Woodturners Journal: Coffee Mug Turned from Black Walnut

[@liondirk]

I bought a wood tankard at a Ren fair many years ago and used it for both hot and cold drink for a long time until I left it on my car roof one time the had kindling. I recently got into wood working in my shop and bought a lathe to make pens and other turned projects, looking up videos to use on my lathe I came across this and it brought back all the joy of my wooden mug so I will be turning one for myself very soon. Thank you for all the tips and projects that you have put out on KZbin.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Dirk van Straaten Thank you. I appreciate your remarks and I have more videos to come. Please send me a picture of your mug when you finish it. I'd love to see how it turns out.

[@liondirk]

Just received a tip from a friend who turns mugs and he uses cactus juice impregnated wood and then turn that. Finishes with a food grade poly on the inside only

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Dirk van Straaten That's interesting. What does the cactus juice do? Penetrate the wood and harden?

[@evanfinger3791]

Woodturners Journal www.turntex.com here's a link to the person who makes it. It penetrates the wood, and hardens it for turning... there are some great videos on KZbin about it.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

New subscriber here.. I'm supposed to be getting a lathe soon and I will be trying this out! Looking forward to the new content you have planned! Thanks

[@shivercanada]

BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm going to make a couple on my Lathe when it gets warmer. God Bless

[@Woodturnersjournal]

shivercanada Thank you.

[@DougVehovec]

really enjoy your videos and watching the craftsmanship and skill you put into these pieces

[@bobaganoosh74]

I also make mugs and I use epoxy on the inside only, I pour the mixed epoxy into the mug and turn it in with my hands at an angle so the epoxy covers the entire inside and pours out the top till it stops dripping (about 3 minutes). for the outside I use polyurethane and wipe it on thin with a paper towel and do 4 coats. drips on the bottom are not in issue that way. I really like the idea with the handle (sanding it against the cup for fit, I'll be using that trick on the rest of my mugs) they really turned out nice too!

[@jonwilliams5613]

Good advice, the route you took seemed to work on your camping trip, it's just the application is fiddley I guess, all part of the fun, love the videos . Thanks jon

[@KetansaCreatesArt]

Very awesome mug :)) . Nice working. As Mark Abner said, spinning lathe can do great non-stop from blank to shine coat. But you did it harder way, cool.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Awesome mug. I'm going to have to try this.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

+CMR Woodworks | Chris McDowell Definitely do!!! If I can give some advise, only epoxy the inside. You more than likely will not be happy with an epoxy finish on the outside. It doesn't want to dry smooth and cooperate. I would only use salad bowl finish or some other food grade finish on the outside. Trust me, you'll like the outcome much more. :)

[@williamhollaway2198]

Beautiful work. Thanx for sharing

[@Woodturnersjournal]

William Hollaway Thank you. I have another video coming later today.

[@rajkumarviyyuri6216]

nice wood cup👌

[@Woodturnersjournal]

rajkumar viyyuri Thank you.

[@czar89031]

there are round sand paper sold over Freight Harbor that attached to an electric drill, but if you use that wooden handle like you are showing on your video, attached a velcro with tiny hook in it with a strong tape on the other side & attached the sand paper & has tiny foam in it, trim & ready to go,. it works pretty good,.. nice video

[@Beardology]

Nice! I saw a stand at a local fair that sold mugs similar to this. The lady was charging $85 each for them though which was quite a bit out of my price range.

[@negicraft7700]

Beardolo

[@TheVinny360]

I have a suggestion for the finish, don’t put the handle on until your finished coat your cup with your epoxy resin you use An use your chuck with the little rubber holders on the inside of the cup and sand an polish to perfection then scuff the area where you will attach an glue the handle, I say that because a spin polish is way easier to achieve and go to penn state industries if you haven’t already an get there sanding pads they range from I think 300 grit all the way to about 20,000 grit witch gives a great mirror finish on things an last for ever keep up the cool projects

[@reggiecaillouet1463]

A thought here. Next time, look into fishing rod builders suppliers. There you can find a "rod turner" that will turn items between 6 and 12 rpm. At these suppliers that sell special epoxy that cures overs 12-24 hours. These epoxies are super thin, clear, and with a turner they are self leveling!!!! You can finish the cup with this setup before installing the handle. After epoxy has set and cured, you can make a handle and install just as you did here, then apply a normal epoxy seal to the handle as you did here. This could make it easier to get a run free finish.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Reggie Caillouet Thank you. It's been some time since this project. I have since discovered a better system like thinking out the food grade acrylic myself. It goes on smooth and doesn't bubble. Thanks for watching.

