The EYES Have IT!! : Woodturning Project Monkey Puzzle Tree Bowl.

DON'T make EYE CONTACT!! This isn't just any woodturning project. Join me, Mike Holton, as I take on the hauntingly beautiful wood of a Monkey Puzzle Tree. Watch as I uncover sinister-looking eyes hidden within the grain, transforming a raw piece of wood into an eerie, eye-catching bowl. Each turn reveals more secrets locked away in the wood, making this one of my most thrilling turnings yet. Whether you're a woodturning enthusiast or just love unique crafts, this video will keep you glued to the screen-just don't make eye contact! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unique woodworking adventures.
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

[@chucknowakowski6676]

Quote of the year: I don’t do well with temptation…………story of my life😂🤣

[@MikeHolton]

Haha that's two of us 😀

[@mike-js2510]

@@MikeHolton Oscar Wilde said this: “I can resist anything except temptation.”

[@leerich2479]

I could watch your wood turning vids all day

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lee 😁

[@damianlee8149]

Monkey Puzzle is such a distinctive wood it is hard to know what colour will work to compliment it. Your choice of black gives it a burnt feel which is really interesting. So glad you can’t resist temptation

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Damian 😀

[@ceciliarunnoe1463]

The wood talks to you! Every time you start a piece, it is a new adventure. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

It really does, always keep an open mind when you start a piece 😀

[@ronniekeates3349]

The black in the shellac was much more subtle than i thought it would be.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Ronnie, I had no idea how it would come out 😀

[@Reziac]

Yes, it wound up looking like naturally weathered wood. Surprisingly nice.

[@ronniekeates3349]

@@Reziac I'll need to try to remember this when I want to make some new wood look like it's been outside for a few years.

[@MikeHolton]

@Reziac Thanks!

[@rexmorgan6445]

Mike it sure has been fun watching you setting up the new shop and seeing all the new toys, but it is a lot of fun seeing you getting back to turning again. Love it all Great work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rex, I'm having the time of my life! 😀

[@LoisHubbard]

I really appreciated all the extra work you added to this video - all the little details like seeing your tool box, the stop motion of the face plate, as well as all the new techniques you tried (all in one video!) certainly didn't go unnoticed. This piece reminds me of a classical vase but of course with its own 'mike' take on it. Really lovely and thankyou for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Lois, I'm always trying to improve wherever I can so your comment is very much appreciated 😀

[@user-pc8zp3hn8k]

Ditto!

[@normangreenwell2425]

That bit of colour enhances an already lovely bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Norman 😀

[@karenstafford724]

What a stunningly beautiful bowl. Love the markings in the wood. ❤❤❤❤😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Tamperkele]

The black shellac was spot on.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@1337r0yj3nk1nz]

Good to see you back and around dude. It's been a little strange not having your weekly-ish videos to distract and entertain me for half hours at a time.

[@MikeHolton]

Hi, I think you may have missed a few, this is the 10th video I've made since moving in, not missed a week 😀

[@clarabelle5138]

Do it, do it, do it! That's where the magic lives & brings these chunks of wood to life.. The Monkey puzzle bowl of temptation. 🐵🙉🐒🙊🙈 ❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Clara 😀

[@hoppers2010]

Highlighting the rim has really worked well. Grand job again. Thanks for sharing again.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@williamweaver4946]

Beautiful work Mike. I had never heard of Monkey Puzzle Tree before. Love watching you use new woods and techniques I haven't seen before.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, this is the 4th Monkey Puzzle I've turned on the channel and may be the last, the sanding was a pain lol 😀

[@allochthonplays2978]

Monkey Puzzle is such an interesting wood. Nice job with it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@aaronneumeyer5572]

That would look great with a leafy, dark green plant in it. Very nicely done, sir.

[@MikeHolton]

Yes it would and I did think that when I put it on a window ledge in my bedroom 😀

[@SenkoLoaf]

This turned out really well! I can’t imagine how difficult that monkey puzzle fuzz must have been to get rid of

[@MikeHolton]

Haha yeah, it was a little tough 😀

[@christinecampbell7404]

When you mentioned added color I was scared but when you said 'black', I cheered! Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks Christine 😀

[@Reziac]

Love the concentric rings with the eyes.... makes a simple shape really interesting.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@brendadriver2702]

I like what you did with the subtle black stain and the shape is very nice too! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Brenda 😀

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Our club got a whole tree donated. The off cuts spalted, with the pattern radiating out from the middle. Those made beautiful bowls and trays too.

