Sycamore Beauty! - Wood Turning

I love turning Sycamore. It has this beautiful, understated grain pattern that is enhanced by the natural areas under the bark. The differing colors all look beautiful when sanded lightly and finish applied. Finished in Shellac.
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An Easy To View List Of My Videos:
/ madronawoodworks
Thank you to viewer and friend Valerie 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

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Chiming in: yes, it was branch wood. The trunks were up to 36” diameter, and the branches were up to 24” diameter. The bumps are mini burls. The nine trees were city sidewalk trees, and were headed to the chipper because they were too gnarly ( and full of burls) for firewood. So I bought all nine trees! There are still a lot of interesting pieces with both burl and spalting waiting for you. I like what you did with the piece. You definitely brought out the best in it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@vintagelugs1708]

Thank you for sending Phil such a beautiful piece to share with us.

[@Henry_Little]

Sustain, THAT!!!

[@jerrydempsey3490]

Thanks Valerie for supporting Phil. Nice wood.

[@judebrown4103]

Wow Valerie! What I commitment, I applaud you and thank you for saving such beautiful wood. 👏👍🤩

[@valeriehenschel1590]

You are all very welcome. I try to match the wood to Phil’s talents, and send him pieces he can have fun with.

[@danschram4052]

I believe you made the right decision to cut down flat area. You turned that into a beautiful piece. Thank you for the video.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@user-ei1eo7sb1i]

Your the only show that keeps the reality of the wood and I love every piece

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much for this! 😊

[@rainbowbeard38]

You made the right decision with that piece, in fact, you make the right decision with all the pieces you make. Well done Phil. 👍🏻

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@johnmeeks9618]

Phil, I’ve been watching your channel for about a year or more, and I really enjoy it when you go into an instructional mode, it gives really good insight into the piece you are turning and gives me good ideas as well, thank you!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wow, thanks, John! 😊

[@hawkeye10100]

I agree, John.

[@jimcole389]

Yes sir much better

[@RG-ce5hj]

I agree with you 100% John! 👍

[@neilgriffin1860]

you have an eye for beauty don't double guess yourself as what ever you do comes out fantastic

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@ggbuck2625]

This project is a lot like life. Sometimes you lose a little to gain much. It turned out stunning.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@lenshandcraftedwoodsigns6033]

Phil, there is no right and wrong, only your interpretation. I think you made the right choice, what a lovely piece of wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks, Len! 😊

[@briansmith3662]

I think you made the right choice. I didn't like the high walls on the bowl either. Looked great in the end.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@acwhit1593]

It is gorgeous, Phil! You really brought all the character out of the wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@duaneheadworth6275]

You nailed it. That was what that tree was begging too look like. Thanks for sharing.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

You bet, Duane, thanks for watching! 😊

[@user-df6mf9mb2l]

I discovered your videos about a month ago, each time I am more amazed at the results. It's as if the wood talks to you to bring out the best part of it. I'm 84 so I won't be learning wood turning but the techniques are fascinating to hear you talk about them. Thank you for filling some of my lonely hours with the beauty you produce.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

So kind of you, Armanda, thank you! 😃

[@ThePapa1947]

First! Ok back to make my comment. First of all Phil I would say you made the right decision for sure. It was a tough call because I really like the old man. He looked a lot like me LOL. But you still got a lot of the natural areas of the wood and they are really cool. For awhile I was thinking maybe having it flipped so the bottom was the top but looking at the before and after pictures I would say you got the best of the wood that you could. A great piece and a great turn! Take care my friend, Gary

[@kerryc4556]

I don’t mind being second to you.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I wish I had a prize for you, Gary! LOL! Yeah, it just killed me to cut away all that I did but it just looked goofy the way it was. I'm glad you agree. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to spend some with me. See you tomorrow, buddy! 😊

[@ThePapa1947]

Well with the Alien 👽 bowl I did I almost wished I had cut more away. It looks a bit goofy but the boss likes it😄

[@Microdave75]

I absolutely love this bowl, it has so much charm and character, good job Phil 👌

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@debbieebbiebobebbie]

I am convalescing and binging your videos today, Phil. Very healing and relaxing for me and my puppy bois snuggling in bed all day. Thank you for sharing your art and everything!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm convalescing with you, Debbie! I wish you a quick and easy healing and I'm glad I can help! 😊

[@trevorcurry5521]

