The Big Bowl That Took 7 Years to Woodturn

Welcome to my latest KZbin video where I showcase my latest woodturning project - a simple box elder bowl. Seven years ago, one of my viewers cut down their tree and gave me the wood. I've been waiting for the perfect moment to turn it into something special.
I started by cutting the wood into bowl blanks with a chainsaw, some of which I shaped completely with the chainsaw while others I used a band saw to cut pieces for the wood lathe. From there, I turned many of these into bowl roughs and finally settled on turning the biggest piece into a finished bowl.
To start, I reattached the chuck to the bottom of the bowl with the help of my CNC machine. With this, I was able to cut a perfectly round circle into the bottom of the bowl to help the chuck grip it firmly on the lathe. Once that was done, I finished turning the bowl on the lathe, sanded it, and applied a coat of walnut oil as a finish. I let this dry for several days before re-sanding the bowl with my random orbital sander and 400 grit sandpaper.
To finish off, I wiped off the sawdust with mineral spirits and added a second coat of walnut oil, leaving the bowl with a beautiful finish. The end result is a stunning box elder bowl that I'm proud to have created. Thanks for watching and don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe for more woodturning content!
I post my pieces occasionally on Esty . I have just put up 3 bowl for sale on my Esty site
www.etsy.com/shop/FrankMakes
Tools used in this project can be found at
www.frankmakes.com/​
CNC: www.cncrouterparts.com​
Woodturning tools: carterandsontoolworks.com/
To see upcoming projects follow me on social media
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www.patreon.com/user?u=16151185​
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/ frankhowarth​
Facebook
/ frankmakes
0:00 (introduction)
1:25 (rough turning)
3:57 (finish turning)
8:59 (finishing)

[@AnthonyStabler]

I saw on Steve Ramsey's channel that you've been on KZbin since 2006. I got hooked on you with the stop-motion of your chairs running around the yard & then your shop build. I haven't missed a video since. I love the voice overs & your thought processes. Your family in the vids gives us some perspective of your life. Keep 'em coming, I'll be waiting!

[@kv501]

@@Typersx1 That’s a dumb comment. Not even relevant to the one you’re responding to.

[@Estwing22]

@@kv501 I understand your defense of Frank. What point is there in saying something negative like that? People with any perceptible difference from the norms are singled out for scrutiny and then labeled. The treatment they receive can victimize them and cause lower self esteem. It can push them to a place with a different perspective. Some may rebel and dominate back at the denouncers or they may find their place is to be one that is less dominant, and more kind, caring,clever, humorous and thoughtful. All of that can be repressed by an overabundance of criticism which can begin with one comment. So yes we should protect Frank. But I wonder if the speech impediment comment was intended as a slam or if it was presented as backstory on a favorite character. Whatever the intentions, it did present backstory and even though we often do, no one should think less of anyone with speech challenges. Or any challenge. I appreciate the comment if it was offered as backstory and I understand wanting to defend Frank. But do you realize? You could both be on Frank's side.

[@AnthonyStabler]

I know exactly why he does voice-overs and I love him for it!

[@nityanandadas5575]

Ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppoppppp

[@Rustache]

love when you edit in yourself helping.. yourself. You should call him 'Hank Frowarth'

[@Wolforce]

Love that we still get a simple bowl video like the older ones sometimes. Your channel is really great, thank you for it ☺️

[@fleetswoodshop3339]

FRANK YOUR AWESOME MY FRIEND. YOU ALLWAYS DO SUCH A GREAT JOB.BUDDY FROM DOUG

[@javindo]

I was thinking that 7 years seems like a long time but then realised I've been watching your videos for over 10 years! Wood as a medium really humbles us sometimes but has that connection of changing with time; not quite the same permanence as rock but less fleeting than us, perhaps that's part of what makes it such a joy to work with.

[@misterfixie6003]

The grain reminds me of the storms and boils on Jupiter. Very nice Frank!

[@RexKrueger]

You can find footage from seven years ago? That's like a magic trick to me. You need to make a video about file management!

[@tomim7187]

Beautiful turning. It was great to meet you in Atlanta.

[@glass1258]

Frank is the man ! Greatest woodworker and video editor on KZbin !

