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😀

[@VinRigggers]

I am 80 years old today and have been fascinated all my life by the beautiful things that you and others Mike produce using your skills with these wonderful machines. I never dreamed that one day I could actually afford to buy one. So I've done it! and when it arrives on a pallet I hope my neighbour will be home to help me get it into my work shed. Many thanks for sharing your skill giving me confidence to give it a try.

[@MikeHolton]

That is completely amazing Vini well done. If you are in the UK I would love to send you some wood to have a go with. All the best and good luck, Mike. P.s. happy birthday 😁

[@VinRigggers]

@@MikeHolton Mike I'm sat here crying, what a lovely response, I did not expect it. My family has just gone home after being fed and watered! I'm in Waterthorpe Sheffield but don't know how to send you my address safely?

[@MikeHolton]

@@VinRigggers No need to cry Vin, I'm more than happy to help. I have your email and just responded. All the best, Mike

[@VinRigggers]

@@MikeHolton Thank you Mike, looking forward to getting started turning.😃

[@jimdownhour5224]

I agree with this Gentleman, I think wood grain is nature's art... I will be 70 this year.

[@pastyman3247]

I cannot count the number if time i held my breath for you especially near the end when you could see the bowl starting to wobble on the chuck. Your calm composure and feel for your art shine's through . Im learning so much just by watching you. Beautiful almost impossible bowl that anyone would be proud to own. I tip my hat to you sir.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow thanks so much my friend, this one was fun!! 😀

[@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

[@judgetk8327]

I grew up in a machine shop and for the life of me I can't figure out why you don't eliminate the chance of anything going wrong and just balance it so you can knock off the high spots you want to use. 5:44 in. I think it will be OK but thinking and knowing are two different things. Carry on.

[@MikeHolton]

I was saying that for a little drama, if didn't think it was safe I would not have started 😄

[@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 😀

[@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 😀

[@billmarcus7257]

Astoundingly stunning piece and skills!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Bill 😁

[@bettybryson9637]

Very beautiful and interesting with the eyes in the wood! I could never get tired of watching wood turning! Wood bowls and boxes of different types of wood are one of my favorite things to collect!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Betty, I think I'm going to be making a box soon 😀

[@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😀

[@wurzle001]

i just looked at a piece of that about the same size in my shed and thought i really need to turn it at some point , so will be interested to see how the lathe stands up to it as i have the same one

[@MikeHolton]

The lathe did just fine, I was quite surprised 😀

[@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])

[@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 😀

[@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.

[@Brockthedog315]

I look at this and think how skilled you have to be just to not hurt yourself. The art is a whole other thing. Pleasure to watch and thanks for sharing. Peace❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@elainecooksey5338]

You certainly did tame the beast. Beautiful. We bought a wooden fruit bowl made out of the roots. Such a lovely piece. From a man many years ago, while on holiday. Xx

[@MikeHolton]

Sounds great thanks Elaine 😀

[@PETRAPAPILLON]

Gosh! So glad I discovered your channel! This is even more gorgeous than the one before! A real collector piece👏👏👏 Wouldn’t mind having that in my home. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 What a great artist you are. I used to do a bit of wood turning during my art classes in my youth so I know the challenges this can represent. Well done. 👍👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Petra, I did turning as well at school but did not try it again until my wife bought me a lathe nearly 4 years ago 😀

[@kathleencarpentier3397]

What a tremendous bowl! I could see it was a challenge but it must be gratifying to have the piece turn out as good or better than you hoped! I am enjoying working my way thru past projects as I have only recently found your fascinating channel.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kathleen, it was indeed, I just love projects like this 😀

[@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 😀

[@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 😀

[@joyceburton8208]

I enjoy and appreciate you sharing your thought process. I've never seen this type of wood. Job well done in dealing with all the rot problems. This turned out to be a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing and creating such a lovely bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Joyce, if you look back on my videos you will see me turn two other pieces 😀

[@kaylaharding9977]

I absolutely love the colors of this wood!!! Excellent choice on the finish!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Kaylah 😀

[@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!!

