BRANCHING OUT: Woodturning a Bowl from Elm's Best Bits

Join me on a woodturning adventure as I transform a unique crotch piece of elm into a stunning live edge bowl! In this video, I'll guide you through the entire process, from preparing the wood to the final finishing touches. You'll see how the natural beauty of the elm shines through as I shape, sand, and polish the bowl, preserving its live edge for a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
Whether you're a seasoned woodturner or just starting out, this project is packed with tips and techniques to inspire your next creation. Discover the joy of working with crotch wood and the unique challenges and rewards it brings to woodturning. Don't miss out on this fun and educational journey into the art of woodcraft!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
Let's Resin:
The affiliate link below will take you to the Let's Resin website
10% discount code MikeHolton
Canada: letsresin.ca/?...
USA: letsresin.com/...
UK: letsresin.co.u...
Amazon: 1.5gal resin amzn.to/46YrHyN
JSP Safety equipment I use:
Disposable Face Mask: amzn.to/3WFTnGZ
Face Shield: amzn.to/4akPpqs
Half Mask: amzn.to/4ahLsmv
Powercap Infinity PAPR: amzn.to/4dHb4vV
My grinding/sharpening solution
Record Power 8" Grinder: www.yandles.co...
Pro Grind Sharpening System: amzn.to/4bOEYOb
8" 180grit CBN Wheel: amzn.to/3whk8GP
O3A affiliate link
Discount code MHMC10 10% (Expires 3/3/24)
O3A shop: o3adhesives.co...
Support the channel and buy merchandise: ko-fi.com/mike...
Tools I use:
Record Power Regent Lathe: www.yandles.co...
Record Power turning tools and chucks: www.yandles.co...
Tim Mason, STEADY REST: [e-mail]
Facebook: / mike-holton-hand-made-...
Instagram: www.instagram....
Website: mikeholton.net/
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/mike...
And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
www.facebook.c...
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

[@tomburns7544]

I always love when people don't hide their mistakes but instead show how they deal with/overcome them. Your solution was so well done and this piece turned out so beautiful. Thanks, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Tom, I always try to keep this as real as possible, this way we can all learn together.

[@TigerTimOakham]

Nice to see even you make mistakes occasionally - makes me feel a bit better!

[@MikeHolton]

@@TigerTimOakham I'm no different to anyone else 😁

[@nikkia9506]

There I was, thinking, "With all those worm holes he needs to be careful he doesn't travel through to another dimension " Then you did!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha 😂

[@hansmuster1572]

Mistake? There was no mistake. You made a beautyfull Elm Bowl with a Labernum Socket. All went exactly as planned ;-)

[@MikeHolton]

haha and I will keep telling myself that 😃

[@jjudy5869]

@@MikeHolton In quilting it is called a 'design choice'. 😉

[@katelinnett9020]

Mistakes are valuable lessons that promote humility and keep us from getting too cocky! My grand-dad turned his first (and only) funnel into a trophy cup on a pedestal, and titled it "Monument to Incompetence". It had a place of honor on his desk, and he kept walnuts in it! 😆

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Kate, I love that story 😃

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

Love the way the "mistake" becomes a lovely feature on this bowl. I think it's beautiful! I'd proudly display this in my home. Congrats on the podcast, and have fun!! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Cynthia, quite happy with the way the fix went 😃

[@barryrankin587]

We all make mistakes, and what defines us is wether you give up or find a solution. What a perfect solution. Love the live edge, and the bulls eye.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! Giving up is the quickest way to stop learning so I prefer to carry on wherever possible😃

[@MarieToth-m2q]

It’s good to know I’m not the only one that has an occasional “oomphs”. Nice fix.