[@MKRM27]

Greatest? I think you mean your favourite

[@avibank]

I really like how light the walnut oil leaves the wood.

[@ciredorn]

I see a man with a beard and a cow in the grain. Just wanted to share. Tanks for this video, for the turning and the very agreable talking.

[@frankmakes]

Interesting

[@167curly]

Such fine delicate lathework, Frank. Congrats.

[@kenc2257]

What a lovely bowl--that figured wood is quite striking. That thin edge looks amazing.

[@Johnny_Blaze]

That Stihl is pristine!

[@chrisahola7809]

Very nice Frank. I always like to watch your videos.

[@UltimateTechHub]

7 years!! You are a patient man!! Lol!

[@sdspivey]

Like me, probably forgetfulness or procrastination.

[@UltimateTechHub]

@@sdspivey me too

[@devilononeshoulder]

I find these videos incredibly relaxing

[@rogertoaster9385]

I came here because the tiny preview pic looked like a big Sloppy Joe. Sloppy Joe or not, I'm still happy I saw this video.

[@takelty]

Might be my favorite bowl yet.

[@fnafplayer6447]

You have such a soothing voice and have been part of an inspiration to do my own work

[@danfromnorth52]

I really like the look of how you brought the rim to a pointed edge. It makes it look very refined.

[@kevinnewman6035]

Simple yet ever so elegant, Frank. 🤩

[@sdcofer52]

That is a beautiful burled bowl Frank.

[@BradsSpace2]

It's amazing how much old footage you have

[@wittworks]

Hey Frank! 🎉

[@kevdimo6459]

Just received your channel for the first time. Loved this video and subscribed straight away! I’m looking forward to seeing many more videos, thanks Frank 👍🏻

[@calvinbass1839]

Well done! Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@atversted]

Lovely video frank and a beautiful bawl. I think we could have a couple of giggles more though ;)

[@bigskymaker]

Beautiful bowl Frank! Always learn something watching you work. Well done.

[@fostergrip]

It looks like the surface of the planet of Mars or something. Absolutely beautiful.

[@fostergrip]

​@Frankhowarth390 I don't know what you want me to do. What is telegram? Help please.

[@JuliaKadauke]

I just love listening to your voice 😊

[@SethKotta]

I love it. Now make a teacup!

[@LockedenLoad]

Beautiful bowl. It reminds me of me. Large and shallow!

[@glencrandall7051]

Seven years start to finish. I say it was worth the wait. 👍👍Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@frankmakes]

Thanks 👍

[@outlandishprofessor]

That's a beautiful chunk of boxelder, and you did a good job with the bowl form.

[@joerash9020]

Frank's the man with the plan enjoy your videos

Frank, very nice Frank. Eu te acompanho aqui de Londrina City, Paraná state, Brasil. Aprendo muito com seus vídeos...continue. Congratulation.

[@terrytenley9327]

Great video.. enjoyed it much.. I been turning green wood for 56 years and made many.. I like face plates for green wood. After I rough them out I coat with paste wax and then around the outside I use shrink wrap.. I watch them and weight them for 6 weeks and if no cracks I put them in the attic of my shop.. Most dry out in 6 months and are ready.. I have had a few that have been in the attic over 22 years.. At one time I must of had 120 some bowls up in my attic. Things kind of get buried you know.. All kinds of hardwoods, 6-7 kinds of oak, maple, walnut..you name it…In most cases I just sand the bottom flat and put a faceplate on..and turn them to finish.. Other bowls I use a vicmarc 120 Chuck and is my favorite.. Nice to see a Cnc used to recreate the dovetail..

[@johnm8091]

Hoping you’ll be posting more soon! Loved your stop motion videos and really everything you make. Thanks for sharing, it’s always inspirers and grounds me.

[@andrewmullen4003]

That is just a beautiful simple bowl. Nice one Frank.

[@jeanlong4285]

Wow, beautiful bowl. The grain is awesome.

[@frankmakes]

Yes, it's always amazing finding out what's inside the wood

[@Shae_Sandybanks]

So gorgeous!

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Beautiful!

[@metamorphiczeolite]

Gorgeous as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@danwahl8559]

Very nice job sir, well done.

