foot. I had done everything correctly except one minor mistake! I appreciate your attitude about saving as much of the wood as possible. Some of the so called “Professional” wood turners remove so much of a beautiful piece of wood to get what they think is the perfectly turned piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I knew I had to loose some of the wood due to the very bad rot but the rest I really wanted to save as much as I could 😀

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very Nice. I love the knots.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@moparman1962]

Mike, that is a very nice looking, dare I say beautiful, large wooden bowl...I would love to have one like that to use and display in my home...job well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike, I would put this one up for sale but my wife has an ideal place for it in the new house lol, all the best, Mike

[@GailRobertson-l2c]

Really like this piece. As a non wood person I enjoy hearing your thought process and explanations, help me understand some of the difficulties.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks I really appreciate that 😃

[@rwyse1]

Mike your a brave man it looks fantastic hopefully the move goes well

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Ray, we start to move in just over a week 😀

[@lindawallace-radcliffe5915]

Lovely bowl fantastic centre piece for salad or fruit

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Linda, I want to fill it with hot bread rolls 😀

[@Peter_R996]

Another lovely piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Peter 😀

[@nanalefevre3670]

That is a Wonderful bowl ! Everyone should have one, i know i would love one. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nana 😁

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nana 😁

[@stevedoran3631]

I have never been so happy to see one of your artworks finished as I was with this magnificent bowl...... superb work Mike......

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much and I felt the same 😀

[@jasonfarrell1974]

That turned out awesome!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jason 😀

[@tomweishaar2998]

I don’t believe I would have the guts to turn a chunk that big. You’re braver than I am. Congratulations.

[@MikeHolton]

Bravery and stupidity are very close together 😀, thanks Tom

[@confused837]

Wow what a lovely piece of work

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😀

[@debraculbertson3915]

Love the bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Debra 😀

[@tombruno3986]

Mike I love this bowl. You really worked your buns off on it.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Tom 😀

[@eveny119]

Can't believe I missed THE BEAST. But I've been busy watching old videos because someone (who will remain nameless) said they'd be busy ''packing''.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I said I would try 😂

[@mikehammer6230]

That turned out very nice. Good luck on your move.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike and thanks for your support, all the best, Mike 😀

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

Great job on magnificent piece of wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jason 😀

[@LoisHubbard]

I think you did the wood real justice and it was wonderful to see such an elegant shape emerge from it. I know you want to be able to go deeper but the plinth like stand it has works really well for this piece. Hope turning continues to be a happy space for you amidst the stress of a move. Looking forward to saying goodbye to this workshop and hello to wherever you are next

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lois, we are all pretty excited for the move. The new house is beautiful and the workshop space is a lot larger although I'm sure I'll fill it pretty quickly lol 😀

[@jenw9361]

Wonderfully done.!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Jen 😀

[@russellseitz]

Mike is indeed an ornament to his profession .

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks but I have no idea what that means 🤣

[@terryllewellyn1677]

Fabulous Mike 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Terry 😀

[@MightyWizardTim]

Nice bowl. The wood is really cool. Never worked with Monkey Puzzle before.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, with it being a softwood you need to keep tools sharp to get a decent finish

[@lynnettejohns4733]

Amazing! The eyes are a standout feature. Your determination is astonishing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lynette, I never like to give up because when you do you stop learning 😀

[@robboland9857]

A beautiful piece of work sir. Love the size. You did the wood good my friend. Thanks for sharing your work.🌿 🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rob, this was hard but so much fun 😀

[@GoetzMons]

Fantastic!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 👍

[@2CraftySeniors]

Looking at the gorgeous bowl at the end, it's hard to imagine the huge hunk of tree stump it began as. Amazing job, Mike! 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, it came a long way! 😀

[@budjones3296]

The piece turned out nice...good job!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bud 😀

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks 👍 I was holding my breath until the end but it happily stayed in the chuck. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Haha that makes two of us 😀

[@stephanielovatt2787]

Well done! What a bowl! I was a bit dubious, when you started, but ut came out really well. The colours are great! Keep up the good work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@kristinalubas5181]