[@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

[@NGildred]

Absolutely brilliant Mike and the eyes remained me of Peacock feather eyes. It’s an amazing piece with those eyes spaced perfectly. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Nick and thanks 😀

[@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 😃

[@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😀

[@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 😀

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Great bowl Mike. Your use of CA to stiffen the punky areas of wood of perfect. Great design for such a large log section.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Doug, I so need a longer tool rest lol, the gouge was sticking out 5" at the end! 😀

[@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 😀

[@JamesHarper-Williams]

Maybe it's just me but I found the sound it made as you were handling the finished bowl really satisfying - almost musical!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks James 😀

[@charlessabinjr7661]

🤠 My second video of yours. I subscribed because, both times, you showed how to take a chunk of wood, turn it into a blank of wood for the lathe, and then turn it into an incredibly well-balanced bowl with visual and utilitarian appeal. This is what I am watching to learn - how to visualize the possibilities present in the raw material. Thanks.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Charles and welcome, working with raw material is so much fun as you can never be sure how it will turn out, you may have an idea at the start but the wood will always let you know if it has other ideas 😀

[@wessnyder6345]

Hi Mike, how fortunate that you were able to find a large piece Monkey Puzzle to make this bowl. The eyes of the wood are perfect for a beautiful serving bowl. And your choice of using walnut oil to accentuate the color of the wood was right on as usual. It will definitely be a conversation piece at any meal. I can't wait to see how things are progressing at your new shop and home.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Wes, all going well here, we are less than a week away from starting to move everything in the house. Workshop moves on the 2nd March 😀

[@samanthaclarke7250]

Just sat watching this one , I said to my husband I need that as a yarn bowl. It’s beautiful !! Monkey puzzle trees are my fav

[@MikeHolton]

Haha It would make a large but great yarn bowl lol 😀

[@samanthaclarke7250]

@@MikeHoltondid you ever sell this piece ? What sort of price would it be ?🤔

[@MikeHolton]

@@samanthaclarke7250 Hi Samantha, no we still have it, my wife claimed it 😀

[@samanthaclarke7250]

@ aw I’m sad but so she should , it was a beautiful piece .

[@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 😀

[@rickkrisko4191]

Very nice piece. I too held my breath a few times. Congratulations on making it to the end.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Rick 😊

[@ruthportway5198]

So much work but what a stunning result. I admire your perseverance and being able to ‘see’ the potential in the chunk of wood you start of with yet adapting as it throws up challenges to you. tfs

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Ruth, I had an idea what I wanted to create but it all had to go out the window as the wood had other ideas lol 😀

[@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 😀

[@brendadriver2702]

Wow! The color of that wood and the figuring is beautiful! I love the shape. That’s a keeper! Hope you’re getting settled into your new digs. Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Brenda and yes it's a keeper, we move in next week 😀

[@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 😀

[@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.

[@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 😀

[@SuAllison-Lenk]

Hi I have been thinking about your move, hope it goes well. I love this beautiful piece. Making the most of the wood . Really watching you turn the wood and hearing you talk through your processes, thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Su, not long now, this time next week we will be in with just the workshop equipment to move 😀

[@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 😀

[@lindamontgomery121]

I’m 70 years old, watching how you just take an ugly piece of wood and make it glow fascinates me. I use your show as a calming tool.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Linda I'm so glad you find them calming 😀

[@rustyzx9562]

It's pretty easy to envision the end product from a nice prepared blank, but seeing what can come out of a starting piece like the one in this video is really impressive! Very well done as per usual... Thank you very much for this content as well, some of my most favorite videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rusty, I try to use raw pieces whenever I can as I find them so much more fun and challenging 😀

[@raydriver7300]

