The SPALTED Dolphin - Wood Turning Project

Welcome back to the channel, everyone! Today, we have an exciting project to share with you. Imagine stumbling upon a piece of spalted wood that looks like a dolphin, destined to be thrown into the fire. But instead, we saw its potential and decided to rescue it, transforming it into something truly remarkable. This piece of wood, with its strange shape and unique character, holds a story waiting to be revealed. Join us as we turn this forgotten treasure into a beautiful work of art, showcasing the natural beauty and charm that lies within. Get ready to witness the magic of salvaged wood and witness the transformation unfold before your eyes. Let's dive in and bring this extraordinary piece to life!
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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

[@jimflinn8305]

I'm not a woodturner but fascinated by the process you go through to produce such beautiful pieces.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim, it's a whole lot of fun 😀

[@TishaHayes]

Spalted wood seems to have some beautiful surprises hidden within.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tisha, as long as it's not too soft, spalting can look amazing 😃

[@lornacy]

The food safe finish makes this beautiful bowl so versatile!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lornacy, my wife is currently using this for a candle 😀

[@oakjob1]

Nice piece,I love splayed wood too, nice to see and hear someone who understands that with punky wood you need to put a lot of effort into the sanding to get a good finish.

[@MikeHolton]

Indeed and usually it's worth the effort, however sometimes it can't be saved. All the best, Mike

[@susanburrows5288]

So good you saw the potential in this piece of wood and decided to take it home. Spalting gives such interest to a finished piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for the kind words. I guess you could say it was love at first sight when I saw this piece of wood!😆

[@barbannco]

I so love the spalted wood....the grain is beautiful.....lovely piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@WilsonPhotography1]

I love seeing what can be made from what most people would call trash. Good job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I have loads of standard blanks ready for turning but this is the sort of wood I love to work on. Can never wait to see what I'll find inside.

[@cdjbkl3]

I love it. Spalted wood is so beautiful when finished and each piece unique.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend, all the best, Mike

[@79Firegirl]

A little treasure hidden within.. love it. 👌🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Firegirl, I'm more than happy with what we found inside 😁

[@timmundy8849]

You have to turn one to appreciate the beauty great job

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, you are right about that 😃

[@deehenry1983]

i think this is just lovely. it's a bowl but isn't and that is great!!!! thanks again for all of the wonderful content

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dee, I love making pieces like this, so much fun waiting to see what's inside.

[@FunGuyWoodCreations]

That’s one of the benefits I love about working with salted wood. Every time it’s like opening a gift.

[@MikeHolton]

Indeed, just as long as you catch it in the sweet spot before it goes too soft to save 😀

[@colinwatmore7041]

Lovely bit of spalted wood made into a lovely spalted wood dish. Nice work sir!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Colin 😊

[@user-jh7ji3lq3c]

I see some lovely freshly baked loaves of bread lying crosswise on it!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, now you have made me hungry 😀

[@walshjp17]

Well done. The figure and spalting really do make the piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I got lucky that there was not much rot, just soft wood to contend with 😁

[@monicalaurents4163]

Beautiful center piece. I appreciate your thoughts on sanding punky wood.❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Monica, sanding is never fun but with this type of wood it's essential to time your time, it really makes the piece. All the best, Mike

[@stevebettany8778]

No rushing when it came to holding this piece it came out great in the end.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, pretty happy with this one 😀

[@mthangar]

Amazing that spaulted wood adds to a piece. I've used spaulted aspen with success

[@MikeHolton]

It's always pretty amazing as long as you can catch it before it goes too soft to turn.

[@k9insomniac783]

I get nervous every time I turn somewhat punky wood. But you can’t argue with the results. Brilliant as usual my friend.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I get nervous when turning fresh air like this one, keep finger ends well out the way 😂, all the best my friend.

[@davidbaxter5132]

@@MikeHolton I thought the glove was to catch your fingers in!

[@MikeHolton]

@@davidbaxter5132 in general, gloves are a bad idea, I only use when risks of being hit by debris are greater lol.

[@spiritwynd]

That turned out beautiful Mike! I love spalted wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Heather, me too 😃

[@trevfishns]

Beautiful peice once again

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Trev 😁

[@donaldtemple8090]

I like the final shape. I don't think I would have gotten there. Tenon explanation was very helpful going forward. Now I see more of a use for recess. Makes sense. Thanks

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Donald, must admit this type of turning is not easy and if you're not careful can be dangerous. I've done a few of these now so feel quite comfortable doing them but you must stay alert at all times. All the best, Mike

[@SilverBack.]

Mike that piece of FOG wood had some really nice hidden secrets, well done in finding them

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I loved the way this one came out.

