THE BIG REDWOOD - Sequoia woodturning project

It's not often you get chance to turn a living legend bet here we are turning the giant redwood Sequoia. What can I make from this beautiful crotch piece with it's amazing grain but soft and fragile structure. Watch and you will 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

[@1Life2Little]

I'm a simple man... When Mike releases a video I click it.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, thanks so much, I really appreciate your support 😄

[@raydriver7300]

Me too 🌞

[@raydriver7300]

Like you, I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure. And I don’t mind sanding either. Just as well because the oak I’m turning at the moments doesn’t like being cut and hates being scraped! That bowl is nice, Mike. Keep keeping up the good work 🌞

[@William_Kenny]

Great looking bowl Mike nicely done as always I have a few pieces of sequoia you've inspired me to go look for it, kind regards From will 👍

[@MikeHolton]

@@William_Kenny Thanks Will, let me know how you get on

[@garybeasley4885]

The other half of the log gives you the option of turning with the heart on the bottom. Best of both worlds

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gary, a few have suggested this and it is a good idea. 😁

[@robinmeek7593]

You have turned an absolute treasure! It's gorgeous.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Robin 😃

[@galloping3265]

I don't have your ability to envision the "solid geometry" outcomes. What a talent you have, nay, a GIFT!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, that is very kind of you to say, most of it just comes from experience 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

Thank you yet again Mike, it is good to spend time with you whilst you decide the 'what' and 'how', explain your thinking and discuss your options - lots of tips in there for we viewers to learn from. It is a lovely bowl, too!

[@lornacy]

Agreed!

[@DormentedTrio]

Know nothing about woodturning but love watching!

[@MikeHolton]

Keep watching and you will soon be able to have a go 😁

[@Tseringlhatso]

What a gorgeous bowl, and I love your commentary style.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TishaHayes]

Such a beautiful bowl hidden inside of the sequoia wood

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tisha, I love finding bowls in natural logs, it really is so much fun 😀

[@simon54131]

Stunning bowl, always a pleasure to watch, so relaxing.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Simon, see you next time, all the bet, Mike

[@Bunk599]

Beautiful. I lived in San Francisco for 20 years.....just North of the city is a paradise for wood turners wood.

[@MikeHolton]

That is so cool, I went to SF once many years ago with work, would love to go back 😃

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

That's such a gorgeous colour and contrast. Absolutely beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😃

[@wessnyder6345]

What a beautiful bowl. I just love redwood and the smell is wonderful. We built our home just outside of the entrance to the Giant Sequoia Park in California. How lucky to wake up and see those majestic trees along the mountain ridge every day. I am a widower now and no longer live in California. But your lovely video brought back found memories and I could even smell that redwood. Thank you, Wes Snyder

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Wes, I would love to come over one day and take a look my self! All the best, Mike 😃

[@wessnyder6345]

They used to have a giant tree that people drove their cars through. But they stopped that some years back. I heard that it was destroyed in a fire. The General Sherman is amazing. Speaking of amazing is your woodworking talent. I really have enjoyed watching your videos. You make it seem so easy. I took a woodworking class when a was in middle school. Then I thought about being a cabinet maker for a profession. However, my path led me to be a Registered Nurse instead. But I can sure spend my free retirement time with you here on KZbin. Thanks again Mike@@MikeHolton

[@MikeHolton]

@@wessnyder6345 I'm sure I've seen pictures of cars driving through the tree! I did some work on a lathe at high school but chose other career paths. I'm currently a lecturer (22years) but my wife bought me a lathe a few years ago and I've never looked back, it's like an extension of myself.

[@philgallagher1]

Another beautiful bowl, Mike. I didn't realise we could grow something like this in this country! I always associate Sequoia with the States so to see this is a real treat! Thanks for sharing it, and keep up the good work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Phil, it does well over here, especially in Scotland 😃

[@goaticusmaximus9067]

The figure in the wood is breath taking

[@MikeHolton]

I know Goaticus, it's way better than I had hoped for 😀

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Another classic bowl..... Really beautiful....

