Sassafras Gettin' Sassy With Me! - Wood Turning

This one was a tough turn, at least on the inside. I wasn't expecting what I found. It did turn out OK but man, I had to work for the result! Finished in shellac.
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An Easy To View List Of My Videos:
/ madronawoodworks
Thank you to Robert for sending this along for all to enjoy!
Things I Like To Turn:
Live Edge Bowls, Natural Edge Bowls, Bark On Bowls, Firewood Pile Bowls, Natural Vases, Wood With Bug Holes, Cracked, Natural Voids, Knots, Ironwood. The Unusual become my Newest Woodturning Video Each Week!
What I use:
Bowl Gouges, Spindle Gouge, Skew Chisel, Parting Tool, Dovetail Tool, Face Plate Ring, Wood Worm Screw, SuperNova2 Chuck, Power Sanding Disks, Sand O Flex, Howard Feed & Wax, Sanding Sealer, Shellac, Scotch Brite Pads for Smoothing Finishes

[@vickirothe3761]

I think it is good to show us items that are problematic because not every project is straightforward. Thank you for showing us something more challenging for you to turn. 👍👍👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

You are so welcome, Vicki, thank YOU for watching and commenting! 😊

[@ceciliarunnoe1463]

I find this bowl super interesting. The rim, the bark, the shape, the color. There is something intriguing about how all those things come together. Thank you for sharing and for persevering in spite of the decay in some areas.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Interesting! Thank you, Cecilia! 😀

[@jeanlong4285]

Don't be disappointed Phil. I think it's beautiful. Even the rotten part is beautiful. The grain and the live edge are great. I just love it.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for the encouraging words, Jean! 😊

[@dianeclemmer1344]

Oh my goodness ❤️🤔 that's a gorgeous wood! Good medicine too! SASSAFRAS 😉

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😃

[@Mannyandyeric]

I used to scratch the bark of sassafras twigs when I was a kid for the smell. While watching, I kept thinking undercut, undercut this piece. Nice piece! Nice work! Nice sander design, Tuffy!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Interesting! Thank you, Eric! 😊

[@dcwander7092]

Creativity at work! Bowl looks beautiful. It has color, pattern, design, shape, and shine! 👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much, DC!

[@lyndaowen2154]

very pretty & the bark is beautiful-- great job w/ all the headaches

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@rickharem5788]

What a surprise inside that hunk of wood! Beautiful. Good job.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@christopherkhartley2001]

Phil, been watching your work for some years now and enjoy it very much. Keep turning my Friend!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoy it, Christopher, thanks for hanging out with me! 😊

[@msudawgma]

God Blessed you with the eye to see the beauty in the wood and the talent to create those beautiful pieces. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

You are very welcome, E G, thank you for watching! 😊

[@sonarbangla8711]

True masterpiece. All around, particularly the inside.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@nanfredman1991]

Yup, it's from a root beer tree! The chatoyance on that wood is lovely.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Nan! 😊

[@barrymartin7085]

Magnificent piece Phil. Don't beat yourself up. One of your best as far as I'm concerned.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@catfishgray3696]

PHIL YOU ARE THE MAN, GREAT JOB, GREAT VIDEO, [ BACK TO WORK ]...

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Right on 😊

[@mikeschliessmann2244]

A great bowl. I've been turning about a year and learned at least three things that were baffling me. Many thanks.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad to help, Mike. 😊 Thank you so much for watching!

[@kathleenmaxwell9530]

Even though the decay bothers you in this piece, it is beautiful. The bark sets it off.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Agree about the bark, Kathleen! 😊

[@charliemckay6402]

Fantastic job, nobody could have done it better.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I appreciate that, Charlie, thank you!

[@nighteagle317]

You never disappoint Phil. It's beautiful. The wood was rotted. Not your fault. Cheers, Paige C.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you for your uplifting comment, Paige! 😊

[@rocioneyra2150]

You did it again, Phil. Beautiful.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much, Rocio! 😊

[@KittyLovesGlover]

even with the "flaws" your pointing out, that is beautiful and love the bark!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Cool, thanks, Kitty! 😊

[@anthonybrau7399]

Even with the decay....it's really a pretty bowl. Thanks for the video!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for watching, Anthony! I'm glad you like it!