[@terryflynn2791]

Mike I always enjoy and appreciate your comments while you are turning very attractive natural edge bowl Terry downunder

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly my friend, most of the time though it proves I'm just making it up as I go along 😆, all the best, Mike

[@fionanaylor6104]

When I saw the thumbnail pic, I thought “ooh, Mike’s turned a dolphin” 😂 Also never apologise for sharing what you are thinking, it is such a good learning thing, to hear the process, what the options are, etc. Not a dolphin, but a beautiful piece…I can see it on the kitchen table with fresh baked rolls in it. TY 😃💗

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Fiona, the thought of fresh bread rolls is making me salivate 🤣

[@williamweaver4946]

Loved that you were able to salvage that piece of wood. Great job on it! I was a bit worried for you in the beginning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, and thanks for the concern. I always count my fingers at the end of this type of turning 😂

[@davidbaxter5132]

Spalting in wood never let's you down, always an interesting finish, as long as it isn't too punky - I have made and sold a good number of bud vases from 'odd-shaped' spalted pieces. I hadn't thought about a long bowl like this .. another one to add to my 'to do' list. Lots of good tips in the video, as always, thank you Mike, and a super result.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, they are fun to make but you need to watch your fingers 😊. Love spalting, always a joy but as you said, as long as it's not too soft.

[@fionacrouch1732]

Beautiful Mike. I know you said Mrs H has it with a candle, but I can imagine it with lots of fruit. Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Fiona, it would look nice with fruit 🍑😄

[@fionacrouch1732]

@@MikeHolton lol ok

[@LuannYoumans-ec5fc]

Enjoy watching your work Wonderful pieces. Like your new shop.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Luann 🙂

[@peterthornton8520]

Another great piece to grace the sideboard or the dining table. Great presence and very practical. Thanks for another interesting video. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome Peter, thanks so much for watching 😀

[@rwyse1]

Hi Mike I love the work you do totally inspires I've me only been turning for a year but turned at least 70 bowls witch is great fun and expensive lol for a 70 year old

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Raymond, so glad you like my videos and I'm glad they inspire you. Congratulations on taking up the hobby, it's never too late to try something new. I know what you mean about the expense, it's not the cheapest hobby you can start. All the best my friend, Mike

[@JamesCouch777]

That's one of the most unique pieces I've seen. It was a lot of work but the end result was worth it 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much James 😀 I know there was something nice in there, just took a little finding. All the best, Mike

[@racheldray1057]

Thank you for the advice and I love the shape and spalting

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome Rachel 😀

[@razmatazmania1]

Beautiful piece again my friend. That would be a great fresh biscuit or roll platter for the lunch or dinner table. Love the spalting 😊. Keep up the good work!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, now I feel hungry, I think I'll keep this one and use it for just that 😀, all the best, Mike

[@jwrowland77]

Catching up on old videos since I just found your channel a couple months ago. Lovely little platter of sorts.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! This currently has a large candle in the middle in my living room 😀

[@2CraftySeniors]

Wow. That turned out so beautiful.🥰 I did have a little chuckle when you were still working on the inside because when it was spinning, it looked more like a propeller than a bowl. 🤣😂

[@MikeHolton]

Haha sounded pretty fierce as well

[@WhenLifeTurns]

I hate when I see spalted wood going to waste in the fireplace. Amazing piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jacob, I try to save all I can ☺️

[@Mauroiltornitore]

It's beautiful, Mike!!!

[@robbosma9303]

Wow!!! That came out amazing!! Such a beautiful piece hiding in there!!! Yup, good thing you didnt burn that!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers for watching, this one game out nice 😀

[@robbosma9303]

@@MikeHolton hell ya it did... gorgeous!!

[@MikeHolton]

@@robbosma9303 😀

[@allenspain]

Stunning piece! Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Allen, this one was a lot of fun.

[@russ2495]

Lovely piece of work sir . I do miss wood turning but unfortunately my lathe got destroyed a few years ago when my shed roof collapsed in a bad storm . I will eventually get the funds together to sort a new lathe and tools

[@MikeHolton]

That is such a shame Russ, hope you get sorted soon. All the best, Mike

[@Ted_P]

I’m a fan of fog wood. Imagine the price of a beautiful spalted piece at a store. This came out nice. There was a part where it looked like you were sanding only air. Great video as usual, Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Yep, the sanding air was a thing lol, thanks as ever my friend 😂

[@SilverBack.]

Mike this is a stunning bowl, I am sooo glad that no damage was done. I would have contacted the authority's if you had burned it

[@MikeHolton]

Ans you would have been doing the right thing as well!