You've done it again,Phil.Couldn't have been styled any better.Brilliant.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@copperowlwoodturning5929]

I love this bowl, Phil. It is naturally beautiful and you showcased that. 😊 Take care. 😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@jeanlong5965]

You did make the right decision. I was a little worried but it turned out beautiful. I love the colors and all the character around the outside.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@ronvilla5149]

The right decision was made once again!!! That looked out of place before you removed it. I always look forward to your new turnings!! Thanks again Phil!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Yes! Thank you, Ron! 😊

[@marilynbright7981]

Phil, love the way you unlock the beauty in an old chunk of wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Marilyn! 😊

[@garydawson3184]

Phil- It was exactly the right choice to remove that high side. The piece was asking to be a shallow dish.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@jamesbrunk9817]

Phil, I did not understand your logic in locating the woodworm screw. Looking at the final product, it is now obvious. Great piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm glad it worked itself out for you, James! 😊

[@renegonzalez8070]

Phil Anderson performing magic again the piece looks impeccable 👌 1st look and you would think it's stone happy birthday to your beautiful children may God keep blessing you

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks a lot, Rene! 😊

[@rogerfoster3015]

I really am happy that you took the big “ugly” off. This is one of the nicer pieces that I’ve seen you turn. I really enjoy your channel.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Roger! 😊

[@carolriley569]

Phil, this is another gorgeous piece…you definitely made the right decision on it. The shape is lovely and the character on the outside of the dish is amazing. I just finished a Eucalyptus Burl bowl that has amazing character and I gave it to my surgeon who did my right shoulder replacement surgery.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

What a wonderful gift, Carol! I too have a surgery coming up and, depending on how it goes, (LOL) will consider giving my guy a piece, too! 😊

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

Best wishes for a full recovery!

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

As you were starting I was thinking something else, but I think your final design decision was perfect. That high side definitely didn’t belong. As it is the outer side reminds me of a moonscape. The inside is smooth and lovely. Jim will love it I’m sure. Thank you, Phil, for sharing it with us.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks a bunch, Doug! 😊

[@NianticRiverWoodcraftingChrisN]

For a piece you did not care about, it’s one of your best! Beautiful!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@katm6]

You definitely made the right decision turning that high side away. I never knew sycamore was so beautiful. Another gorgeous coffee table art piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you! 😊

[@williamellis8993]

That's beautiful, Phil. You definitely made the right decision turning that part away. That would look great on a hall table by itself or by the back door for your keys, etc. Glad you're doing well. Bill

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks, Bill! 😊

[@johnmeeks9618]

You could have removed the one edge with a Dremil Tool and a rasp carving bit so that you didn’t loose the interesting part you liked.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@Red12Harley]

Just cutting off the parts that don’t belong. The wood will let you know what has to go! Another amazing piece, Phil.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@marywright1057]

You made the right decision in turning this beautiful piece of wood.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Great, thank you, Mary! 😊

[@ww3ok]

You made the right decision and created a beautiful piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@chayacuevascohen2219]

You absolutely made the right decision removing that high side. I love your channel and always look forward to watching your new videos.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm so glad! Thank you, Chaya! 😊

[@davidharwood9552]

Yes Phil as always Right Decision 💥💥💥

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@nancygibbs4841]

Beautiful wood. Wonderful color. It looks like a big dinosaur walking shoe.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

It does, Nancy! 😊

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 68 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 ❤ 🎀 l love how it ended up.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm glad, Grammy, thanks! 😊

[@DianaJG8]

So beautiful from every side that it almost looks plastic/man-made... Thanks for letting us watch! 😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Diana! 😊 Cheers!

[@lindasnow3960]

Sir, Your project is lovely! Takes my breath away!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Glad you enjoy it, Linda! 😊

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

You make it look easy. An Interrupted cut is not easy. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@barrythompson7305]

Wow. Wow. Wow. You made the right decision Phil. You usually do. A work of art......