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Dale 😃

[@coffeeboomer]

Hi Mike sometimes it is difficult to believe that is only nature. The result is so wonderful. 😊😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, nature is amazing!

[@nameless6252]

That piece has so many beautiful bits to look at. You really did it justice. That thumbnail sure took a beating - Oowee!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and yeah, that thumb had had a few accidents over the years, it's a little shorter than the right thumb as I took the tip off with a table saw! But it still works so I'm happy 😃

[@johnbrereton4756]

What a beautiful bowl, brilliantly turned.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@trevorjones6241]

I have just found Mike and enjoyed watching this video. I will without doubt be watching more of his videos. Brilliant!.

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome, thank you so much for your support Trevor. We are a friendly lot so feel free to ask questions etc. All the best, Mike

[@brendadriver2702]

I love the ripples as much as the red. Fine work! Thanks so much!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Brenda, I thought I had lost them but so glad they were there at the end 😃

[@taysider01]

Really enjoy watching you deciding which way to cut and your reasons for that, great work Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, I have just ordered to more pieces of this 😀

[@karengilchrist9774]

That's an amazing piece of wood. Beautiful bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Karen, can't wait to turn the rest 😀

[@rossdiggle]

Good to see you and Hooch back

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Ross but I was not aware we had been anywhere 😀

[@alexb2523]

A cored bowl set would be so cool in this wood. I really appreciate hearing you talk through your process.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Alex, I'm saving up for a coring system but those guys are expensive!!!

[@stephendonathan6782]

Nice work! The wood is a lot like red cedar. They're both very nice to work with. Take care and GOD BLESS 🙏!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen, never tried red cedar but the colour is very similar. 😀

[@markbryan9989]

I have 14 red cedar trees in my yard. My wife says I can cut them down just to make bowls from them! That color on the sequioa is amazing. I wonder if it has the same wonderful odor.

[@MikeHolton]

@@markbryan9989 the piece I turned did not have much of a smell which is a shame

[@MightyWizardTim]

Fantastic. I love redwood. Can't wait to see the other pieces.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Tim, I may have to do one sooner rather than later 😁

[@bryaneltornerodemadera7397]

Really beautiful bowl Mike. I particularly like the way you document your thinking in the design and construction of your projects.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! Some people are not so keen but they are free to watch someone else 😃

[@BeeSting862]

Beautiful piece of wood, stunning piece of work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😄

[@mosest9088]

Your work is absolutely top-notch. In addition to that your commentary is so informative and engaging. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you! And thanks so much for your support 🙏

[@randy9293]

It's very beautiful wood grain in that wood.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is! I got lucky with this one 😃

[@carahammond4292]

Beautiful bowl, and more to come from the reminder.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Cara, I have just finished filming the other side to this but with a natural edge, looks amazing!! All the best, MIke

[@jackstrange186]

I absolutely love this one.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jack 😃

[@user-st9dm7ru9z]

Such a lovely piece of timber. The grain is fantastic.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is Adam, I was lucky to get it 😃

[@walshjp17]

Lovely color and figure in that Sequoia. Stunning bowl as well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers John 😀

[@RMRowlandm44]

Absolutely stunning! Looking forward to your chemistry lesson.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, it's coming very soon 😀

[@frozeninthesnow]

Such a gorgeous piece, thanks for the video!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it and thanks for watching 😀

[@catherinegoodenow7007]

Having grown up with sequoia sempervirens on the north coast of California, I enjoyed seeing redwood being used. The sempervirens are the world's largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coast redwoods. If you have not seen these trees in person, I truly hope you make the journey one day. You will be amazed beyond amazement with everything about them--the size, the height, the fragrance, the age, the straightness, the stillness of the groves, on and on. Makes me homesick! On the west coast, redwood is used for decking, fences, furniture, you name it and it has been used for that. You ended up with a beautiful bowl that should sit front and center, in pride of place. Can't wait to see what you will do with the remaining pieces.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for the description Catherine, I feel homesick now and I've never been! Would just love to visit one day. All the best, Mike 😃

[@82ndairbornevet]

Even though you lost the heartwood through the middle, it still turned out beautifully!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@karenmaverick8476]

