Can I Tame THE BEAST? - The Ultimate Woodturning Challenge

Join me in this Epic Woodturning Challenge as I tackle a colossal piece of Monkey Puzzle wood. This massive and weighty piece challenges the limits of my lathe, but even with determination and skill do I manage to tame the beast? Well you will just have to watch and find out.
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@DoloresJNurss]

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

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@huberthicks9080]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Hubert😀

[@jjnewton33able]

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

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@allochthonplays2978]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I was expecting something else to happen 😂

[@frankashworth5961]

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

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@louisjackson4634]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Louis😀

[@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])

[@chandarussell]

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

[@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 😀

[@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😀

[@KRColson]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@theresafreeman6426]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Theresa 😀

[@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!!

[@robinkerr1624]

Beautiful work as usual Mike. Love watching your work and problem solving. Inspiring stuff

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rob, I appreciate that 😀

[@user-fp2si6kr4t]

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 😀

[@maryhodgson2298]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mary😊

[@jairbilesimo3986]

Great Job, Mike! Congratulations!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😀

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very Nice. I love the knots.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@cindymonroe1223]

Beautiful work. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Cindy 😀

[@JohnVegas]

A beautiful and elegant bowl. Thank you and Gid bless!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you too!

[@spikejohnson4477]

Stunning! Well done for another outstanding project😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Spike 😀

[@contemperis]

Congratulations mike that is one impressive woodturn ❤

[@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 😀

[@debrapatane8042]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@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 😀

[@jenw9361]

Wonderfully done.!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Jen 😀

[@mpham321]

Awesome project! Very nice!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@user-ml8je4zj1t]

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.

[@jsprankel4712]

Great job Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim 😀

[@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 😀

[@patsyjohnston4526]

That piece is fabulous! ❤ love it! Great job..😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Patsy 😊

[@barbkrienke8400]

That is just amazing!!! What a stunning piece made out of an amazing piece of wood!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!! 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Barb 😀

[@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 😀

[@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 😀

[@WoodturningWithJohnMarro]

Colors are amazing! Nice Turn Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, they certainly are 😀

[@GoetzMons]

Fantastic!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 👍

[@oldguyinstanton]

Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you!

[@jmwz9657]

Always a good morning when one of these pops up!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like them 😀

[@butthedd0233]

SPECTACULAR piece. THANKS.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@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 😀

[@nickabercrombie4001]

Very nice project you make it look so easy.

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@Peter_R996]

Another lovely piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Peter 😀

[@DorothyMarks-Tango17]

Another amazing piece!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dorothy 😀

[@thijsversteeg9010]

Mike, you have beautifully showcased the beauty of nature!

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks 😀

[@scottpoettker2268]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott 😀

[@kennedykirkhope6251]

That looks awesome with the eyes around it… great finish too

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend 😀

[@jimkilton2141]

Looks like a real challenge with amazing results. Keep up the good work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, will do my best Jim 😀

[@janwalters5563]

Another beautiful piece.❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Jan 😊

[@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 😀

[@JRasch12]

Came out great. Good Luck with the Move!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@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

[@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 😀

[@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 😀

[@confused837]

Wow what a lovely piece of work

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😀

[@user-xd6bw3nl1n]

Stunning, great result.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😀

[@jessicamorelli2003]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jessica 😀

[@TheGothmod666]

Amazing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😃

[@petershipman7314]

Love the wood and the great bowl ,fantastic work 🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Peter 😀

[@beverlym5465]

Just beautiful, the shape is elegant and the wood is very nice! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Beverly 😀

[@teddyt4989]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@jasonfarrell1974]

That turned out awesome!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jason 😀

[@terryllewellyn1677]

Fabulous Mike 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Terry 😀

[@user-hx5lj7vs7f]

Love your work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Marie 😃

[@royalmaster203]

good looking bowl, thanks for your time

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for watching! 😀

[@cottrilltoolwoodworks]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly ☺️

[@Firebird1005]

That looks wonderfull.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 🙏

[@jeramiahcrosier3481]

Amazing show of patience as you were roughing - the end result is worth it! Cool and functional.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, lot's of patience needed, and a lot of sweeping during and after lol 😀

[@caspersx200]

Very nice. Good luck with the move

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Casper 😀

[@dianeclemmer1344]

Absolutely ❤️ Beautiful! Perfect!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@cherikrebs2637]

You do beautiful work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Cheri 😀

[@phillipmiles7200]

Well done! It's an impressive piece. Hope the move goes well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Phillip, not long now, cant wait to get in 😀

[@gogreenplant]

absolutely beautiful! New subscriber. Just can sit here and enjoy the beatiful art you create. Blessings.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and welcome Conrad, all the best, Mike 😃

[@dennisduggan9611]

That is a huge turning! Beautiful!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😁

[@karengilchrist9774]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks! 😀

[@Radcon-2222]

Another great one ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice work Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Loran 😀

[@scottfonner]

Well done Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott 😀

[@bethjohnson2793]

Wow what a beauty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Beth

[@user-xs3by4re7j]

I just found your channel and I’m impressed

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Daniel and welcome 😀

[@adrianhoe5199]

Stunning piece, well done Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Adrian 😀

[@geraldsimon3268]

You do such beautiful work.

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@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 😀

[@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 😀

[@jamesfleming5908]

What a challenge. Great outcome. Like the shape and finish.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much James 😀

[@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 😀

[@vdubboy85225]

What a beautiful piece. That wood is so amazing. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you too! 😀

[@vdubboy85225]

@@MikeHolton I was just meal prepping and thought of you. I have an old pepper mill from my mother, maybe from the mid 70's when she got married. Thought it might be cool to see you turn something similar?

[@mariabasil9631]

What beautiful color and grain! Again - thanks for sharing!

[@MikeHolton]

My pleasure Maria 😁

[@simon54131]

Another tricky piece handled so well, it looks amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Simon, it was a real pain but we got there 😀

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

An absolutely lovely sojourn with you and a beautiful result.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Michael 😀

[@jimwinter4635]

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

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@donnagreen7386]

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

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Donne, it certainly is a big one lol 😀

[@rwyse1]

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

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@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 😊

[@mikehammer6230]

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

[@MikeHolton]

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

[@user-mj7is9xg9n]

Great job, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😀

[@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 😀

[@paulhopkins3263]

That brilliant the way you made the bowl with the small rest . I’m so on pressed that I subscribed ,thank you

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Paul and welcome 😊

[@peterfuller2156]

Great work mike 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter 😀

[@karenstafford724]

That is absolutely gorgeous. Love the wood.🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Karen, the grain pattern is just beautiful 😀

[@barbararussell9532]

Watching you is so relaxing and you turned out a beautiful bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Barbara, I really appreciate it 😀

[@user-jo3wu7qj1h]

Absolutely beautiful bowl! A true master at his art. 😘

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul, you are too kind 😃