I love learning about all the different types of wood (and the trees they come from). This was a gorgeous piece as well with the grain and eye patterns and the color changes. Hope the move is going well, can’t wait to see the new shop all set up!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kristina, I can't wait as well, so eager to get started 😀

[@lornacy]

The simplicity of the shape lets the beauty of the wood shine 😊 That bowl looks MUCH easier to move than the chunk of wood it was turned from! 😂

[@MikeHolton]

You have no idea, I kept messing up the intro to the video and had to keep lugging it on and off the lathe lol, so much easier at the end 😀

[@DorothyMarks-Tango17]

Another amazing piece!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dorothy 😀

[@TammyOToole]

WOW! Greetings from your fans in Virginia!❤

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks 😀

[@kevingeaney7741]

Beautiful piece! Very well explained and thought out. It is always difficult to balance getting as much as possible out of the wood v. getting the best shape. You did very well!😂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kevin, I would have loved this to have been bigger but the wood was not good enough 😃

[@sarahtyster7342]

the colours are incredible, and the shape is so perfect with the eyes of the wood. I hadn't thought about rot, and how you have to shape taking into consideration those things. that is just spectacular - the pinks and the oranges and the splashes of colour it seems to have. it's a great piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Sarah, I did not expect to have all those colours in this when I started.

[@JoeDebono]

Mike, just a tip I’ve observed other turners use when cutting a mortise. They slightly dovetail the edge to give the chuck (or chook as you would say) something to grip securely on.

[@MikeHolton]

I always do 😂

[@DanielJohnson-e1t]

I just found your channel and I’m impressed

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Daniel and welcome 😀

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

What an undertaking! I would say you definitely tamed this beast and transformed it into a magnificent showcase piece, once again proving you are an exceptional artist. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Cynthia 😊

[@stephenkennedy7931]

Wow, amazing job when I saw the shape of the wood when you first started turning I thought you would do well to get a bowl out of it. God Bless from your Canadian Friend.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Stephen 🙂

[@Coxeysbodgering]

I think this is the be(a)st monkey puzzle I've seen and definitely the largest! Re the tool rest, you can get a crank (can't remember it's name) that goes in the tool post and allows different angles and will bring your existing rests closer. Good luck on the move and looking forward to the last video in the old shop.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for the idea I will look into it, still not sure what my last video will be but I'll find something nice 😀

[@susannah4Him]

Glad to see Hooch, the stuffed puppy dog, is still presiding over your work! 😂 This monkey puzzle bowl is truly lovely. Well done, again!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susannah, he did get a bit of a ride with this one but he got through it 😀

[@raywaltersjr.2146]

I really love the grain pattern on this wood. It’s beautiful. The finish that you put on there brings it out beautifully. Beautiful piece of work Mike as usual excellent job..

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ray, I was amazed how much colour variation appeared when the oil went on 😀

[@leaannd.8786]

Wishing you well with your move. Lovely bowl. 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it 😀

[@thijsversteeg9010]

Mike, you have beautifully showcased the beauty of nature!

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks 😀

[@nigelharvey210]

what a gorgeous colour that produced. once again your skills came up trumps well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nigel, the colour was certainly something! 😀

[@ronniekeates3349]

I would love to eat a salad presented in that lovely bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ronnie 😀

[@fionanaylor6104]

Yeah, that’s big. Was thinking I could baptise babies in that. Home at last, on sofa, with dogs, drinking out of a real mug, watching someone else take the risks. Great piece Mike. 😃💗

[@MikeHolton]

Haha it is big enough that's for sure. Thanks as always Fiona 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

Love watching you whittle these big chunks of trees down to size. Wonderful end product. What a nice, large bowl. I'll bet it can pack a mean salad, or assortment of fruit.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, imagine how many sweets you can get in there 😀

[@geraldsimon3268]

You do such beautiful work.

[@MikeHolton]

You're so kind, I appreciate it, Mike 😀

[@noregrets7469]

One single word, “Beautiful!”

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😀

[@garthkeck2003]

Beautiful piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Garth 😀