[@kevinsnodgrass4586]

Excellent work that you take great pride in doing!

[@sapelesteve]

Another absolutely beautiful bowl Frank! Great work as always! 👍👍👏👏

[@NastierNate]

Looks great, Frank!

[@derekreid1990]

Beautiful.

[@dav1dsm1th]

Worth the wait.

[@beverlym5465]

It’s beautiful! Love the size and shape.

[@johnd5805]

That's a beautiful big bowl.

[@MFunkibut]

10:30 - If you didn't know better you'd think it was satellite images from the orbit of Mars or Venus. Beautiful stuff.

[@jonboy8181]

This is beautiful

[@plainnpretty]

It’s beautiful thank Frank

[@donniebeall8152]

Very beautiful

[@ShibaMomma143]

Stunning.

[@rickeyburke2596]

Beautiful piece of Wotkmanship

[@tom_hutchinson]

Looks ace

[@brettgl21]

Very nice. Odies wax leaves more of a flat finish but offers a little more protection. Recently I made my own paste wax from walnut oil, beeswax and carnauba wax. It also leaves a flat finish. I apply either over the walnut oil.

[@orijimi]

Honestly, if you didn't say it was 7 years later, I don't think I'd have figured it out.

[@tobykathan8277]

Have you shown your lathe tool sharpening process? What your grinder set up is?

[@erikziak1249]

This is simply amazing. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@frankmakes]

Thanks

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

That is a giant bowl.

[@williamellis8993]

Beautiful bowl, Frank. A giant salad would look good in there. Bill

[@jonathanmangold5024]

Monumental!

[@danvalleskey]

Frank can start his Stihl in 4 pulls! You are a master, sir.

[@frankmakes]

The magic of editing

[@MickyBellRoberts]

Wow, I came across your channel by mistake and absolutely ove it . I have subscribed. Thanks for posting it.

[@Thzinou]

Super 👍👍

[@oficinanasala]

Muito bom trabalho parabéns

[@nordyfamily]

Great work! You always seem most relaxed when turning. Seven years is such a long time. Would a wood dryer, like Matt Cremona's friend be worth while. Turn green wood and a few months later finish up. That would be awesome.

[@frankmakes]

What I need is 50 hours a day 😁

[@CascadeCreate]

Classy

[@joesmith1574]

Green box elder smells great, don’t it?!

[@9madness9]

Love knotted Wood on a bowl

[@MCsCreations]

Amazing, Frank! Really beautiful work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@jasonturner1045]

wow!

[@whiffofbrine920]

magnifique

[@EricTrimbur]

Procrastinating turning my own bowl by watching someone who waited 7 years to turn one of their own.

[@grobklotz]

Nice Work Frank. Always good to be patient and wait for it, even 7 years... Everything turned out very nicely. Viel Spaß weiterhin, 🗿#grobklotz

[@BenNawrath]

Depending on the size, you could probably get a foam interface pad for that sanding disc to help with the edges digging in. I found some for my 5” random orbit sander

[@frankmakes]

I have some of those. And they definitely help. But the grinder is just so aggressive which is good and bad.

[@BenNawrath]

@@frankmakes I hear ya. Sometimes you need to not mess around and just remove material!

[@eatenkate]

Go Team Natural Finish!

[@horatiohornblower868]

Looks kind of marbleised. Very nice!

[@anticsgarage5230]

Agreed! I thought the finished product looked a little like limestone.

[@Mike__B]

That is some serious dedication. I get that those crotches are only useful for making bowls and what not, but to let them sit for 7 years. Hell I would have just thrown them into the wood splitter and turned them into firewood.

[@SuppaflyZSM]

It amazes me how you have footage from these multi-year projects and are actually able to find it and put it together years later. Do you do anything special to organize all your footage?

[@JBizzle750]

Hey Frank 😊

[@Estwing22]

Frank, Could you use a flaslight app to create a strobe light which was set to match the timing of the rpms of your lathe? My thought being that you could use it to flash the inside of your bowl so you can see the bottom without having to turn the lathe off to do it. Stop action just like when looking at timing marks.