That Sequoia wood is really beautiful with its contrasting colours ❤ & l love that u don't waste any of the wood unnecessarily 😊 lovely bowl Mike & l am waiting to see what u do with the other pieces 🩷

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Karen, I cant wait to turn the other side 😊

[@fordpoppaul]

beautiful piece of wood and a great result ..love the simplicity of the bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Paul 😀

[@ianwhiting8822]

Lovely piece of wood Mike. You did it proud.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Ian 😊

[@edmundsdemonds8309]

I think 5 weeks is way too generous mate! I think you'll be at 20k and upwards in no time, you deserve it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Edmund, I always try to err on the side of caution whe dealing with things like this. Never want to tempt fate lol 😆

[@dennisoliver6421]

Nice work, really enjoyed watching. Keep on turning I ' ll Keep on watching!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you, I will, I promise 😊

[@garrycornel2371]

I've only turned tiny pieces such as ebony pulls for a ladies cabinet. watching your lovely creations grow from the "firewood" is fascinating and makes me wish I'd done more. Now I have to be content with being an armchair turner. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Garry, nothing wrong with an armchair turner, I'm an armchair blacksmith 😃

[@yellowlighthouse3057]

This was a beautiful one Mike, top job!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it! All the best, Mike 😃

[@thenash4822]

The bowl turned out beautiful Mike. Growing up on the west coast of the US, I've always loved redwood, and didn't realize it was grown in the UK. The way this turned(!) out really highlights the beauty of both parts of the wood. I appreciate the tough decisions you made on this one, and they turned out for the best I think. Look forward to you turning the other pieces!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! I can't wait to see how they come out as well, all the best, Mike 😁

[@SilverBack.]

Mike Superb choice on blank and orientation and the finished piece is Great 👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Doug, I'm just so glad I cut it in half without mucking up 😃

[@stephanielovatt2787]

Very pretty bowl! I'm glad you were able to save some of the ripple figure, as it's so attractive! Now you have three more bowls to enjoy making. Well done, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephanie, I can't wait to do another of these but it may have to wait a few weeks, I have a backlog of projects I want to do first 😃

[@user-jh7ji3lq3c]

Wow! I appreciate your expertise and the amazing results that are revealed very tastefully with the videos. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us! This first Sequoia piece of four is most enjoyable, so am looking forward to the revelation of the subsequent three pieces.

[@MikeHolton]

You're very welcome Mary, glad you enjoyed it, all the best, Mike

[@Ted_P]

The grain and heartwood color really lend to a simple bowl design. Great video as usual. I look forward to the video on homemade finishes.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ted, all being well the finishes video should be out next Tuesday 😃

[@mickwilson127]

Pity about the heartwood, but thems the breaks. Glad to see the sequoia wasn’t old growth from the USA. Great work as usual Mike, all the best

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Mick, no this was home grown UK redwood and I can't wait to turn the rest 😀

[@sporknoggin]

Thanks for your videos. It's really nice hearing your thought process, as you go along.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked it, all the best, Mike 😃

[@gloriamccallum5447]

Just beautiful ❤❤❤❤I love it so much!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉 nice job

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Gloria 😀

[@79Firegirl]

O my gosh, what a nice wood.. love the contrast between the hard and sapwood.. 👌👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, the difference is pretty stunning 😃

[@denisbaker7683]

Very nice bowl. I really enjoy your commentary. 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly! All the best, Mike

[@WilsonPhotography1]

I too am surprised that as a softwood it turned so easy. I would have suspected a lot of tear out. Thank you for this presentation, now I’m going to have to try and find some sequoia

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, you do need very sharp tools to get it to play ball otherwise the tear out will be a real problem. All the best, Mike

[@MichaelAttwoodDesignStudio]

Nice one Mike, you nailed the positioning to fully show off the crotch grain and colours!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael, I'm still going to do the other side the other way up to see how it comes out 😃

[@spenny24950361]

A beautiful piece of wood. well done Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@4fhomeandfarm832]

Love watching your videos. You do great work. Beautiful products.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😃

[@lucindajohnston584]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Lucinda 😊

[@andreweastwood862]

