Cracks, Cracks and More Cracks! Wood Turning

This Manzanita natural edge bowl is the hardest wood I have ever turned. Constant gouge sharpening and carbide use. The wood is full of cracks but, for me, they add a lot of character and style. Finished in Shellac.
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Thanks to Viewer and Friend Tuffy Marginez for sending this wood along for all to enjoy!

[@crusindc5282]

THAT is a sculpture of beauty! It doesn't even ever have to contain anything except sunlight. Resting on a table near a window with sunlight streaming in, its beauty would lift the spirit.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Hardest turning ever but I like it. I'm glad you do too! Thank you!

[@sabrina-wq4uu]

Eloquently put!

[@suerhea2620]

Beautiful!!! Thank you for not filling the cracks with resin!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Sue, and you are welcome! Phil

[@tuffymartinez]

I agree with you Sue!!!! Just one of the many positives with Phil's turnings is that he honestly respects the wood naturally for what it is without any plastic/artificial manipulation. TM

[@Scott1985-]

Phil Excellent Job Great Video make look easy man 👍☺ Thank You for Sharing Good Day Friend. I Injury at work. My Hand in Pain Keyboard with One Hand

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

Scott: 😷😷I feel your pain. Just think of => 🦄

[@chuckstockford2338]

From a piece of junk to an absolutely beautiful piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm glad you like it, Chuck, thank you! 😊

[@Microdave75]

What stands out in your videos to most other wood turning videos is the fact you talk us through the processes, great job Phil I enjoy watching you content

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I appreciate that, Michael, thank you! 😊

[@jeanettecusic9430]

You need to name that piece "Nature at it's finest" as it is absolutely the finest nature created.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thank you, Jeanette! 😊

[@houstoncalhoun1177]

Six times (so far) I've said to myself, "Phil will never turn a piece I like more than this one." And six times (so far) you've made me eat my words. Your vision is impeccable and I remain in awe of your work.

[@stewartmills8595]

I watch a few guys videos doing woodturning. You are my favorite because you explain things. Most everything you do is natural. I used to do metal turning - production and custom. I truly appreciate your work.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thank you, Stewart! 😄

[@busterwest1644]

HI Phil after your last video I wasnt so nervous, you know what your doing. That my friend IS a very beautiful bowl. Come full retirement ( 67 in a few weeks) I intend to sell my work at fares to supplement my pension and cover the costs of my wooodturning. Had I turned this bowl it would never be for sale, it is just superb. I will never dismiss another piece of ugly wood again but look at it with new eyes as to what it could become. Thank you Phil that has taught me a very important lesson .One that will stay with me I assure you.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

It's great that you will have a hobby to fill your retirement years, Buster. I'm happy you will be looking over each piece of wood from now on. If it can be held, it can be turned. Thank you, I'm glad you like this! Phil

[@marywright1057]

This piece is beyond words!!! The cracks, the grain in the wood, along with your unbelievable talent came together to make a remarkable piece of art. ♥️😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm glad you like it, Mary, thank you! 😊

[@lucasb1324]

Wonderful contrasts, stunningly beautiful. Thank you so much for the show. Tuffy has sharp tools, too, so send him a big thank you from all of us ❤ And as always a 👍 Carsten

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'll let him know, thanks, Carsten! 😊

[@randykniebes5364]

i didn't think that it would look good with all those cracks, but I was wrong.... AGAIN, great JOB!!!

[@AndyPhillipWoodturning]

You did a great job on that piece Phil It looked brutal at times .. I think everyone needs a Tuffy 👍..Hes probably searching for something even more gnarly now you have turned that one ...looks awesome ..

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much, Andy! I knew you would recognize the struggle. LOL! Phil

[@matthewharvey8755]

On another note.... That isn't just hard work for an old man, I'm 30 and have to take breaks haha. Some days I'll spend 10 hours turning. 2 Christmases ago I spent two weeks in the shop with 14+ hours a day trying to get every imediate family member a turned piece.