I agree with you, Mike, the outcome is very pleasing. I also use 3A ca glue and it is an excellent product. I didn’t let it dry for long enough on one product and my ruler is still covered in it as a reminder. Such a shame you haven’t got a coring system as you would have saved some of that beautiful wood. All the best and don’t hesitate to ask if I can be of any help with your move 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Ray! O2A is great stuff but you do need to let it dry lol, if you need some take advantage of my 10% code but remember it expires on the 3rd. Would love an extra pair of hands for the move but are you not a bit too far away? All the best, Mike 😀

[@bryaneltornerodemadera7397]

Another fasscinating video Mike with a beautiful end result. Can I suggest a future video on your video techniques, editing, cameras, editing programme, lighting etc. I for one would be very interested as I've found another side to woodturning in producing videos of my work and there must be others. Keep 'em coming in your new workshop.

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Bryan, that is a very interesting idea and I will certainly think about it. My set up it not very high tech as 'proper' filming equipment is very expensive and using it in a very dusty environment is not ideal. But I will think about it and thanks again for the suggestion. Mike

[@thenash4822]

Beautiful piece Mike. I like the style and that you maximized the size of the piece, it really shows off the grain. There are many times I see only a third of a piece of wood left after turning, and even though the resulting piece is beautiful, it seems a waste with much of the wood left on the floor. I'm sure it's a hard decision, and sometimes there isn't any choice. Nice work taming the beast!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I would have loved this to have been larger but the rot was just too bad! 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

Mike, I have said it before and will say it again, you are a braver man than I am, Sir; I would not have dared to take that on, but you did, and won, and lived to tell the tale .... and don't need to transport the great hunk of wood it started out as - winner all round (no pun intended!)

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks David, I don't scare easy but when that beast started to turn I did get a little nervous lol 😀

[@Tseringlhatso]

What a stunner! It's gorgeous Mike. I loved the other araucaria pieces you did as well. My daughter used to call them muzzelly punky trees. We have one in the village that was planted when it was tiny - about 10' from the front of the house. We've all been waiting for it to start growing though the door and the windows - it's not far from taking their roof off now !

[@MikeHolton]

Haha love the name your daughter gave the tree. You see a lot of them panted in the front garden which are now just giants! 😀

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@chammers7377]

with as large as this piece was, you could have just made a planter of it, which it arguably looks like (though it certainly looked much more like one earlier on)

[@MikeHolton]

I did have a few thoughts along these lines but the rot took away a lot of the size I hoped I would have 😀

[@Buttermilk3696]

WOW!! 39:52 You should name that bowl the Perseverance bowl!! Or maybe the O3A bowl!! Great job on a massive undertaking!! Glad you took us along!!

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks, it was certainly a challenge, I felt like I had been beaten up after each turning session 😀

[@stephenaxford1505]

Another fantastic piece. Your patience and skill is wonderful. I loved the knot pattern in the inside and loved the simple but pleasing shape. Well done. Best wishes for a successful and none stressful move.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Stephen, not long now 😀

[@springbay1]

Very interesting episode. Especially hearing you thinking out loud about your decisions during the making. I hope you and your family will enjoy many sallads from the bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

I hope so too! All the best, Mike 😀

[@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 😂

[@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 😀

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Wow, that was indeed a beast. What a work out. Wonderful transformation of the grain and colours when you added the walnut oil. In some earlier projects with projecting portions of the blank, including other monkey puzzle pieces, I wondered why you did not cut off the projection with hand saw or chain saw to get better balance and also save a lot of effort in the interrupted cuts. Very well done being able to turn this without "Murphy" causing issues. The hard and punky areas were a challenge to turn due to the tool bouncing, never fun. CA glue is so useful. I love the end result. Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, I had to turn this over a few days as I have a damaged right elbow, the bouncing was giving me a fair amount of problems 😀

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike, I saw your video come up and said “Oh goodie, Mike’s back”, rubbed my hands and sat back to see what you had this time. And what a stonking big lump it was. I must say at this point, Monkey Puzzle trees are not my favourite - too “angular” for my liking - and very prickly as well. However, I love the way the branches allow for a wonderful peacock feathers eye to be created as the wood is turned. And that’s what I see in the finished bowl. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this wood turning journey and, as ever, I will look out for the next little gem. Have a good week.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Angela, must admit you never hear of people hugging one of these trees 😀. Great fun to turn though. All the best, Mike