[@jimminybunkwhack5706]

The sassy sassafras bowl looks great. The unforeseen rotten wood you had to cut away gave it a very appealing shape to the live edge, in my opinion.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Cool, thanks 😊

[@j.mcatee2432]

Very pretty. So interesting the effect of the shellac on the rotten wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Johnnie! Cheers! 😊

[@nancygibbs4841]

A nice functional bowl and with beautiful depth and character.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you very much, Nancy! 😊

[@gilvb51]

Didn't realize that sassafras grew to such big tree as apparent from the piece as you mounted. What a beautiful bowl Phil!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you like it, Gil, thank you very much! 😊

[@ugaladh]

Its a good wood for woodworking, its just rare nowdays to find pieces large enough to work with.

[@richardsabor4262]

That sweet smell is root beer. Every time I work with sassafras & cedar my wife spends the day in my shop.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I love it! 😊

[@garytompkins3761]

You sounded a bit disappointed, I found the piece exceptionally beautiful. Lots of sassafras around here in DE. I do love the cinnamony, root beer odor when turning. Your work focused on highlighting the natural beauty of the wood has inspired me to see and work a bit differently. Thanks for making these videos.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

My only disappointment was turning more of the wood away than I wanted to, but in the end, I like it! I'm so glad you are seeing your work in a different light, Gary. There is so much to see in many of these natural pieces than in a plain, round bowl. 😄

[@user-il5eb7pk7r]

Another beautiful piece of work, I love it

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Pat! 😊

[@barbaradeselle4287]

I like this piece. Another unique Phil. Keep up the wonderful art❣️

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@tequilastraightup595]

Love how you are working to save as much details of the wood as possible.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm glad you recognize that, Paul, thank you! I consider that my main job. 😊

[@tequilastraightup595]

@@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop I prefer the natural beauty of the wood. I work with petrified wood, all I try to do is make it easier to see the beauty in it. Keep up the great work.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

@@tequilastraightup595 Curious what you do with the petrified wood, Paul. About all you can do is cut and polish, right? I'm pretty sure it can't be turned! Don't make me try it! LOL!

[@tequilastraightup595]

@@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop you can't turn it like regular wood. You got to use grinders, sandpaper, diamond saw blades, and tumblers. I'm in the process of turning a 5 horse power vertical wood sander into a polisher, just need to finish making the electric water proof. Not too fun getting electrocuted trying to polish big pieces of petrified wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

@@tequilastraightup595 Yes, I thought it was something like that. You have to treat it as a rock. Sounds like you are really into what you do, it's great to have a passion!

[@bonitagoodwin5086]

I can remember as a small child visiting distant relatives that brewed sassafras tea.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@tinaharbit1806]

Another stunning piece! Brought out the orange!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Tina! 😊

[@julianclarke7178]

Excellent job Phil, looks lovely. Thanks for sharing. Stay Safe. Jules, Droitwich, England

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jules, thank you! 😊

[@OurFrenchHouseRenovation]

very natural, you've done the best possible I think.. great looking piece... thanks for sharing..

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Grahame! Cheers! 😊

[@wesleyehowell]

I think the light brown on the bark is the perfect color for sarsaparilla. Great piece!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Yes! Thank you! 😊

[@trustatimelord]

Loved you gettin' sassy with the Sassafras

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@garrettperkins5804]

Phi, it may have not been what you expected but I believe the overall turned out beautiful especially the out side colors and bark ,as always enjoyed and was surprised as you were. God bless and keep on turning for us.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@philmcghee6487]

Phil, you did a wonderful job on that piece. I’ve been turning for about 4 years now and you have given me the confidence to try live edge turning. I Also had a nice piece of sassafras to work with recently and the results were amazing. gorgeous results. you are a great teacher. I have certainly noted that the wood determines what the bowl will look like. I hope to be able to that in the future too as my craftmanship improves. You have really helped me to up my game. Thanks! Phil McGhee Carrollton,GA

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

This is great to hear, Phil! I'm so glad you are expanding your horizons a bit. Thank you! 😃

[@jimbrock8928]

I love it I had a tree on my place that died turned a bunch of it I really had some pretty red bark Very unusual color great turning Phil ❤️

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@billmorris2613]

I really like the bowl. Very unique. The file powder that we use in our Cajun gumbo is made from grinding the leaves and stems of the Sassafras Tree. Sassafras Root is one of the original roots used in making root beer.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Very cool, Bill, thank you! 😊

[@tomh7331]

Very nice as always, Phil. You have another winner! I used to make wall shelves and various things out of sassafras. The grain always reminded me of oak. It took stain beautifully.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Cool, thanks, Tom! 😊

[@tinaharbit1806]

Wowza Phil! The color is stunning!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@alanmilner629]

Love the bowl Phil and the bark great job

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I appreciate that, Alan, thank you!