[@kevingowdy3651]

Don't think there's a lot of turners would have attempted this one. Excellent. Keep them coming! Kevin UK

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm not sure I would again, Kevin, but I'm glad I had the experience and even more glad you like it. Thank you! Phil

[@joshanderson6412]

The best bowls are made from cracked fire wood. Nice job.

[@birdhunter2008]

WOW !! That's all I can say. That is just so beautiful . Those pieces of wood are probably once in a lifetime . Love your work Phil .

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you very much, Jeff! 😊

[@dennislittle3181]

This is spectacular the best I’ve seen in anyone’s work , it’s just as you say gorgeous DENNIS 65 yr old retired

[@shirleyping7058]

What a beautiful work of art.. a collaboration between God and man.... I love it!!

[@karenbrown9889]

Beautiful, lovely seeing the cracks swirling about and lovely top edge Good to see you didn’t lose any bits that looked like they could fly off. Blood, sweat but no tears.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Haha, nope, no tears now that it's over, Karen! Lots of work! Thank you! 😊

[@ernestomelendez6772]

Howdy Phil! A puertorrican residing in Florida, I am mesmerized with your videos (no clue about turning wood)! Cannot stop watching them. Hope I can find a decent piece of wood worthy of your talent.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thank you, Ernesto! 😊

[@AndysCornishCreations]

Hi Phil...wow that was an epic battle, man against the hardest piece of wood known to man...fantastic and beautiful result...well done....All the best...Andy

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Andy, for your kind words and understanding the battle! Phil

[@user-cb3th7jt8d]

I watched your second time turning Manzanita wood first so of course I had to view the first. It is a simply beautiful wood. I’m so glad you do this. I have my husband watching now too! I love wood and you do it justice!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Awesome! Thank you! 😊

[@brianstapely1288]

Thank you so much. When so many turners are resorting to resin or contrived effects it is a joy to see you tackling what nature gave you with love.

[@tuffymartinez]

My thoughts exactly!!!!!....TM

[@johnmay3266]

I need to get Tuffy my address or find a local friend like him, he has a great eye for pieces and you bring out the best in them. Excellent Phil.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Tuffy is special, John, no doubt about it!

[@headybrew]

Beautiful! I applaud you for not chickening out and filling it all with epoxy to prevent the cracks from breaking.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much! 😊 The thought of that on this piece sends chills up my spine! LOL!

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Great work, Phil!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Rick! Phil

[@fernandoangelaford1483]

Outstanding / Beautiful Piece !!!!! THANKS !!!!!! JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AMEN !!!!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you! 😊

[@donaldadams5342]

It looked a dreadfully intimidating piece o wood to me Phil but in your capable hands I had NO DOUBT that you would prevail & boy, was I right! The end result is absolutely stunning to me, it has a natural flow of the cracks, which you placed perfectly around the bowl by the way. Magnificent finish to a well shaped & executed bowl. Cheers, Don

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Definitely the hardest wood I have ever turned. I like this piece but not sure I ever want to turn another piece of it!

[@tuffymartinez]

Hello again Phil...I just LOVE re-watching your older stuff...Especially this one!!! I did not mean to give you a project that might sour you on the hardwood ... BUT... THIS ONE TURNING IS PARAMOUNT IN YOUR BODY OF WORK!!!!! TM

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

It IS extra special, Tuffy! Such a hard wood but so beautiful when finished. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I do, however, love looking at it, now! 😊

[@mitchellmanning7887]

WOW,,very nice,, Thanks For sharing,,👍

[@geofo60]

No doubt about it Phil, that definitely made you work for your supper but what a wonderful end result. I believe it’s worth a Wow !! Always a pleasure seeing you turn. Regards Geof (UK)

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, my friend! Yes, it put me through my paces to be sure! Phil

[@robertanderson2223]

That is my favorite piece of yours. I think I would call it the Grizzly Bowl. It is truly awesome! You sound Great Phil, so I am hoping you are healthy and happy. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

It was a bit of work, Robert, but I like it, too. Thank you! 😊

[@brucejones4538]

Your sticktoitiveness paid off in spades

[@paulblackman3936]

Thanks Tuffy. Phil I guess your visits to the gym will be redundant for a while after that piece. Wow!!!