[@tammyparo3279]

Not being a fan of the color yellow, I still love the bowl and the color. Its so vibrant and the woodgrain is just lovely. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tammy 😀

[@jamesbeatty3213]

What a beautiful piece wow kept me on the edge of my seat can't wait until I can upgrade from my midi lathe and try big pieces like that mike your videos are never a let down well done sir

[@billc.6381]

Me too! All I need to do is convince the wife😂 so it might be a while.

[@jamesbeatty3213]

@billc.6381 that is the biggest challenge of all 😆 🤣

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much James 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Haha 😀

[@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 😀

[@KRColson]

Absolutely smashing job! It came out really lovely indeed! Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@JoshLeichtung]

I admire your troubleshooting skills! Where can you get that glue in the states?

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Josh, to be honest I'm not sure you can. This is an Amazon listing, see if it can be sent to America. www.amazon.co.uk/O3a-Cyanoacrylate-Instant-Adhesive-BRITAIN/dp/B0B63R8V6Y/ref=asc_df_B0B63R8V6Y/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606569439067&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15610171648945774488&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007119&hvtargid=pla-1731333981093&psc=1&mcid=39cd7a4a1c163e76903aa4307b7efe30

[@JoshLeichtung]

Thanks so much!

[@andrewhall1693]

Braw ....Good luck with the move ....hope the weather is kind on the day ....Looking forward to your first in the new workshop!. thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew, just can't wait to get started 😊

[@MichaelDimick-o3j]

Thank you for continuing your works. I wish you well with the move and look forward to seeing your new shop in action.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Michael 😀

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, what a dramatic piece. The eyes standout and the shape depth of the bowl. When you put on the walnut oil it transformed it completely. Again you have turned a stunning bowl with great skill and thought along the way. Thanks for the video looking forward to the next/last one before your move. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roy, the last turn will be emotional, I started turning in this workshop just a few short years ago, will be strange to turn in another workshop

[@tinarutherford6239]

Absolutely gorgeous! TY for sharing your talent.

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome Tina 😀

[@martinsmith439]

Just started watching this and I’m sure it will be spectacular when finished go for it mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Martin, I hope you like it 😃

[@pathardage1880]

This is a glorious piece. I've seen those trees all over where I live (Portugal), and I am tickled that they are called "monkey puzzle." I appreciate your commentary as you go. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, they are also known as Chilean Pine

[@ronaldbreeden5173]

Great job Mike … loved seeing this come to shape … your eye for reading the wood really shows your experience…

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ronald, sometimes the piece tell you what to do, you just have to make sure you listen, I hope my wife does not read this as it is something she claims I do not do well. lol 😀

[@jonksmodels]

Nice job on a a very difficult piece of wood, I love monkey puzzle.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much John, me too but I was so glad to finally take this one off the lathe!

[@williamweaver4946]

Great work Mike. I was surprised you got such an immense piece with as much rot that was showing from the beginning. Loved watching as always!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, if I had not used CA glue it would have ended up on the burn pile lol 😀

[@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 😀

[@bobnye1597]

Hi Mike, have just watched this on KZbin. Well tamed!! Another lovely piece. At the the end of last summer, I was given some freshly cut monkey puzzle. It is oozing a lot of resin. Should I wait for this to harden before I start to turn. Any advice you or other subscribers can give would be much appreciated.