[@jimmiller4823]

It's beautiful. Lots of character.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Jim!

[@TheRedhawke]

I've never seen Sassafras worked before and must say that bowl is beautiful. We dug the roots of the Sassafras tree when I was a kid to make a type of tea, I believe it was in the fall of the year. Merry Christmas

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Red, Merry Christmas! 😊

[@tim0h215]

I think it looks great. To me it's perfect. Keep up the great work. 👍😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Tim! Cheers! 😊

[@carolriley8472]

I love it ...the shape , the bark and the color. I’m always happy to use shellac to harden up some rot.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Carol! Cheers! 😊

[@clintondieter5871]

I built a cabinet out of sassafras in high school. I was so disappointed with the grain till I finished it. Such a beautiful wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

That is awesome!

[@paulahemphill5187]

Love this bowl and the sassafras .

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Paula! 😊

[@Skyrunner_84]

I absolutely love the way you explain what you are planning to do. It kinda makes me feel like I am a part of the design process. This really helps me to learn the craft myself. Thank you for these amazing videos.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm so glad you find it helpful, thank you very much!!

[@glendablackwell1890]

God gave you a beautiful gift .

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

The gift of great viewers, Glenda! 😊

[@maurinec.4784]

I'm just amazed. You turn something beautiful from something rotted. Just beautiful!! That bark edge really turned out perfect too. Now to get you on resin lol 😍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Maurine! 😊

[@kobiekaasjager4822]

Phil you did not let anyone down, the wood tells you what it wants to be. I think it is awesome and stunningly beautiful. When you look at the stump before you begin you don't know what is inside. To me everything you make is just fantastic. Thank you.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thank you, Kobie! 😊

[@user-cb3th7jt8d]

Very unique. I like the bark

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@danwalton395]

Silk purse from a sows ear. Way to go and not giving up.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for watching, Dan!

[@stephenmccool5558]

Well I'm late to the party as usual. Another beautiful piece and I enjoy the way you deal with the issues each piece presents you. Inspiring!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much, Stephen! 😊

[@jussikuusela7345]

It's fine. Natural materials have their unpredictable imperfections.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

You are correct, Jussi. I just wasn't expecting any in this piece. The outside was so nice! 😊

[@bonitagoodwin5086]

I can remember as a small child going to visit some distant relatives that brewed sassafras tea.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@davidstokes925]

Really nice grain and the bark is beautiful!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, David! Cheers!

[@petemoore1596]

Phil i just love that

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm so glad, Pete, thank you! 😊

[@dianeclemmer1344]

It's all just absolutely Gorgeous ❤️ every bit 😉

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Diane! 😃

[@woodturning.1948]

Красота. Результат супер!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Большое спасибо! 😊

[@mikemc2760]

Great piece Phil! Love your work!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoy it, thank you, Mike! 😊

[@cydnicaldwell1337]

Looks great! Sometimes any material you're working with has its own ideas of what it wants to be & how it wants to look. I know that may sound crazy, but when working with natural materials this sometimes happens. You worked with your piece and in the end its a beautiful creation thats got its own utensil rest or refill hole built right into it.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Cydni! Cheers! 😊

[@villain1409]

Well worth the watching & thank you.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you! 😊

[@WoodysWoodShop]

Love the way that one turned out Phil!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm so glad, Woody, thank you! 😊

[@patriciaborron94]

As you said, it is what it is...and what it is is beautiful. The "flaws" add character, the bark is gorgeous and the grain patterns are lovely. It seemed like a difficult project, but you saw it through to the end, creating another work of art. Thanks.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thank you, Patricia, I appreciate your kind comment! 😊

[@thewoodshop]

I really like working with Sassafras. I recently completed a Sassafras bowl, made from a piece out of my firewood pile.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@michaelmorris1451]

Like the bowl. Good job keeping the bark. Mike

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Mike! 😊

[@tsmith9825]

Looks like a lot of work. But totally worth it. Love it !