[@harrywhyte2299]

Beautiful well done from Harry Aberdeen Scotland

[@valerieneal2747]

Manzanita wood is beautiful.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Agreed, Valerie! Phil

[@mmills7012]

Love Manzanita wood. Love the bowl.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, M M! 😊 Hard as rocks but beautiful! LOL!

[@ruthhilton-robinson2093]

I LOVE this one! So beautiful, so much texture ❤

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Ruth! 😊 Most difficult, ever!

[@nanfredman1991]

Oh, those swirling cracks are outstanding! That was one tough turn, though. Whew! Love the result.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Right?! Hardest wood I've ever turned but I like the outcome as well. Thank you, Nan! 😊

[@patriciacrowther3771]

You took the challenge and won did you not??? good video for what to expect or possibly expect... well done.

[@gilvb51]

Fantastic! Nicely done

[@user-yn5fs3iv5w]

I should have watched this earlier! I tried turning an apple root ball. I got the outside turned, but when I turned it around and started on the inside, pretty soon pieces started flying off! I managed to retrieve them and glue them back on, but I finished hollowing the inside using a chainsaw type blade on an angle grinder. It worked. The end result was a piece that you might enjoy. Thanks for showing this wonderful piece. It is BEAUTIFUL!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@parrotmomx2]

Beautiful piece. Excellent work.

[@ttsweetie]

I love manzanita! it grows so gracefully here in California and it reminds me of my mom. Thank you Phil -- it is a beautiful bowl.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoyed it, Teresa, cherish your memories. 😊

[@KevinCoop1]

Phil, I've been watching your videos quite some time now. This was an awesome bowl! You have come a long way since I started watching!! Not once did you say "I just don't know what to do". You used to say it at least 3 times per video. I think it is partly why I started watching them. You should be very proud of yourself in how far you have come. I'm very happy for you! Very Respectfully, Kevin

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

First of all, Kevin, thank you so much for sticking with me! That means a lot to me, as I'm sure you know. As far as "I just don't know what to do" that is still true more often than not, I just quit saying it! LOL! And, I'm not just saying that. I do know I've come a long way, much of that is due to my viewers. They are what motivates me. But, the reason I'm often at a loss as to what to do next is because with most of my turnings, I don't have an idea in mind when I start. So, I'm kind of in a constant state of discovery. I hope that makes sense. Thank you again, Kevin, much appreciated! Phil

[@KevinCoop1]

Phil Anderson - Shady Acres Woodshop It makes very much sense because you are working with solid pieces of wood and they are all different. No one knows what it will look like when done. When I make parts for my bowls I can have a very good idea what it will end up shape wise at least. Keep doing what you do! Kevin

[@aliceraygolden7484]

I love your appreciation of the quirkiness of the way the wood was formed into beautiful visual uniqueness.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Can't mess with that, Aliceray! 😊

[@davidrosowski3161]

Looks wonderful Phil... Should be displayed with a small LED light inside to exenterate the spiral cracks.... Definitely an art quality piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I tried to find a light like that, David. I couldn't find anything that spread the light out sideways. They all want to point straight up! Thank you, glad you like it! Phil

[@RuthlynWills]

Stunning, absolutely gorgeous!!! You amaze me Phil and I am so glad you left the cracks for the natural beauty of the piece to shine through... once again I was shouting out to you, this time to put on your glove @16:52. You took your own sweet time but eventually you heard me @17:40 🤣🤣

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Well, you were pretty dang loud, Ruthlyn! Phil

[@samwyz69]

Very beautiful bowl!