[@randomfox9970]

Woodturners Journal nice craft try cup of carpenter next ?💕🐺🐾👍

[@jaccobm]

Nice one! You should get yourself a set of forstner bits for the hollowing.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Jaccob Mckay Thank you. Since this video, I definitely have. :-)

[@unlockjapanese1878]

Looks amazing, nice work. I'm interested to know why you need to use an epoxy resin at all? Surely back in the day when people drunk from wooden cups they didn't have modern chemicals and resins?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

I'm sure they didn't. They may of used wax or nothing at all, but I want the mug to last forever. Wax will ware off through time and you wouldn't be able to drink hit liquid from it and bare wood would definitely be ruined after awhile. Not to mention the nasty wood taste in your drinks.

[@jonwilliams5613]

After seeing your video I thought I would try an oak mug ( no hadle) I'm going to try TUNG oil for heat resistance, and it's food safe, have you many experience with it, great workshop by the way, regards Jon , wales uk

[@Woodturnersjournal]

jon williams I love tung oil. I use it on almost all my projects. Make sure is you are using it for food contact surfaces, it's 100 percent tung oil or food grade. Most tung oils have additives like lead in them to help them dry quicker. Pure tung oil takes weeks, sometimes months to dry. I am not positive, but I also do not think tung oil will hold up to constant use with liquids. You may want to go a different route. Thanks for watching.

[@mihaelark6107]

NICE JOB!

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Thanks.

[@wakelywanderer12]

I read you have since refined your process by thinning down your epoxy. Did you also change the application method and did you still use a turner? Thanks.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

I do for the first couple coats. Then the last couple, I make super thin spicy, and I just rub it on.

[@Yossi152]

awesome mug!! how has the mug and epoxy held up over the years?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Still going strong. 😆

[@NDJoMo]

Another way to get the mating curvature for the handle is to use PSA-backed sandpaper. Attach one width to the full outer circumference of the mug while it's still in the chuck, then use the mug itself as a sanding drum while the lathe is turning. It's less work than the Maloof method.

[@morgancalvi6675]

I was wondering if epoxy would be ok as opposed to the stainless steel inserts.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

A food grade epoxy works just fine. That's what I did in this video, but stainless would definitely hold up better.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@Woodturnersjournal wow, I wasn't sure if you still had a channel. The last time you posted was 3 years ago. Anyway, thanks for answering my question...or thought.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

@@morgancalvi6675 I still do, and I know it's been a while, but I am working on new content currently. At lot has happened in the past couple years and I have been still wood working, I have been pressed for time though making it difficult to shoot and edit. I will have an all-new format to the videos, and I think the content should be really great. Sorry for the 3-year gap, but I'll be back soon!!! Thank you for watching.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@Woodturnersjournal can't wait!!!

[@lilmissme2091]

Hi working on a project right now, where did you find the food grade epoxy? Can you please post a link? Thank you!

[@Woodturnersjournal]

+Roxy Solis Here you are. This is a larger amount then I bought, but this is the same epoxy but at a better value. Thanks for watching!!!!www.ebay.com/itm/EPOXY-GLUE-HIGHEST-STRENGTH-UNDILUTED-MEDIUM-VISCOSITY-FOOD-MARINE-GRADE-2-GAL-/222057857634?hash=item33b3ae0262:m:ms7a-QDadBMA5LOhpf714rQ

[@lesportesdutemps847]

Hi there ! Is CA glue and sawdust enough to fill correctly somes cracks into wood ? What about a wood dedicated to be used with drinks and meals ? Thanks in advance from Belgium ! Phil

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Les Portes du Temps CA glue is hard enough to fill cracks. It actually becomes harder then the wood itself. I would use a food grade epoxy mixed with the sawdust if it's for eating. Just to be safe.