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Barry! 😊

[@rongollata5456]

ANother great job Phil. YOU made the right decision.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@larryking606]

Good Evening , Phil My Good Sir , there is NO QUESTION, That you made the Correct Decision ! When you came to the turning point, It was the best made decision, that Could have been made ! Beautiful Piece of Wood ! Truly just like Snow Flakes , no two share the same Beauty ! Take Care and Be Safe

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks a lot, Larry! 😊

[@beardedwoodpecker]

Ooooo……by the way, that was very nice of you going out of your way to help the folks not loosing their house. Bravo!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@rayworstine4399]

Good evening, Phil. I like it, I love, I want some more of it. The finish on the natural part of this turning is splendid. Excellent design.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Now you've got me singing that song, Ray! 😊

[@felocarp]

You made the right decision, Phil, to keep going, at least IMHO. Beautiful dish. The finish on the outside was exceptional. Thanks!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks, Greg! 😊

[@kaylaharding9977]

Beautiful!! You definitely made the right decision removing that tall side. I just love your work!!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Good to know, Kayla, thank you! 😊

[@carsonwells1785]

You absolutely should not have left the flat on top. You did the right thing and arrived at another beautiful creation. We expected no less.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@ingridbaasbecking2999]

Oh yes, that was the right decision! Love the shape of it.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@kersi-sandiego6036]

"Pennies in a stream Falling leaves of sycamore Moonlight in Vermont". A beaut Phil. Nice bowl to display gnarled and colorful rocks. Thx Phil. 🍀🍀🍀

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I'm listening to it now, Kersi! 😊

[@kersi-sandiego6036]

@@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop 👍👍👍

[@jimminybunkwhack5706]

flaring it out and making it into a dish without that high wall on one side was definitely the right way to go

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@steverobbins9419]

Absolutely gorgeously Phil what a dish. Thanks again for showing. 👍👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

My pleasure, Steve, thanks for watching! 😊

[@daviddejong187]

I think you tuned that piece perfectly!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@jerrydempsey3490]

You certainly did the right thing by removing that high portion of the top. Beautiful piece Phil, as always. 👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@suesmith9202]

Absolutely stunning phil.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@denisedonovan2639]

Definitely the right decision. I love the sides of the dish, so much character 🤩

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I think so too! Thank you, Denise! 😊

[@PotgieterWoodturning]

Yet another Phil Anderson Master piece. Great job Phil :D

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@stephenmccool8127]

Another great piece. I agree with your decision to cut it down some and widen it. Very nice and thank you Valerie. I have a request. Phil we used to see your face at the beginning of your videos and I for one miss that. I'm so glad you are back in the shop and I know your love is the piece you turn but give us a on camera smile from time to time? Thanks for sharing!

[@valeriehenschel1590]

You are most welcome, Stephen!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I try not to scare the women and young children, Steve! 😊

[@user-cb3th7jt8d]

I love that you respect the integrity of each piece of wood and allow it to become the best it can be. I’m glad you took that you took down the high back although it meant taking away some of the features the piece is more in balance. Just lovely.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I appreciate that! 😊

[@sabrina-wq4uu]

Lovely dish, Phil! When I look at it, I'm reminded of waves crashing onto the rocks along a shoreline. Beautiful!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Yes, me too, Sabrina! 😊

[@louisjcharlett5804]

Wood is smart and speaks the truth. Who knows better than Phil?

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Louis! 😊

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Mr. Phil absolutely awesome decision to go further it turned out absolutely stunning excellent job.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@diannamacdonald3716]

It’s a beauty! You made the right decision to turn away that high side.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@christinemiller7238]

Thank you Valerie! Sycamore is a beauty! So many interesting attributes. Happy Birthday to your kids 🧁

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Christine! 😊

[@rambladesmanmoe6291]

Definitely the proper decision Phil. Beautiful job.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@robertcox338]

Loved watching this piece evolve!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

So glad, Robert, thank you! 😊

[@johneastman7991]

I'm glad you took that high side off. You were right. It just looked funny but it turned out beautiful thanks to the king of the live edge.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks, John! 😊

[@markthompson6860]

the end was great phil

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@georgekunkel5819]

A pleasure as always what a beautiful piece. 😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, George! 😊 Cheers!