[@MikeHolton]

Happens to us all Marie 😃

[@philgallagher1]

Congratulations, Mike! It took you long enough, but you have finally joined the "Funnel Club"!! Despite that, the bowl you have produced is fantastic!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Phil 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

Creative people are problem-solvers. Watching your solution take shape, we learn so much more. LOVE that you kept the bit of moss. You've crafted another stunning piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Charmaine, I guess you are right, problem solving is one of my better skills 😃

[@brycegenevaostler9359]

Love the bowl. Funnel and all. You should give this bowl away. It's a great prize to have the famous Mike Holton Funnel. Thanks again

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Bryce, not a bad idea lol 😃

[@TheLoxxxton]

The fact you spent time at the end talking but doing nothing but feeling, rotating and enjoying the feel of the wood and the bowl said more than words.

[@MikeHolton]

I'm a very tactile person, the feeling of something is as important as how it looks 😃

[@joeribak]

One might not be proud of a mistake, but you can be proud of the solution. This bowl has so much going for it, including the “bullseye” bottom! Great job as always Mike! Cheers! Joe CA

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joe, that's a good sentiment! 😃

[@taysider01]

The funnel group is growing everyday, I joined around 3 years ago. There is something about a natural edge bowl that just looks beautiful from any angle, yours is no exception. Great work Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, love the way this one turned out 😃

[@MrJeremySF]

She's a beaut. Good save.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😃

[@MichaelMassimino]

I'm so glad you showed the whoopsie. Going the through the bottom of a bowl is so depressing, I love how you saved the piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael, I will always show my mistakes especially when the lix may help someone in the same situation 😃

[@vincenthardman7691]

Nature never fails to amaze me with the variety of patterns it creates all on it's own. Another great looking piece and I think the "plug" adds extra character. Thank you for sharing Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Vincent 😃

[@nicholaskrest]

Beautiful - as we always expect. As I learned from my child’s primary school teacher “ Sometimes we make marvellous mistakes”

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nicholas, mistakes are just a great way to learn 😃

[@williamkaplan9288]

The repair adds character to the bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William 😃

[@DesignbyDek]

I really appreciate the fact that you not only show the mistake, but make it a feature of the bowl. I honestly can't say that I would've handled that nearly as well as you did. That turned out wonderfully. I would certainly love to get that one in a give-away.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Dek

[@colinwatmore7041]

Welcome to the club, I joined quite early in my turning endeavours. It was called the golfing bowl (a hole in one). Still got it, hole and all. I told my wife that it was in case any fruit went off so the juice could run out. She never used it except for keeping the dogs collar in. I have often thought of plugging it but it is a nice conversation piece and causes a laugh. Love the elm bowl by the way.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Colin, can you turn it into a lampshade?

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Great bowl. You made the repair perfectly, IMHO. It is impossible to “match” the grain, so it always stands out as a repair. A contrasting wood or something in a different grain orientation is the way to go. The brighter sap wood, darker heart wood, and change of grain direction makes this a feature rather than a glaring repair. Super work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Doug 😃

[@lisagriger5261]

As you were hollowing it out I was thinking to myself " I hope he knows how far to go." So close! Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha oh well 😁

[@DavePlutto]

Owning up to one’s mistakes speak volumes. Another beautiful turning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, if I can share the good and the bad then we can all learn together 😃

[@BrendaK-b9s]

Watching how you fixed your “mistake” was the most intriguing part of the whole video. You are a real pro, Mike. Loved the whole thing and, of course, love this unique piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Brenda 😃

[@constancegobert3785]

Beautiful bowl, you never cease to amaze me.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mikehorning4060]

WOW, even the experts make mistakes (very seldom that I have seen) and then you demonstrate how to fix AND be confidentally proud of the finished work of art. Stunning sir! Thank you once again.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mike, everyone makes mistakes 😃

[@marybethhuson295]

Stunning Elm bowl with Happy Little Accident, Mike 💕 I love the live edge and the natural beauty.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mary 😊

[@davidbaxter5132]

Welcome into the Funnel Club, Mike; I would say that you have done well to have made so many pieces without that particular 'mishap' - but it seems somewhat rude to write that! I will admit to being a two-time member; one I remedied with a plug, the other went to the scrap bin - I couldn't hide my disappointment in myself! This is a lovely bowl, super natural edge and goes to show that a few worm holes and cracks can be handled along the way. Great job, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, I have come very close before but being a coward I don't like to make think bowls 😃

[@larryjefferson2146]

Time spent following a mistake is the “burning of artistic adrenaline”. What a lasting sensation! Not bad but definitely lasting. Enjoyed this video as much as any of the others and I’ve seen them all! Keep sharing with us, especially your elders, your joy of creation.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Larry, really appreciate your words 🙏

[@silverback484]

Turned out stunning and anyone can make a mistake, that's how we learn.