[@markabner5232]

you only need epoxy on the inside where the coffee is going to be so apply it on the lathe like you would any oil and leave the lathe turning until it starts to set up sand you wont have any runs finish the out side with salad bowl finish or what ever finish suits you

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Thanks for the advice. That is actually what I started doing with my later mugs. Epoxy in the inside and oil in the outside.

[@mtabernig]

Try using a 1 inch or 3/4 inch regular gauge for the outside it would be much easier.

[@rusticmoon1730]

I've stumbled on your channel and have been indulging on your skill and knowledge. I've had these projects in mind to do and your video was structured well with simplicity yet in depth where needed. One question, though, how well did the mugs hold the heat of your coffee? A person can't get enough of beautiful wood grain!

[@luluberthelet6156]

Rustic Moon

[@gotrading1]

Hard to do!!! You did a good job...

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Thank you.

[@STMwoodturning]

I'm surprised you didn't ease some of the corners on the table saw before turning. Wouldn't that make the rounding down process easier?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

It would, but what fun would that be? :)

[@tattoogoon]

i love a bit of roughing!

[@ramaroodle]

You might try a "penetrating" epoxy which is really thin almost like a wipe on poly product.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

AndyB Since making this video, I've changed the process a bit and one way is to use a thinner epoxy. It coats and protects much better. Not to mention, the finish looks so much better. I should probably make an updated video. Thank you for commenting and watching. Always appreciated.

[@travisb888]

What kind of lathe do you have I want to get one?

[@gulfmedic1]

great video i have been wanting to do this as well. i know the Max CLR does great with cold fluids have you had any issues with hot fluid in the mug

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Thanks for watching. I have given several of them away as well as using the mugs myself and so far there is no problems with hit or cold.

[@gulfmedic1]

great thanks

[@coastalcreekwoodworks8795]

Nice work! New subscriber here.. do you think that epoxy resin will hold up to alcohol drinks? There isn't a lot of information out there

[@Woodturnersjournal]

The resin seems to hold up to alcohol just fine. I don't think the alcohol is strong enough to effect it. Good luck.

[@coastalcreekwoodworks8795]

@@Woodturnersjournal thanks bud

[@alphasxsignal]

Nice looking

[@Aalsobiae]

Where to find the food grade epoxy?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Abdullah Alsobiae I have a link in the description

[@srdavis37]

Good work! Had to turn down the sound, though - reminded me too much of a dentist's drill! (shiver!)

[@ninososa0904]

That's what my wife said!!! Almost got in trouble while she was cooking my dinner.

[@lesserroadtraveled]

The 2nd mug (zebra wood) is really cool! Reminds me of a rootbeer barrel. Do you sell these or are they for your personal use?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

William Young I make the mugs to order and sell them, if interested.

[@lesserroadtraveled]

@@Woodturnersjournal I am totally interested! Do you have a website? Also, you do really great work man!

[@Woodturnersjournal]

William Young Give me your email and I'll send my info.

[@lesserroadtraveled]

@@Woodturnersjournal Sorry for the delayed response! I ended up checking out your profile and sent you an email with the info provided. Hope that's ok. My email begins with "lesser" fyi.

[@paulladuke2259]

I want to try this project. Can you give me an idea what you consider "food grade" epoxy? On Amazon I see regular epoxy glues and two-part epoxy table top finishes but nothing specifically labelled food grade. thanks

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Try the link I have below the video. It is a little pricey, but it FDA approved and food grade. You also get 3/4 of a gallon. Hope this helps.

[@skeets6060]

Wouldnt a set of Forstner bits worked a lot faster to hollow it out then come in with a tool and smoothing the inside?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

skeets Two things about this. The first is, at the time of me doing this project, I did not own forstner bits. Second is, that would be easier, but if I hollowed it out completely with a bit, it wouldn't be wood turning and not challenging or fun to me. You're right though, that would work as well.

[@stormdrifter7904]

I like your dog

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Alastair Hawkes Thank you. She's gone now, but thank you.

[@FREDBLA]

Nice ... Which were the finition products did you use ?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

FREDBLA I used food grade epoxy. You can find some on Amazon or eBay.