[@Estwing22]

Frank, I don't do Facebook or related products like what's app, to my detriment at times like this. So I will elaborate here. I don't know if the flash on a phone is fast enough. It might need to be a real xenon strobe light. How to trigger it? Glue a magnet to the chuck with a nearby loop of wire for the magnet to induce electricity into and for the strobe light's current sensor to hook to? (Then duck when you turn up the rpms) Or there is probably a way to do it with one of those raspberry pie things. A high speed camera would capture it but you would have to look at it on a screen, not inside the bowl. The amount of work it would take me in the setting up process might make it easier for me to just turn the lathe off a few times. You are very clever and I bet you could certainly do it faster than I though it could still be easier to turn the lathe off a few times. But it might be worth it if it enhances interest in your videos. I've seen a lot of contraptions for lathes on KZbin but I've never seen one with a strobe light. I wonder if you could set a strobe light at an rpm that doesn't match, but is near the rpm of the lathe and have a result that still shows you what you wanted to see? At the very least, figuring it out, on camera, Frank style, might complement another turning video. And if you fine tune it and it works well, it could become a product that could be marketed. It's probably just another dumb idea but whether it ends up as a video or a product, I would be proud to have helped butter that bread. And if it ends filed under 13? Well, I have lots of ideas filed there. It will work and it would be interesting to me, although a demographic of one doesn't carry much weight. Everyone has different ways of doing things and I always enjoy watching how you work through to your goal. Your's is one of my safe KZbin channels that are an oasis of humanity inside a world that is a desert with regards to trust. Thank you.

[@cooperised]

@@Estwing22 It appears that your avoidance of WhatsApp might not have been to your detriment at all - I can't see the message you replied to because it's been deleted, but if it was one of those "message me on WhatsApp" type things then they are *always* a scam. KZbin is rife with this rubbish unfortunately.

[@markzambelli]

OMG... 10:30 is that Nicolas Cage's face near the top😂

[@NickBiancalana]

Frank - have you ever thought about using a length of piano wire to try to match the curve inside the bowl? This might be able to show you high spots a bit easier

[@timma_thy]

5:20 me too, Frank. Me too.

[@dpmeyer4867]

wow

[@michaelachilles2777]

One idea, maybe…. To rough cut the green wood into a round shape you could use your faceplate as the center on the band saw. You just need a peace of plywood that is thick enough to receive the dowel end of the faceplate. In this way your bandsaw cut will end up much closer to round… Just an idea…. Nice work by the way!! I like to listen to your voice!

[@frankmakes]

It seems like I thought of this. But now that I hear you say it, I'm envisioning the jig I would have to make and it seems like a good idea. I may have to try this. Thanks!

[@62schmidt]

might I offer a differant thought for the assorted bowl coring systems, they do not restrict the shape of the bowl you core, they only restrict the shape of the core, currently you have the core shaped as a bag of shavings, it could have been from one to 4 more bowls. I notice you run the nose of your bowl gouge almost straight up, I always learned the nose should point towards the direction of travel. and in an arc. a 60 degree U shaped gouge might help with the transition area.

[@Snakeloa]

Very nice 👍 and beautiful bowl. Have you seen the face 👀 in the finished bowl

[@Snakeloa]

Beware this is a Scam. First they promise you a present ( laptop) then they try to trick you into paying for shipping costs.

[@dakavanagh]

I've been watching you for quite a few years (maybe not when you started this bowl, but close!). Do you ever sell the pieces you make? That box elder bowl is lovely!

[@bradhood]

Stunning piece, Mr. Howarth! Is any of your art ever for sale? I have searched, but to no avail.

[@lesleyyoung5730]

Just a thought... how about covering your computer keyboard with cling film so sawdust won't collect in it?

[@SnappyWasHere]

I think you should make a set of those nesting Russian dolls. They could easily be a turning project. And could be made to resemble your family or cats or something interesting.

[@frankmakes]

Haha I like it!

[@AlanW]

To find the lumpiness while it's spinning, what if you shone a laser level line in the bowl?

[@jdtong1342]

Hey Frank love the content!! Have you tried making cereal bowls for the kids?? With some crazy designs

[@frankmakes]

No but I like the idea

[@jae878]

Thanks for sharing! So what direction is the grain running? Do you try to have the grain of the wood running in a certain direction when turning a bowl or does it not matter? Thanks again.