[@MikeHolton]

I could not have said it better myself 😃

[@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn]

That plug only adds to the uniqueness of the bowl, it doesn't take away a thing. Problem solving on the fly is a gift.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barbara, problem solving is one of my better skills 😃

[@jordanarmstrong4839]

I love turning elm. I have never turned a boring piece. the grain is always cool.

[@MikeHolton]

Agreed, it really is a beautiful wood 😃

[@johnbrereton4756]

Good save.. What a stunning bowl , thanks for teaching that mistakes are not the end of a project.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much John, there is always something you can do to get a piece over the finish line 😀

[@thenash4822]

That bowl has a lot of character Mike. I love how you kept the live edge and the grain is beautiful. Your recovery was nicely done, and adds to the bowl's story. Nice work!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend, thanks 😃

[@jeanlong4285]

Welcome to the club, great save. The bowl turned out great. Love Howard's Feed and Wax.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Jean and thanks 😃

[@lorainenatalino5534]

Love the natural edge…pretty little bowl…boo-boo and all…lol…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks very much 😀

[@rogerpearson6232]

Welcome to the club. Plugs are our friends😁. Great save. And that elm is pretty.

[@MikeHolton]

thanks Roger, elm is just so beautiful 😃

[@mollynakamori]

First, I can't imagine a piece any nicer than this one. It's magnificent! Second, you have captured the essence of Wabi Sabi. VERY well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jeramiahcrosier3481]

Welcome to the funnel club! Your solution was perfect for this piece, and the final result is excellent.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Glad it worked so well

[@johnnesbitt9337]

Englands new keeper. Brilliant save!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks John 😃

[@kensmith1522]

All right, Mike good save. The bowl is a beauty! If that bowl was in the give away I would want it, I love it. It’s got a great story and is unique… I would give it a name “The Redemption Bowl” 😄

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Ken, great name, I may just use it for this piece 😃

[@davidjowett8195]

Great recovery from a mistake. And yes, the repair fits well into the finished item. Thanks, again, for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it David 😁

[@davidjowett8195]

@@MikeHolton Very much so. I miss my lathe

[@marycranford708]

AWESOME!!!!! My very favorite is natural, raw edge .

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary, mine too 😃

[@vdubboy85225]

It's the prettiest funnel I've ever seen. 😅 Beautiful as always Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@michalcoston3949]

as a fellow member of the funnel club welcome ! I love the feal that Howard's feed and wax gives the wood . you can still feel the wood , and it looks so natural .wonderful bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michal, I agree especially on the darker woods 😃

[@stephenaxford1505]

Love what comes out hidden within a piece of wood. I agree with your idea that mistakes should not be hidden but become part of the story of that piece of wood. Looking forward to watching the Yandles channel tomorrow. It’s where I get my wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen, hope you enjoy it 😃

[@RattiDave]

Mike - Even your "mistakes" come out beautifully. That Viburnum plug looks intentional!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, it's called laburnum 😃

[@colinball1960]

Welcome to the "club" Mike. Lovely bowl at the end of it.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Colin 😃

[@petershipman7314]

Great job ,stunning piece,love the plug😂😂🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 🤗

[@RenaLarson61]

Great save with the base, elm really is quite beautiful, love the grain. I'm really glad you left it as it was, a beautiful natural edge bowl Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rena 😃

[@raydriver7300]