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

It was, Thomas, but it did work out and I'm glad you love it! 😊

[@Audie1234]

Beautiful bowl, Phil!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you like it, Audie, thank you! 😊

[@marythornsberry6486]

Wow......I love it....rotten or not it turned out beautiful.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Mary! Cheers! 😊

[@garthkeck2003]

Great job Phil.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@peterfuller2156]

Great work Phil top job 👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoyed it, Peter, thank you!

[@garthkeck2291]

Decay is like work holes. Don't worry about it. Good looking bowl. Merry Christmas

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks, Garth, you too! 😊

[@mcwikstrom]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you! Cheers! 😊

[@larryrobinson1256]

Great job. Sassafras is very fragrant wood and repels insects. It turns a light gray when allowing to age.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for the info, Lawrence!

[@stevekrupa6209]

Really cool!! I just ordered some sassafras from my dealer. I can’t wait to turn it!! Great job!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Hope you enjoy it! 😊

[@billmorris2613]

I would like to wish you, your family, and your You Tube viewers: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Very kind of you, Bill! Merry and Happy to you, too! 😊

[@punkylovell2875]

Came out gorgeous. Love it

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm so glad, Punky, thank you!

[@spindlesworkshop9744]

love the bark color ....tuff that you had all that rot,,,, all and all it looks very nice

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I appreciate that, thank you! 😊

[@williamfawkes8379]

It smells like medicine because it is, or was a commonly used component in herbal remedies, and as others have said, root beer, or sasparilla. Its one of the super helpful trees for living off the land, as our ancestors once did. I really liked the look of the bowl it became, I am a sucker for wood that's past its sell by date.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for the info, William! I'm glad you like this and took your time to tell me! 😊

[@olajackson757]

People in KY know this tree herb .. Real rootbeer in bottles still can be purchased . It has sassafras and licorice root .. and other herbs . Virgil's rootbeer is one .

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great looking bowl Phil

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching and commenting! 😊

[@TheDistur]

Cool bowl. Thanks for the video!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@glendapotter9525]

Well to these amateur eyes it looks beautiful and I didn't see the negative points you kept pointing out and I can only speak for myself when I say that you didn't disappoint me at all but I'm a retired tailor not a wood turner.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

This is good to know, Glenda, thank you! I am my own worst critic, I suppose. 😊

[@robertgamboa4909]

beautiful sassafras bowl.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you very much, Robert!

[@sideshowbob1544]

Love the orange!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@stephanielovatt2787]

My mother had a small sassafras tree, but I think we pulled it before it got too big. The root used to be an ingredient in that delicious beverage, rootbeer. That might be what you're smelling. 😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks for the info, Stephanie! That is exactly what I was smelling! 😊

[@carlspringle9342]

Again Phil you created another beautiful piece. Merry Christmas.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Carl! Merry Christmas! 😊

[@margaretdellinger2872]

This more than just okay....it is great!!!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Cool, thank you, Margaret! 😊

[@robertwilson54]

Well it’s 22:30 in Britain on Christmas Day and that was brilliant to watch hope you have a great Christmas and here’s to many more of your videos

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas! 😊

[@bobbyplatt7654]

Turned out very nice as usual..

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Much appreciated, Bobby!

[@mickpalmer2834]

Wonderful tool control beautiful finished job thanks MickP in England on Christmas Day 👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you very much, Mike! Merry Christmas! 😊

[@jlyssagraywolf7503]

Absolutely gorgeous. Maybe if you had thought about doing an undercut bowl you might have been able to keep that knot you wanted to keep. Love it💜💜💜💜

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Maybe. Thanks, J'Lyssa!

[@user-zo7mr3op8i]

You are the Will Geer of woodturning,

[@user-zo7mr3op8i]

Dang!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@joycemiller6188]

it is really beautiful, thank you for sharing

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

My pleasure, Joyce, thank you for watching! 😊

[@jeffstevens763]

Great bowl the rot sets if off in a weird way good job Phil 👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks 👍

[@annemarsden2323]

Brilliant work thanks for sharing 🙏

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

So nice of you, Anne, thank you! 😊

[@TheMessyStudio]

Such a lovely piece, Phil! And the orange bark is really cool!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, buddy! I hope this means you are feeling better! 😊

[@TheMessyStudio]

@@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop, I am buddy. Still far from well, but getting stronger every day.

[@simondawson2978]

I'm watching this at 00:50 on Christmas day, from England, so may I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and everyone who comments on this video the same .

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Very kind of you, Simon, thank you and Merry Christmas! 😊