I have just got a piece of sequoia from a neighbour, which I am now really keen to turn. Great video thank you

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew, and have fun turning it, keep the tools sharp as tear out can be an issue with it being a softwood 😃

[@marklawrence64]

Great Result. Thanks for sharing 👍🏽😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for watching Mark, all the best, Mike

[@ronaldfowler8394]

Beautiful work yet again Mike! I had no idea that y'all were growing sequoia redwood in the UK. I always tell my grandchildren to learn at least one new thing a day, I learned my new thing today. Have managed to turn a few things in the past couple of weeks myself, gotta say though, it's a learning curve doing it with only one leg! Set myself up a stool at the lathe and thanked the good Lord for strong arms because I'm needing to control my chisels and gouges through mostly arm strength. Cheers! Ron

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Ron, many thanks for getting in touch. I'm in complete awe of you turning with basically just your arms, that is some strength. I'm also a great believer in learning something new every day, my day job is as a lecturer at a local university so it's also my job they learn at least one new thing each day as well. All the best, Mike

[@tracybranham8648]

Love those ripples Mike! 👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, so glad they were still there at the end 😃

[@RobWrinkle]

Stunning bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Rob 😃

[@louisjackson4634]

A beautiful piece again Mike, even with that missing heartwood centre.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Louis, it was a shame I lost it but these things happen 😀

[@trinciacakewalk]

Absolutely stunning! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Trincia 😊

[@ianlee9755]

Absolutely beautiful thanks for videoing

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Ian, all the best, Mike 😃

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, another stunning piece of wood. You have a good eye for deciding on how to use the wood. As always I enjoy watching your technique when turning each piece. Stunning bowl when finished. Thanks for the video looking forward to the next one.👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Roy, all the best, Mike 😃

[@MASI_forging]

What a beautiful design 👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much my friend 😃

[@WoodWizardrybyColin]

Damn thats a stunning piece of wood great grain and colour

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Colin, first time with this wood and it did not disappoint!

[@markjupina178]

Great job on one of my favorite woods.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Mark, I loved turning it 🙂

[@jsprankel4712]

Gorgeous piece Mike! Love the colors. Have a great day!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, you too Jim 😃

[@leeroy7263]

absolutely beautiful amazing work

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Leeroy 😃

[@christinecampbell7404]

A beautiful bowl 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Christine 😀

[@kevinsmeds5226]

looks great, and it’s wonderful hearing your thought process.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Kevin, all the best, Mike

[@williamweaver4946]

Love watching your videos. Always gives me a nice break at work. I really liked the look of the bowl. Had a weathered copper look to the heartwood. Great job with the redwood Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, I watch videos at work as well 😀, luckily I have my own office 😁

[@spiderspid]

Simply beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

That really does look amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😃

[@thehampshirewoodturner]

Another great project Mike, just reading down through the comments there's not a lot to add, just another very enjoyable 20 minutes spent watching a master at work

[@MikeHolton]

Master at work lol, you have me confused with someone else 😂, thanks as always my friend

[@annlaurie1484]

Beautiful bowl, initially I thought you were going to turn the entire large piece! 😱You did a great job of cutting it up. Look forward to seeing what you turn with the other pieces. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ann, I initially bought it with the intension of turning it as one but then it arrived and it was huge 😊

[@Jezze2]

Turned out nicely! I appreciate the explanations about what you would like to see versus the reality of the piece you are working with. Sometimes it just is what it is...

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and you are quite right, I try and do my best with each piece of wood I get but you can only go so far. All the best, Mike

[@jrclark222]

Really nice! Looks like it finished up super smooth

[@MikeHolton]

It's a softwood so never going to be as smooth as a hardwood but it did pretty well 😃

[@paulevans180]

Stunning bowl, I enjoyed your deliberating as much as the turning. The thought process in choosing makes me think more about what I should be doing before I start. Thank you

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Paul, I cut out at least an hour of deliberation and deep thought, needed doing but does not make for great TV lol, all the best, Mike

[@amandavandermerwe7035]

Stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Amanda 😊

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike, What a little treasure this piece of wood is. And the fact you have three more sections to experiment with means we, your viewers, will have three more sessions of “oo’ing and ah’ing” to look forward to. And I am sure that they will turn out as beautifully as this very elegant bowl. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Angela, not sure all three will be turned on camera as I don't like to do too much one one thing but one more piece will certainly be done on camera 😃

[@emeff5584]

Just gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

Beautiful work again, you give everyone so much happiness sharing your love of your art. You make it all look so easy, you show your passion for your craft in every single video. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Shelley 😀

[@ArtVandelayLTEX]

Just came across your channel, I love the fact that we can see your decision making and you second guessing yourself sometimes. There's a reason this is called art and not science. Love it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much and welcome! I try and share my experience and thought processes, I love waht I do and I hope that comes across.

[@ClickandTurn]

Lovely wood ... and of course, another great job from you 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice. The grain and color are great.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much David 😃

[@teresamcfadden2414]

Absolutely beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Teresa 😃

[@brucerowan6630]

I enjoy how you treat the wood as if it is a piece of gold. You have the patience to allow the wood to tell you what it wants to be.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bruce, I do try to do the best I can with each piece. Sometimes it takes weeks to decide if a piece is not straight forward, I have one burl here I really want to turn but as of yet I have no idea how to get the best from it.

[@kerstin4516]

​@@MikeHoltonsame thing here. I was lucky to get a plum burl last year and since my bandsaw is not high enough it's still stickig to the log leaning against my planer. No idea yet.

[@MikeHolton]

@@kerstin4516 Ooo plumb burl! Never seen one I bet it will be amazing. I'm in the same boat with bandsaws, I can just about cut a match in half on a good day 🤣

[@olyrik]

onc again beautiful work

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@fionacrouch1732]

Can't wait to get home and watch 🙃

[@fionacrouch1732]

Beautiful colour and bowl Mike Love the idea from others to use the other piece, but swop base to other side. Thanks for the wonderful video and sharing 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Patience is a virtue 🤣

[@fionacrouch1732]

@@MikeHolton true story! 🤣

[@fionacrouch1732]

Ho hum, being ignored now 🤪😂

[@MikeHolton]

@@fionacrouch1732 Wow, I never got a notification about this, it may have gone in my spam folder 😋, I would never on purpose ignore you unless of course I thought it would be funny 🤣😅😆, if I miss a comment again feel free to knag me via email, [e-mail]

[@michaelfelixb1316]

Wunderschönes Farbenspiel 👌 Gefällt mir sehr gut. Gut gemacht 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Danke Michael, gibt es in Deutschland viel Mammutbaum?

[@michaelfelixb1316]

@@MikeHolton nein, leider sehr wenige. Bei uns in der Nähe gibt es ca 15 Mamutbäume die in den 60 Tiger Jahren gepflanzt wurden. Da hätte ich mal gerne zwei drei Meter🤣

[@MikeHolton]

@@michaelfelixb1316 Haha, das wäre großartig

[@garbagemanpiper]

I have enjoyed watching and learning as I begin making bowls in the near future. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your turning, all the best, Mike 😃

[@johnswettenham4560]

Love your work Mike, beautiful bowl and amazing wood. Can’t wait to see your wax/polish making video makes me want to go into my shed and turn something thanks for sharing cheers🇦🇺

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, the polish making video will be out either next Tuesday or the week after depending on how things go. All the best, Mike

[@larryjefferson2146]

Another beautiful piece of art Mike. The crotch would have been exquisite inside the bowl but you do what the wood dictates and you certainly got a nice end piece! Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Larry, I think I'll turn the other side of this the other way up to see how it comes out. 😀

[@peterthornton8520]

You do have a good eye for imagining what a piece of wood will turn out to be. I do like the fact that you kept the natural look of the wood as best as you could. Lovely little bowl. I recon the big piece of the wood you have left would look great as a Platter of some sort. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, I was hoping to turn the big piece into a platter but I have had a lot of people asking to do the same with the other side but turn it the other way up so the heartwood is on the bottom. So I may have to do that or risk being lynched 😂

[@MikeHolton]

@DM_On_Tele_gram_MikeHolton 🤣