Good morning Mike and welcome to the funnel club. One of the great joys of this community is the willingness of people to share everything, mistakes included. I took the opportunity of chatting with Dan of Yandles on Sunday at makers central as well as meeting Nick Zametti and Jim Overton for the first time. Have a good week and an even better weekend. I’ll look for your podcast. As always, thank you for taking the time to share 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Ray, sounds like a good event, I have had an email exchange with Jim but never met Nick. I'll try and get down next year if I can find the time 😃

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. I love your “labur-n-elm” bowl. It really looks very classy. To my mind, this sort of “event” should always be referred to as a design feature, never a mistake. Have a great week and enjoy this piece of artistry.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha great name! Love it 😃 and thanks

[@theresafreeman6426]

Beautiful piece, and love that you embraced the “mistake”

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@stephanielovatt2787]

This is a lovely bowl! I haven't seen much elm turned, so it was a bit of a treat. Well done on your recovery,of the unexpected ventilation. Don't worry about membership of the funnel club: It becomes something of a rite of passage....Helps to keep us humble. 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Stephanie and I guess you are right 😃

[@dawnjanacek]

Even your funnels are lovely! 😛🤍

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks Dawn 😃

[@BrianThorn-Arizona]

Welcome to the club! I've got two funnels to my credit. 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Brian 😂

[@Mx-Alba]

Well, welcome to the Funnel Club! I love the edge on this piece by the way...

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cudamank]

I appreciate you always sharing design opportunities as they come up. A good solution and another amazing piece of art!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Mark 😃

[@williamriley-le9zo]

Hello Mike, You made a great looking bowl with a nice finish. You didn't make a mistake. You experienced a learning lesson. Now if you do not learn from this lesson, then you have made a mistake. Nice save with the Liburnum. It looks very good. Take care and keep turning. Bill Riley

[@MikeHolton]

You are so right Bill, very clear distinction!

[@mikeearl7588]

Elm is a beautiful wood and you did it justice , as usual!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@robertwells1650]

A great looking bowl Mike! Love how you recovered from your oops on the bottom. I think all woodworkers have done something similar in their lives. WE can all learn from our mistakes. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

So true Robert 😁

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice work Mike

[@barrymorkel8799]

Your solution to joining your ONLY funnel club entry looks great ~ it almost makes it worth it 😅.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Barry 😃

[@TimAhlstrom]

Love the fix with the plug - looks very natural.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@gregdownunderinOz]

Nice repair Mike. Always great to see how repairs are made, either leaving an obvious or seamless finish

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Greg👍

[@DoloresJNurss]

I must say that the end result was worth all of the tribulations along the way! Funny how the most troublesome wood yields the best results for those patient enough to work with it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I love working with odd pieces like this 😃

[@Tseringlhatso]

It's really beautiful, wormholes, funnel and all! And personally, I'd love it as a give away 😊

[@MikeHolton]

So many people have said this, I may just do it 😃

[@kristikey8320]

A serendipitous bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Very much so, thanks Kirsty 😀

[@Firebird1005]

Didn't see this one coming. Absolutely fine piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! This one was fun 😃

[@brendadriver2702]

I like your boo-boo. It makes a nice contrast in the bowl! Turned out very nice! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Brenda 😃

[@markdesautels4764]

Funnel Club...first time I've heard that, got a good chuckle out of it. At least it was an easy fix. Love the live edge pieces. Beautiful bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark 😃

[@stevefaber1]

The finish has produced such a beautiful colour to some gorgeous wood. It was great to see the wood plug being used, rather than gluing on a new base or some other solution.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, the plug is the strongest and easiest way to fix this little issue 😃

[@cobberpete1]

Well... I'm surprised you are only just joining the funnel club. I have a few gold medals LOL. Just this week, a member of our club who has been turning for 50 years added a trophy to his shelf 🤪. Nice recovery.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I'm sure it won't be my last and like you I am surprised to have lasted this long 😂

[@davidarcher6954]

Good day to you sir Mike there are no mistakes........it is creative freedom

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😃

[@rita1959-ps1bo]

That's a very beautiful bowl you would have never known you had a plug in it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, it did fir very well lol

[@vtalbot2744]

Love watching the process. That edge is fantastic. I really enjoy how you let the piece evolve. VERY lovely!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much!