[@isabella-lp3nw]

Epoxy those on a tumbler turner and save a lot of work and time.. wish I had the set up to do this kind of work

[@jessecutts4868]

Does the temperature of the coffee melt the epoxy?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Jesse Cutts the epoxy does not melt. It cures into an almost hard plastic shell around the wood. I wouldn't recommend washing it in a dishwasher. That after time may destroy the finish. Day to day use though, the mugs seem to hold up. Thanks.

[@creativewoodworker4300]

I just had a thought that you could by a fly Rod drying motor through Mud Hole in Orlando Fl.

[@domeniclupo644]

could someone share a link to the food grad epoxy that he used?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

domenic lupo This was a while ago, so I actually do not remember the brand. There are plenty of them out there though. I bought it off of eBay. I would start there and search for Food Grade Epoxy. Good luck.

[@billy19461]

Having the same problems as you. Did you ever find a solution?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

billy19461 I think I know the problem. The running of the acrylic?. If soI did. Is that what you're asking about?

[@alphasxsignal]

This guy on Make Something youtube does his handle a easy way.

[@webslinger67]

Are you guys located in Law Vegas?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

webslinger67 Yes

[@webslinger67]

Woodturners Journal outstanding , I am as well.

[@billy19461]

Yes and it seems to pull away from the wood in certain places

[@Woodturnersjournal]

billy19461 There are two things I do different. The first, I do not use anything on the wood before I apply the food grade epoxy (like tung oil). The second thing is, apply the epoxy as normal, when it dries, sand out any imperfections and then brush on a thinned out layer of epoxy. You can thin it with Mineral Spirits. You may need to apply a few coats. It comes out much better.

[@peterhambleton7649]

get yourself a bbq rotisserie motor and make a rotating drying rack with that. nice slow rpm

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it in the future.

[@mswwv]

I scrolled through the comments and didn't see the answer. What glue did you use to attach the handle? I have been wanting to try this, but just way too nervous the handle will pop off when full with beverage. NICE mug by the way.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Michael Wilson I actually used the Food Grade Acrylic. It's strong and water resistant.

[@paulladuke2259]

I wish you wouldn't turn up the video speed until we get a chance to see which cutting tool you are using at each step.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Thank you for your feedback. I will start saying which tool I am using as I turn. I do sometimes, but I need to make it more of a habit. Thanks again.

[@samueljames9342]

Try stabilizing it, you can skip the epoxy all together and polish it right away

[@dragoncutlery]

Stabilising resin is not food safe

[@cfel6879]

woah dude... that scroll saw looks so intimidating. Pls be careful on that 'thing'

[@memyselfi9087]

Do you have any problems with the wood splitting? I saw you had to use CA while turning, but I also wondered about the handle?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Me Myself&I I did not have problems with splitting. I used the glue because the wood already had cracks and I wanted to take precautions. The handle really did not give me any trouble. I still have this mug and it's in perfect condition after years of use. Thanks for writing.

[@mapleleafer74]

DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW

[@oscar33212]

Need to work on your sound balance ... I can hardly hear you, then your woodturning is so loud I have to turn it down.

[@Woodturnersjournal]

Dean Philips Thank you. That is something I am currently working on and believe I have figured out. More to come!!!. 😊

[@jameskoehn4331]

I don't guess Stephen Ogle on here anymore asked a couple of questions and never got a reply back .. Andmi haven't seen anything knew . Hope the old boy alright hate hearing about the loss of people you've watching for a while... Hope that's not the case ..

[@Woodturnersjournal]

James Koehn I haven't heard about anything bad and I too am a fan. I'll reach out to him and see if everything is alright. Thank you for letting me know.

[@jameskoehn4331]

Woodturners Journal , ok please do , thank you . I had messaged him few days ago about a post he did couple yrs ago or so asking him about the CNC MACHINE he uses to make his handles . I was looking for one but don't won't to give up my first born to get one.. never heard nothing back, further searching I see he hasn't posted anything in quite sometime ... thanx again. And if you have a answer to this please let me know ..

[@jameskoehn4331]

Woodturners Journal was you able to reach out to Stephen Ogle .?

[@Woodturnersjournal]

I have. I still have not heard anything. I will try reaching out to others to find out what is going on.