[@MikeHolton]

That is awesome Valerie! You will have to send me some pictures 😀

[@tomburns7544]

I absolutely love the shape you chose to make out of this. That reversed upper curve(?) makes me think of an ancient Greek pot.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tom, I was thinking the exact same thing 😀

[@amieclay8409]

Lovely and interesting! The monkey puzzle wood projects always turn out so neat! Smooch for Hooch 😘😘😘

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Amie, they are hard but so worth the effort, Hooch send a smooch back 😀

[@user-zh7bd3it1n]

Beautiful work Mike, a classic look. elegant, the finish lends a patina of decades of use.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Carl, I think so too 😀

[@ndavidson1980]

I wasn't keen on that until the very end. The black rim is so nice!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😀

[@ceciliarunnoe1463]

With regard to temptation, I half expected you to say “the wood made me do it”

[@MikeHolton]

Haha well it did 😀

[@racheldray1057]

The black in the shellac is perfect as is the darker rim. I think this is one of the best looking bowls, the combination of colour, wood choice and shape is spectacular. It would have pride of place in my house, that's for sure.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rachel but you can't have it 😂

[@racheldray1057]

@@MikeHolton So mean!

[@MikeHolton]

@@racheldray1057 Haha I know 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

Love the grain patterns in this beautiful bowl. The shape reminds me of American Navajo pottery. Another stunner, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I know what you mean, it does have that look 😃

[@marybethhuson295]

Look at that nice clean organized drawer! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I wonder if it will stay that way lol 😀

[@kushkevtv2969]

Another great turning Mike, always looking forward to the next one 😊 Glad to see you are getting settled in, hope all is well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, yes all settled in well, kids and dogs love it here 😀

[@shaunbutler8481]

To quote George Formby: 'Turned out nice again'. Well done Mike - seemed quite a challenge.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Shaun, I used to love watching George Formby films 😀

[@pturner6175]

Well done! The eyes have it!!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, that was nearly the title of this video, in fact I may just change it to that lol 😀

[@rogerpearson6232]

I really like the piece. Like how the knots are in a circle around the bowl. Very open grain=horrible time trying to get smooth. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roger, the knots are very distinctive on Monkey Puzzle, it's really the only reason I entertain turning it 😀

[@DavidMillerTime80]

I like adding a little black to highlight the grain. Really comes alive when finished

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much David 😀

[@bevharrison8157]

We had a monkey puzzle tree that was uprooted in a storm and the wood was very fibrous , I imagine not easy to turn but you have turned it into a thing of beauty, gorgeous pastel shades , a unique piece , thanks once again .😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bev, not easy but if you can keep your tools sharp you can get through it 😀

[@zackemal1987]

I like the antique look of the piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! me too 😀

[@leaannd.8786]

Love this wood. I think the black in the sealer was good. Except for the cracks it’s flawless. 👍😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, nothing I can do about the cracks but the rest of it I like 😀

[@kristikey8320]

I love monkey puzzle wood! Good job.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, thanks Kirsti 😀

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, You could say you have been monkeying about with a puzzle. In all seriousness you solved the puzzle to make another stunning piece. I really like the shape and the colouring. Thanks for persevering to bring everyone this video. Looking forward to the next one. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Roy 😀

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice, the black add to the finish is a nice touch.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😀

[@dianewages8977]

Really enjoyed watching you create! Your art never ceases to amaze!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Diane, so nice of you to say 😀

[@vincenthardman7691]

Turned out looking great. Nice work Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Vince 😀

[@mirimeijers9053]

This was nice to watch, you took risks, you were patient, and the endresult was great :-) Love this bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Miri, playing safe is ok but can become boring 😀

[@user-fr1wj6co2n]

Excellent coloring on it Mike. Another wonderful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ronald 😀