[@mikew2468]

A lovely result Mike and a super solution to a minor hurdle!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike 😃

[@beniborukhov9436]

I like these pieces with lots of character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I do too 😃

[@Radcon-2222]

Welcome to the funnel club. That’s a nice save and it looks really good..

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I'm surprised how well it turned out 😁

[@JohnBare-l2j]

You never cease to amaze, Mike! Spectacular!!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you John 😃

[@chassunny2847]

Welcome to the funnel club! Nice repair!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I was hoping not to join but I guess eventually we will all join 😃

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks 👍I think the plug adds character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Colin 😃

[@markmeltser1094]

Mike, greetings from Warwick in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Nearly all of the towns in this area take their names from cities in England. I’m not a turner nor a woodworker of any sort, but I thoroughly enjoy watching how you allow the wood to dictate the final shape. Whether it’s cracks, knots, or a Forstner a bit deeper than planned, your finally product is always gorgeous. I would more than welcome an opportunity to win that bowl in a future drawing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mark, so many people have said this so I may just offer it up 😃

[@rodevans602]

Brilliant! The plug looks as if it was meant to be there !

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It turned out better than I had hoped 😃

[@brunomerk7635]

Well done, welcome to the club. I really think everybody who is working on natural edge pieces has the experience once going through the bottom. I did it on a really cool piece of eucalyptus and fixed it, but I can tell you you won't forget it and every time you take the piece in your hands....

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bruno, not you are right, I will never forget this one 😃

[@barbfilion5646]

Great funnel, I must say. The more you do the more that can happen...good and bad. Still a lovely bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barb 😃

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

Welcome to the Club my friend!! Nice recovery.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Jason 😃

[@baconsoda]

That is a good save. I love when I can rescue a piece... well, I've had plenty of practice! Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Brendan, me too 😃

[@susanburrows5288]

This has a beautiful natural edge, great to show the bits of burl grain at the top. Your fix for your unintended feature looks good, the bulls-eye pattern makes in look more intentional.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susan, the fix looked better than I could have hoped for 😃

[@Symplegades]

Funnel Club...lol. No matter; the bowl (including the repair) looks great.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Ms.W529]

I think this is beautiful. I even like the plug. It makes it more interesting.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It certainly helps tell a story 😃

[@jamescollins798]

Great video, Mike! I applaud your openness. If all of your mistakes turn out this well, then relax and make a few more.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks James, it's been a few weeks since I made my last one 😃

[@countrytxrose]

I really like the look of the bowl named the edge, rim the way you lift it. Very good look. The color, wood is beautifully.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@MGDesignsWoodworking]

Welcome to the prestigious funnel club! Really nice save. It looks great. I like to use a piece of painters tape to mark the depth on my drilling. It is very visible and easy to remove so you don’t need to worry about past markings.

[@MikeHolton]

I've done that myself and I have loads of tape handy, hindsight is a wonderful thing lol 😃

[@Peter_R996]

That is a beautiful bowl! Literally 5 seconds before the 'incident' I was thinking how does he know how far to drill... Now I know! Excellent rescue and it looks amazing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, hopefully I won't make that mistake again 😃

[@geoffreydickinson4689]

Turners don't make mistakes, just smaller bowls or additional enhancements. Nice work.

[@MikeHolton]

Very true! 😂

[@79Firegirl]

Nice one again.. love pieces with burls. And a very nice solution for the funnel, obvious but not to obvious 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Wendy 😃

[@William_Kenny]

A great turn and a great save well done Mike 👏 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Will, what do you use to sand deep steep sided bowls?

[@funnytime13]

Thanks for sharing Mike! You really know your woodworking!!❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 👍

[@michaelfelixb1316]

Hast du wieder wunderschön gemacht . Schöne kleine Schale. 👍👌

[@MikeHolton]

Danke, mein Freund