[@Leefywood]

Crackin good job Phil. Thanks for sharing.

[@victorjohnson9672]

Great Turn 👍🏿

[@janmiroslav]

A sensitive hand, a receptive eye and professionalism - all this respect 🌿🌻🇸🇰

[@julianclarke7178]

Wow Phil, that is a beauty . More a kin to marble than wood by the looks of it. As ever , thanks so much for sharing your work. Have a great week. Jules, Droitwich, England

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Yes, cuts like marble, too, Jules! LOL! Thank you, my friend! Phil

[@michaelganchov8578]

Beautiful piece again

[@MikeWaldt]

Another absolutely stunning piece, the cracks make it so :) Cheers Mike

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Mike! Happy Turning to you! Phil

[@debbiekorwin4000]

You are a very skilled Woodturner!! You take on really hard challenges and make beautiful pieces! You are a master!👍😀

[@jeneiferthomas1036]

Way to persevere Phil.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Never give up, Jeneifer! Phil

[@KimTippin]

Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Kim, for taking your time to watch and comment, much appreciated! Phil

[@sharonyoung8251]

WOW!! What a beautiful bowl. You did a great job with this one. I love how you finish all your projects. I’m a very tactile person. It doesn’t matter how pretty it is if it doesn’t feel good.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much, Sharon and you are sooo right! It's got to feel good to look good. 😊

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great looking bowl Phil

[@kdonner775]

Wow…. I guess you could say that is a very Tuffy piece on crack. Great Job..

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

LOL! You're a funny guy, Kenny! Phil

[@margaretcarter517]

Absolutely beautiful

[@dano4003]

came out great Phil.... keep the great work... love your video's....

[@tuffymartinez]

Thank You Phil...wow Phil I really did not mean to make your wood turning life difficult. That piece just had your name on it soooo I just sent it along. I heard you breathing hard and I caught myself holding my own breath watching you turn!!!! Phil what an adventure you have created for all of us "armchair" wood turners (like me) and I hope experienced turners. You the man Phil...Great job, it is over and as you say "in the books"....I particularly like your before and after shots at the end, very nice touch....TM

[@nathanchambers1006]

This piece had Phil Anderson written all over it. It's gorgeous.

[@williamellis8993]

Thanks for sending that piece of wood to Phil.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

The end shots were at the suggestion of some viewers a couple weeks ago. I will try to do them when the piece warrants it. Sometimes I just get so excited to touch gouge to wood I forget to record the original or even to take a picture of it but I'm trying hard to remember! You sure taught me a lesson with this one, ol' pal! LOL! Phil

[@drumbag]

Great supply, keep it up 😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸 Cheers 👍🏻

[@mikenco]

I turned an Ash crutch not unlike this recently, constant sharpening! Every knot hammered the crap out of my sweptback bowl gouge! I did the final shaping using 50 grit paper on a full sized Bosch sander!!!

[@scottpeterson5913]

Thank you for bringing us into your shop. Hearing your thought process is valuable to me, seeing your approach as well as the thought process is priceless. Glad that piece wound up in your shop, a lot of turners would have pitched it. Absolutely beautiful.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you for taking your time to watch and for your great comment, Scott! Phil

[@miguelsommariva9173]

What a challenging piece but end result stunning 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@philmcclain8154]

Different but I really like it!!!!!

[@johnhicks4992]

Crazy looking thing.....turned out very good!

[@DiveDiva2007]

Brilliant bit of work

[@juanpepper7992]

What a great work. Its beautiful!

[@Paymann1980]

AMAZING Phil!!!! Perfekt work - Beautiful!!!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Mike! Cheers!