[@chrischambers5466]

I think that is bluddy lovely!...10 out of 10 from the Essex judge🥇

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris 😀

[@rockybosarge]

Really enjoyed this turning. You have a great talent and I appreciate you sharing it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rocky 😃

[@rita1959-ps1bo]

That bowl is amazing and I love the color.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rita 😀

[@baconsoda]

The colour worked really well, despite my initial thoughts... you win! Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Brendan, I had no more idea than you if it would work or not lol 😂

[@MGDesignsWoodworking]

Great looking bowl. I love the rustic look of it.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too! thanks 😀

[@janeoverby2151]

That is beautiful, Mik.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jane 😀

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Great job Mike, you sure puzzled the monkey out of that piece of wood 😅

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Dale 😀

[@markduggan3451]

As always, it's a stunning turning.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you Mark 😀

[@dellearts]

Gorgeous! What a great portion to make a bowl from.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@Solid_Jackson]

Awesome stuff again! Always a good watch Just genuine content without any KZbin tropes

[@MikeHolton]

I appreciate that! All the best, Mike 😀

[@TheMessyStudio]

That turned out really pretty, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Billy 😀

[@jamesbeatty3213]

Nice display of monkey puzzling round the shop mike😂 another great piece thanks as always for the video can't wait for the next one

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks James, the next one will be started today 😀

[@simon54131]

Thoroughly enjoyable to watch and another lovely piece at the end 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Simon 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

Another very fine product, and a great way to start off today, Tuesday, April 7, 2024. I love the patterns in this piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@chrispaine5551]

challenging bowl but you got there in the end

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris, sanding was a real pain!!! 😀

[@sandracook455]

Another beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😊

[@taysider01]

The shape is really good. Your choice of colours is superb. As for putting the black around the top for me, makes it standout

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, this one came out way better than I hoped 😀

[@donnagreen7386]

Lovely big bowl Mike. I love the black but agree purple would’ve been awesome too 💜

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Donna 😀

[@joeribak]

The amount of black in the shellac was just right. The black reads as a neutral “color”. So, it only added to “calm down” the overall look. The black rim with gold in the grain, great! I might have used clear instead of black in the cracks. That way, even if you can’t feel the crack, they won’t look like a crack, I think. Overall, beautiful bowl and a great job! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Joe, cracks are all part of wood so I don't mind them being there as they help tell a story. All the best, Mike 😀

[@cazdough6565]

i love the bowl, i also love your previewing write up - very descriptive, the red/purple dye sounds an interesting option for a future project too

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Caz 😀

[@Dougiearmstrong-ib4mf]

What a stunning bowl,the back was a good choice and i like the gold embelishment.I passed a park today and noticed a new monkey puzzel tree it made me think of you and when i came home surprise what were you going to turn a lovely piece of monkey puzzle.well done Mike brill.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Doug, so strange how these coincidences happen 😀

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Beautiful bowl Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Doug 😀

[@Mx-Alba]

Wow, that's beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Alba 😀

[@user-mj7is9xg9n]

Another great piece, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it John 😀

[@haroldhoskison7239]

The black shellac added to make a great bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Harold 😀

[@nicholasscott3089]

Lovely peace, but I have the best one. 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul and yes you do 😃

[@joshdedrick6162]

I like the look of the dyed shellac, almost a smoky effect but smoother. Don't listen to the haters!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, actually I'm surprised there has not been any yet lol 😀

[@barbfilion5646]

Awesome....yes I was one screaming...lol Turned out lovely, nice beefy bowl. 🤗

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Barb😋

[@MichaelReaney-eq7oy]

love this one Mike, the monkey puzzle looks cool, not turned any myself yet. The tinting worked really well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael 😀

[@lv_woodturner3899]

The bowl looks terrific. Very well done. I can imagine the effort cutting away all that end grain, and then the hours to sand out the tool marks. Never fun. Good that the cracks were easy to stabilize with the CA glue. To paraphrase the name of a famous play and film "A Bowl for All Seasons". LOL Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Dave, I think this will be my last monkey puzzle for a while, well until the memory of the sanding nightmare has ended lol 😀