[@SilverBack.]

@@MikeHolton 😂

[@michaelfelixb1316]

Was man so alles findet🤣 nach deiner Bearbeitung sieht es klasse aus 👌👏

[@MikeHolton]

Danke, ich liebe es, mit Werkzeugen zu bearbeiten :D

[@PBUCKY1969]

Lovely work Mike, nice result!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😃

[@nanalefevre3670]

I really like that one. It is a perfect piece to own.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nana, my wife has this now with a candle sat in the middle.

[@nanalefevre3670]

@@MikeHolton Great idea!

[@thehampshirewoodturner]

Lovely job Mike, That sort of turning can always be a bit scary, even worse when the woods a bit punky, but you had a beautiful bowl at the end of it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, scary is the right word, especially when you start to build and it sounds like a bloody helicopter lol.

[@turningwiththewoods]

Nice turn

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😀

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

You said it in the beginning, that spalting deserved to be uncovered and put on exhibition. Beautiful. Your working with it was so well done. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Doug, I love the process of making this style of piece. You just need to be constantly aware of your fingers in relation to the wings. 😂

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

@@MikeHolton that’s for sure. Same for square cornered plates/platters/bowls. Have to keep them on the proper side of the tool rest for sure.

[@gerardverzaal4666]

I very nice piece - and you made the best of it! Every piece is a surprise.

[@MikeHolton]

@@gerardverzaal4666 thanks Gerald, I prefer turning pieces like this to pre cut blanks, it's way more fun. 😄

[@MikeHolton]

@@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound 🤣 nippy little thing

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks Mike 👍 Not sure why I missed this video. Hope all is going well with the move.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Colin, the family are all in and settled, a couple of more bits to sort in the workshop than I can start to turn 😃

[@danamorrow5352]

Beautiful piece! I like the finish as well. I have used bees wax and boiled linseed but I like the slight yellowish tint yours has on the light colored wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dana, I loved the way the one came out. The spalting is really quite nice :)

[@stevewhite8161]

Wonderful job in this project. Very interesting and learned new things

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve, I love this type of turning, you have to be 'aware' at all times.

[@jamesbrasseaux133]

Beautiful piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers James 😁

[@albertdawson6814]

I just love it Mike. I have been going through some of your previous videos. So far very enjoyable and very informative. Thank you for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Albert, don't go too far back, I was not very good at the start lol 😃

[@vinimarshall7301]

Nice transformation , that looked like a lot of work ,Well done Mike 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Vini, the turning was fine, it was the sanding that was a pain, about an hour in total, but worth it I think.

[@jaxxlawson4545]

Absolutely adore spalted wood, and that beauty from such a beast of a log, is stunning ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jaxx, sometimes you need to look beyond the odd shape to see what is lurking inside.

[@jsprankel4712]

Very nice Mike! I've been working some bowls out of that poplar that came down in my yard. Lots of spalting! And, like you told me before, I have to watch the moisture once I get deeper into the wood. Just take some time and "re-bake" it! Have a great day Sir!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim, got your photo and it looks amazing! Was it still a bit moist in the middle?

[@RoyBogstrup]

Lovely bit of work -just starting out but have a bit of an old cherry just enough for my first egg cup - it was home grown so with sentimental value.

[@MikeHolton]

Fantastic! I love making egg cups, I've made a few from oak. I developed a style I could make and finish in less time than it takes to boil the egg to go in it.

[@gregeastman6662]

very kool i cant wait to see what the give away is :)

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Greg, it's something I've never done before, in fact it may be something no one has ever done before. Hope it works 😂

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Great job with the soft wood.... Maybe a glue block could have worked as well....

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dale, glue block would have worked but that is generally what I go to last if normal routes don't work. All the best, Mike

[@earlearl8850]

Quite a piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Earl 😃

[@lv_woodturner3899]

The bowl looks terrific. I love the looks of spalted wood. Such interesting grain and patterns. The wood can be too punky if the spalting went on too long. Glad you were able to mount this without the wood coming off the lathe. Well done on the interrupted cuts. I hate turning air so I avoid this if possible. Dr Sara Robinson has a website called spaltedwood, worth taking a look for more information on the fascinating topic of spalting. She has done a lot of research in how the process happens, and was able to create many different spalted colours in the lab. Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave and thanks for the heads up about Dr Robinson, I've found the site and will be taking a good look! All the best Mike

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Glad you found the site. KZbin deletes comments with internet links. Technically put into some purgatory state until the channel owner releases, but the channel owner may not know.......