[@dianeclemmer1344]

Wow 😳 got plenty of cracks,,,,they are Beautiful ❤️ just GORGEOUS!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Diane! 😊

[@TripleG69]

Man I love it! Who would have thought that a block of cracked wood can look so good! Well done Phil. Hugs

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Me, ME! LOL! Thank you, I'm glad you love it! 😊

[@richardarguelles194]

I love all the cracks in that bowl and mix up bowl of unique and beautiful I love it great job God bless you

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much, Richard!

[@markcrouch7463]

Love the colors in that wood,and how the cracks and colors swirl together. Loved the video Phil.👍👍👍👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@chavezm1954]

Absolutely Beautiful! Thank You!

[@marktorrey]

Incredible Manzanita Bowl ... a tough job which you made look easy, but truly brought out the character of its South Western grit!

[@robertbourke7935]

Outstanding work Phil. I think probably your best to date.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thanks, Robert!

[@chandarussell]

Wow. Well done especially with manzanita. I have numerous parrots (you can see one of them in my thumbnail) and people who have parrots use manzanita for perches because it is one of the few woods that parrots have difficulties chewing through. Otherwise one would go through perches at an astonishing rate. Parrots will chew through anything. Anyway I love the bowel.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I can imagine they would have a hard time chewing though this wood, Chanda. As you mentioned, it's very hard but still beautiful. Thank you, I'm glad you like it! Phil

[@kirkwint8354]

Ya pulled it out the bag thats awesome mate love it kirk stoke on trent

[@judithfairchild8620]

The sprayed cracks at the angle look like an old fashioned fan I Like it!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I think you are right, Judith! 😊

[@curtroche5392]

Nicely done!

[@grunter131]

omg Phil its a master piece.. Setting the bar so high .. Cheers Glenn form Australia.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm so glad you like this, Grunter! It was a lot of work but certainly one of a kind. 😊

[@alcinolima2776]

phil I've been riding a vise for three years now and I'm already finishing and watching your videos without understanding your language is really a challenge, but what you speak and show in practice is worthwhile. That God keeps giving you wisdom to show you your work to the world.

[@stevenjobbins2600]

Phil I am lost for words I have seen every single video you have ever posted all more than once and by a country mile this is my absolute favorite bless you for your skills and generosity

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, such a great comment, Steven, thank you! Phil

[@jobranch4125]

It’s beautiful. The challenge makes it even more so.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I like it too, Jo, but I never want to turn this kind of wood again! 😊 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@roadrunner4404]

Unique , wild and beautiful. I see trees with twisted trunk lines. Now I want one.

[@TheSafecrkr1]

Beautiful bowl Phil. You are truly gifted.

[@janisklints9707]

Beautiful...very nice!

[@williamellis8993]

You said it earlier in the video. That is spectacular! Take care of those cuts. Old guys like us don't heal like we used to.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm finding that out, William! Thank you, my friend! Phil

[@shanealan8785]

Very awesome. Nice job

[@sunshine4ever804]

It's absolutely Beautiful! I love all its personality💕! That would be a centerpiece in my home! Awesome job Phil!👍😁

[@magikdust2095]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you M D!

[@nurseboy9999]

that was a real piece of work , looks great most people would not have even tried and most that tried would have failed. great job

[@cindyyurdana8607]

Very very beautiful!! Good job!💙🙏😁❗️

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Cindy! 😊

[@alanbarbour5185]

Man, that Zanita sure is a difficult piece to turn. Masses of cracks and as hard as turning a brick must be. How those cracks managed to stay together when daylight seemed to shine through in places around three inches long. It was as tuff as his name but as usual, cue the maestro, Phil triumphed once again. This is a piece to own and marvel at forever. Well done and thank you Sir.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm just finishing up a piece that reminded me of this. It's not Manzanita but, man, was it hard! I'm glad you like this, Alan, thank you! 😊

[@toddmatthews2025]

Nice piece..I love the natural look and showing the splits and cracks..good choice (no epoxy)

[@lewisgreenway5065]

I was sweating just watching, still you can be proud of all your hard work lovely piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