[@markjupina178]

Very nice piece of turning. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@TheDiane48]

Absolutely beautiful. I love the color.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😃

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

Another gorgeous work of art Mike ❤😊 The black and gold really does look amazing, with the black stain added to the golden tone of the shellac, bringing out the contrast of the Monkey Puzzle wood. Just perfect. I don’t think you are, “giving in to temptation” you’re just listening to your inner artist’s voice! 😊❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Shelley, so nice of you to say 😀

[@brycegenevaostler9359]

Mike, the size and shape of the bowl is very nice. The black dye in the shellac was and nice touch. Thanks I'll

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bryce 😀

[@jimmoorepa]

I always enjoy your video composition for my learning experience it's as much art as the piece. Your work is also amazing too. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Jim 😀

[@jlivewell]

The color turned out better than I thought it would. Your instincts worked very well. It is beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I appreciate it 😀

[@paulcraven4876]

Nice Huge Pot/Bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul 😀

[@nikkia9506]

That's beautiful. As soon as you mentioned dying it black, I was a bit worried, but it really brought out the pattern and grain of the wood. It may be a difficult and time-consuming wood to turn, but the results are so worth the effort.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nikki, it was a tough one but like you said, worth it lol 😀

[@benketteridge9150]

I'm reminded of greek bronze containers. Interesting final colour.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, thanks Ben 😀

[@mashmade-airth]

Quite large Mike..... It's huge !. Hope you've all settled now & doing well👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MikeHolton]

Haha yes it is a bit big, we are all settled and doing well, thanks for asking 😀

[@zzota]

It worked out well for what seemed to be quite a rough lump of timber. Well done! 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! Rough is a fair description lol 😀

[@OKHall]

Nice bowl. Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😀

[@shawndesjardins3841]

Looks great as usual.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Shawn 😀

[@bab7880]

That tear out at 15:30ish gave me shudders. But it turned out beautiful. That 60-grit gouge worked its wonders over those hours of carving!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, believe me it looked far worse in real life, the bottom of the bowl looked like the Rockies! 😀

[@marykayhansen775]

I enjoyed your video. Very lovely bowl. Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Mary 😀

[@Colganology]

Fantastic as always! Growing up in Cornwall we always had a bowl around that size called a 'Crowdy Crawn'. Everything went in there ... keys, receipts, dog leads, everything! Indispensible. Now I want one! :)

[@MikeHolton]

haha sounds good, is a Crowdy Crawn also an instrument? I think I've heard of it before 😀

[@Colganology]

@@MikeHolton It is! It's a kind of deep bodied tambourine or bodhran. I'm not sure which came first but one inspired the name of the other!

[@MikeHolton]

@@Colganology Ah thanks for confirming

[@MASI_forging]

Beautiful piece of art 👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@beverlym5465]

It’s very pretty! I love your work. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Beverly 😃

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice work Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Loran 😀

[@donaldadams5342]

I have never heard of a Monkey Puzzle tree before Mike, but it does seem to have some interesting characteristics. The end grain does seem to create some problems while turning but it seems to resolve with a lot of time & care in sanding. Quite a nice idea staining the sealer as it suited this wood. Nice shape to the bowl & it finished well with the shellac. Well done my friend, it is a very pleasant bowl to look at. Cheers, Don from South Australia.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Don, the wood is also called Chilean Pine and is native to Chile and Argentine although it was brought to the UK in 1795 and it's done quite well over here.

[@3pawmom]

Love the shape!!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@edzardpiltz6348]

Lovely rustic piece😘

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@jonathan-il1ky]

Really love the finish

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jonathan 😀

[@squareandlevel]

Fantastic piece of turning Mike, I really liked the shape and the black dye on the rim was a great call. Hope all is well sir. Have a great day! Scott

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott, the black dye was a bit of a risk but we try these things so we can learn. Can't wait to see your next project. 😀

[@markdesautels4764]

When you said you were adding black I got a little nervous, but I really like it. Love the shape and the larger size!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark, it's a good sized piece 😀

[@stucook8622]

Despite the open grain and cracks it turned out beautifully. Thanks for the video!🍺

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stu 😀