Turning an Elegant Vase From Russian Olive - Woodturning

If you’re looking for a visual guide to turning your first vase, look no further. In this video, I show you how to woodturn a simple but beautiful vase from Russian Olive wood. Russian Olive wood is known for its stunning grain patterns and durability, making it a perfect choice for a vase.
Obviously you’ll need a wood lathe, a selection of woodturning tools, and a block of Russian Olive wood. In this case, I had access to a log of Russian Olive from a friend in Colorado.
I mounted the log using a live center and then used a 3/8” bowl gouge to rough shape the outside of the vase. I use a 3/8” bowl gouge to round up the stock, then, using a square carbide bit, I cut a tenon and then flip the log over and mount the tenon in a chuck before continuing the work.
Once the outside is shaped to your liking, smooth out the surface. Then, I like to go ahead and rough sand the outside just to make sure there aren’t additional cuts that need to be made.
Next, use a Forster bit (or a set of them) to rough out the interior of the vase. Forster bits save a lot of time and make hollowing out a vase much easier. After the rough hollowing is done, I use a round carbide bit to smooth things out, being sure to frequently check the thickness of the walls to ensure they are even and consistent.
Sanding the inside of a vase that you’re woodturning can be tricky. I use a stick with a piece of Velcro super glued to it that holds sanding discs.
After you’ve woodturned the interior to your satisfaction, go back and final-sand the outside. I like to go up to 600 for a super-smooth finish. Then, I apply Yorkshire Grit - Woodturners Abrasive Paste both inside and out and gradually remove it all with a paper towel
By following these steps, you can create a stunning Russian Olive vase that will be a beautiful addition to your home decor.

[@drferry]

Very nice!

[@JamesCouch777]

I'm always looking for ideas. I just hope I can turn one that is half as nice as yours.

[@damasydia]

Amazing

[@crystalswenson8844]

Simply beautiful and beautifully simple.

[@harryhagelund7674]

Beautiful vase! I just wish you would have shown how you removed the tenon from the bottom!

[@oneshotme]

Beautiful vase and love the grain it has in it!!!

[@cbowers6530]

Nice! You made it look easy. I find Russian Olive is quick to remove the edge on my tools.

[@brucesturtevantwoodworking]

Simple and elegant! My favorite combination.🙂

[@oficinanasala]

Parabéns belo trabalho

[@sergey-rt3mk]

From rusian olive😂...?