[@MikeHolton]

Hi, yes give it at least 5 years or you will have a very tough time 😀

[@bobnye1597]

Thanks Mike

[@theresafreeman6426]

Stunning!!! Great work! I love that you kept the finish natural

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Theresa 😀

[@taysider01]

Fantastic amount of work you put into it. And the finish is superb, congratulations on a job well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much my friend, my arms were pretty broken after this 😀

[@taysider01]

@@MikeHolton And that was just getting it onto the lathe 😄

[@taysider01]

@@MikeHolton On a longer tool rest, I went to a local blacksmith who made one for me cost £12

[@MikeHolton]

@@taysider01 I will hunt about and see if I can fine one near by, thanks

[@vincenthardman7691]

That looked like a work out, no gym required this week. :-) I spent half the video with my eyes closed fearing the worst. That's one hell of a bowl, great work.

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks Vincent, I certainly felt it after each session lol 😀

[@trishstephens9697]

I love your little work buddy that sit up there watching you make beautiful items from wood

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Trish, his name is Hooch 😀

[@barbfilion5646]

Wow, awesome piece, never heard of the wood before. Such a stunner in the end glad they sponsor you now. Yup it will be lighter to move now and such a useful piece like you say. Thanks Mike 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barb, I have turned two other pieces on the channel, very different to this one. Beautiful wood but can be a challenge to turn 😀

[@brianjoneswoodturning3682]

Very Brave Mike . Turned out well Thanks for sharing and congrats on a sucessful project

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Brian, this was a beast but great fun 😀

[@danielstieler8664]

Great work ! Looking forward to your new shop. I’m in the process of redoing my basement shop. Looking forward to some ideas.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Daniel, I will not be doing it all at once but I will show everything I do 😀

[@racheldray1057]

This was a brilliant video, one of my favourite woods, a great design and lots of lessons learnt. Thank you so much for putting this one out when you are so busy. You have some quality sponsors, and what an exciting March giveaway.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, the main lesson I learned is that I need to buy a longer tool rest lol 😀

[@racheldray1057]

@@MikeHolton 🤣

[@user-jim-kelly]

Beautiful and hard work. Perseverance pays off Mike. Really well done mate, I love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks James, this was certainly a challenge and to be honest if it was not for the CA glue I would have probably ended up throwing it away.

[@jonathan-il1ky]

First class. I'm not a wood turner. But i find what you do and create is amazing. Love all you vids. So calming to watch after a long day at work. Hope the move goes well. Already looking forward to the next vid.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Jonathan😀

[@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 🙂

[@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 😃

[@maryhodgson2298]

What a lovely piece of work. Love how it has turned out. It's beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mary😊

[@jessicamorelli2003]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jessica 😀

[@larryjefferson2146]

Wonderful bowl Mike. Seemed you were enjoying yourself! Never had the privilege of working with this type of wood. Wishing you a successful move.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Larry 😀

[@rogerpearson6232]

Another great piece. Those big uns sure are a workout. Really like the shape you gave it. I did a large one like that from a big pine tree and used a very similar shape. Very nice and well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roger, did you have the same problem with running out of tool rest lol 😀

[@pcmcbride9026]

Considering the struggles you had with this piece, it came out beautifully. A very nice piece of artwork. Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@trudyrogers-on1rw]

Mike are u the voice of London City Walks? We watch your woodturning site and I recently watched London City Walks and the voice there sounds so much like yours. My husband Lynn R is subscribed to your woodturning. Good work there.

[@MikeHolton]

Hi there, no sorry that is not me, my day job is as a lecturer at a local university although voice over work does sound fun. All the best, Mike

[@trudyrogers-on1rw]

Thank you for your reply Mike and good luck with the move and thanks for including us in designing your new work area.

[@MikeHolton]

@@trudyrogers-on1rw Always welcome Trudy, you are all like family to me and I want you to feel part of all we do. All the best, Mike

[@IrinaGreenman]

Those colors are amazing, especially on the inside of the bowl! Beautifully complemented by the design, as well. I have a question: how does the use of CA glue as a stabilizer impact the food safety of the finished piece, if at all? Congrats on the new place, looking forward to seeing your creations there!

[@MikeHolton]

The CA glue is fine for safety, it was originally designed to be used to seal wounds 🙂

[@IrinaGreenman]

Cool, thanks!

[@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 😀

[@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 😀

[@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 😀