[@richardkelleher1711]

werewolf, that's what I see in that wood. The eye is missing at the end, but the snout is still there. Another cool turning!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@lindasnow3960]

Thank you for all your beautiful, (and even not as beautiful) work! The joy of it encourages me to try my own creativity.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Wonderful! Thank you, Linda! 😊

[@jamesfreeman5853]

Well Phil, the finished design is the best design, as always. Happy birthday Jim!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@lindabrown2211]

The wood platter or shallow bowl either way came out nice. I like wood that is not perfect in shape. You are right its art and is one of of a kind. Love to watch your videos which help new turners /wood lovers like me.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Cool, thank you so much, Linda! 😊

[@charlesdeshler202]

You absolutely made a great choice.... I was yelling at the TV so loud.... I'm glad you heard me🤣🤣🤣 Beautiful turn. Hope you feeling good Phil

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Charles! 😊

[@robertboycewoodturningn.c.7838]

Another great piece. Always a pleasure to watch. Great job. 👍

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@markanthonystringer9823]

Hi Phil, You'r the bloke making the piece so your choices are the only one's that count. Great looking piece, very arty, and a master class in tool control for air turning. Enjoyed the video, thanks. God bless, stay safe. Tony

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks a lot, Tony! 😊

[@richardswells3335]

Sycamore is one of the more beautiful woods....and strong.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@jandyke9995]

Another wonderful piece you have created

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much 😊

[@danamorrow5352]

Right decision and a beautiful piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@travisashcraft5226]

What a wonderful transformation Great video 👍🏻Thank you Phil

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@ThePwcj]

I like it this way. It looked like an unfinished project before. Thank you for the video and take care. Paul.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@susannah4Him]

Looks much better now. Well done!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Susannah! 😊

[@andycollins3327]

You made the right choice cutting out the extra! Beautiful dish!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@CMNIII2024]

Your descisions were spot on!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Clarence! 😊

[@jlyssagraywolf7503]

That is so beautiful on the bottum. Love The colors are great love it 💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jnol9009]

Definitely the right decision. Another excellent piece Phil. Take care and thx for sharing.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@TheMessyStudio]

I think it was the right decision too, Phil. The piece looks amazing!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, buddy! 😊

[@thiggy1249]

My wife is in the living room watching this video on our fire TV. She is just sitting there yelling at you, shouting "no, don't turn down in to the 'old man' !! She said he won't listen to me!!

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

LOL! 😊

[@edwardhand7070]

I'm glad mother nature guided you to what I believe was the right choice for that piece. It just looked out of place with that high spot. Happy turning Phil 😊

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thanks, Edward! 😊

[@normhoffman8545]

I'm glad you didn't stop earlier - the finished piece is great. This video is very timely - a friend is cutting a sycamore tree tomorrow and I'm getting the wood. Never turned it before. I'll probably turn a piece while still green, just to see what I find. Thanks for showing me what is possible with sycamore.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Should turn pretty easily for you while wet, Norm. Have fun! 😊

[@user-jp5mp9nv5e]

Good call ! Looks much better !

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@garthkeck2003]

Art is what you make it. You done good by taking the top off. Thanks for sharing.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@shaunfreese2936]

Another awesome piece! Thanks for sharing your talents with us. Good choice to go farther down into the piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊

[@tomday7309]

I never thought sycamore could look so good! Our first house had 5 sycamores by the street and when the city developed the large property across the street they cut down all the sycamores to widen the road. I remember them looking pretty ratty, but they may have had some of the things Valerie talked about. I have a new appreciation for them now that you did such an excellent job on that piece.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Yeah, I've found it to be a great turning wood, Tom! 😃

[@chrisjohnston2449]

You made the correct decision to keep going. As always you make amazing products

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Chris! 😊

[@Aaah-Mazn-Creations]

I should be in bed, but I just had to watch another episode of the Phil Anderson Macic show, I'm not tired anymore!! Every time I watch you I learn something new. I have tried to tackle the Off Center Bowl Turning (I don't know if it is called that) it turned out to be a flop. After watching this video and teaching us how to get better results, I am not afraid to try it again. I was always afraid of tacking off too much wood. By demonstrating where the cut will end up, I see how you can take more wood and do that without loosing any features you were trying to save. Now I feel confident I CAN DO IT and get good results. THANKS AGAIN lesson learned!! KEEP ON TURNING

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Confidence helps, Howard! Have a good time no matter what you are doing! 😄

[@kenmac6888]

Thank you Phil. Happy B'day to your kids. Fantastic as always. Can't wait for the next video.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Thank you, Ken! 😊

[@Audie1234]

A lovely piece ❤️. I agree that you made a good call in taking down that one side.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

Yay! Thanks, Audie! 😊

[@redleaf4902]

Hi Phil! I'm at minute 10. I think your 'Old Man' is the God of Thunder.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

I wish I could have saved him, Red! 😊

[@deborahlatham9359]

Love the old gentleman

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

😊