[@MikeHolton]

@@lv_woodturner3899 Haha, funny you should say that, I was on that page yesterday releasing messages from about the last 6 weeks. The page is hidden behind a tab which I never click on lol. Thanks again, Mike

[@gregdownunderinOz]

What a pity Mike that you had to turn so much of the wood away. Maybe next time make 2 smaller bowls natural edge that look like a bowl. Interesting long flat bowl as an art piece perhaps. Good tutorial as usual, and you explain things so well. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

When I eventually get a decent bandsaw I will be able to make more of pieces of wood like this 😀

[@johnnuttall1965]

That is a nice piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John!

[@crackerjack3359]

Nice one Mike. If I may I would like to share that when turning these kind of pieces, I find it really useful, especial for safety, to put a piece of masking tape over the tool rest corresponding to the end of the piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, and yes that is a good idea, I do that when hollowing live edge bowls so I always know where my limits are. All the best, Mike

[@AMAAN_BHAI1]

Most Interesting Videos Great Skills #Greatthings #Greatskills

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! All the best, Mike

[@mikew2468]

Really great Mike, and what a find. Not sure I’m up to turning air safely yet but maybe soon.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike, you need to be very aware of where you tool and fingers are in relation to the wings lol.

[@susannah4Him]

Excellent teaching. Although I have heard a good amount before on your videos, I find I pay more attention to the concepts I am currently “chewing on,” so it’s good to have occasional repeats of principles. You also are kind to let us know the why of it when you deviate from the usual practice. So helpful to me. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

You are very welcome Susannah, I just try to relay everything that is going on in my head and I'm glad it helps. All the best, Mike

[@MASI_forging]

Great transformation 👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😃

[@mariabasil9631]

Wow - I'm so glad you revealed all that beautiful wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Maria, this one came out quite well 😀

[@annlaurie1484]

Very nice 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ann 😃

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Loran 😃

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

Nice bowl! I turn alot of FOR (found on river) wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Cool, what sort of problems do you find with the wood?

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

@Mike Holton - hand made crafts moisture and punkiness are biggest problems I have.

[@MikeHolton]

@@jasonmontgomery8180 I guess, still, free wood is free wood 😀

[@Audie1234]

❤very interesting ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you think so! 😀

[@marybethhuson295]

Awesome job, Mike! Never pass up a piece as fire wood. You never know what might be hiding inside?

[@MikeHolton]

You are so right Mary 😆

[@stg6186]

Great piece of nature and a great job to turn an awkward lump. BTW-Hooch looks exhausted, what have you been making him do ?

[@MikeHolton]

Hahaha thanks, he has had a tough week, we are working on another project which is taking it our of him lol

[@MrGaz2304]

How much beautiful wood has been burnt

[@MikeHolton]

More than you could ever imagine 😀

[@raydriver7300]

What an interesting piece, Mike, I’m you 100th like for this video. I turned some similar wood recently and, despite using loads of thin ca glue, it is still very soft and punky. I’ve thrown some resin on it and will take it out of my presser pot tomorrow. Wish me luck! Have you seen Jim Sprague’s latest upload - you will love it. Keep up the good work 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ray, good luck with the resin bowl, all being well I'll be finishing a resin bowl today. Not seen Jim's latest video but I'm sure I will. All the best, Mike

[@williammccarty-eg4hl]

Great looking bowl. I enjoyed watching you work out problems that we all come across from time to time. Did you pick a name.for the dog yet ?

[@MikeHolton]

Hi William, thanks. The dogs name will be revealed at the end of the next video. I can't do it at the start as I started filming it a week ago 😃

[@gregdownunderinOz]

Although mineral oil is supposed to be food safe it is still a petroleum byproduct. I’ve found that a lot of people don’t like petroleum byproducts on timber.

[@MikeHolton]

Interesting to know 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

I'm glad you didn't burn it too. Again, this piece screams for use in a log cabin. And yes, as a fruit bowl on the center of a coffee table or dining room table.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, my wife has a candle in the middle of it at present 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

Ya, a candle would be nice, especially Christmas with a red candle with some pine cones and holly around it. @@MikeHolton

[@user-fr6zi4go1n]

Hi Mike, Do you find using a sanding sealer before the true grit gets you better results. I tend to do the reverse paste and then sealer

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Stuart, adding sealer before the paste gives a lot better results as it helps seal the pores allowing the paste to get the surface even smoother.

[@sandracook455]

Ĺovely

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much

[@Brush0akie]

I wouldn’t leave my keys in a bowl next to the front door outside?

[@MikeHolton]

You are right, inside would be best ☺️

[@gluey27]

Ugly dolphin beautiful bowl. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😀