Woodturning a family portrait using carbide lathe tools

I used a few branches off a dead tree in my back yard to make some peg people, representing my family. The wood is soft, crumbly, and terrible for turning, in spite of having some interesting colors and a bit of spalting here and there. But seriously, torn out grain everywhere, and no way to really get a good surface. Now I just need to figure out how to make the dog.
Simple danish oil to finish it up here.
Remember, wood working is dangerous, and this video is for entertainment only, not a demonstration of proper or safe technique. You are responsible for your own safety in your shop.

[@CarlJacobson]

Very cool idea Steve, what a fun project.

[@SJWoodworks]

Carl Jacobson Thanks, yeah, it was kinda fun.

[@johnconklin9039]

Making something that makes the kids happy is worth more than all the fancy turning wood in the world.

[@SJWoodworks]

Good perspective, John. Thanks.

[@MikeWaldt]

Unique idea Steve, as Cip said below, I much prefer the wood to look natural, it gives more interest, and character to the piece. Cheers Mike

[@SJWoodworks]

Mike Waldt Agreed. Maybe some of the wood from the main trunk is better than the branch pieces I used. Maybe it hasn't gotten so punky. I'll probably try turning a bowl from it at some point, to see what happens. I'm a glutton for punishment, I suppose!

[@marklawson8346]

nice idea Steve i bet every wood turner has wood in there garden they could use, next holiday by the sea i will look for some drift wood off the beach and have a go thanks mark

[@SJWoodworks]

mark lawson Wood is everywhere. Quality wood, that's sometimes a different question!

[@CipsWoodChips]

They pretty good. That "punky" wood looks rustic and full of character. Good job!

[@SJWoodworks]

Cip's Wood Chips You're right, Cip, there is a lot of great figure and even some spalting in there.

[@pin0cchio964]

It's so cute! Thank you for the video!

[@HarryWatts65]

Great idea Steve: I like the wood to look natural, and i like the danish oil finish, Cheers Harry

[@SJWoodworks]

Harry Watts Thanks Harry. I do like how they look, even though the surface isn't great.

[@baconsoda]

When you mentioned your children enjoying playing with these I wondered would it be worth getting some decent wood and making a bag-full of different peg figures in different shapes that they might like to paint? Like on Christmas Day? Acrylic paint is best, don't seal them if you try this and only sand to 120. I only suggest this because my daughter spent a lot of time painting little animals I turned and loved it....and she is only 26. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@SJWoodworks]

baconsoda Yes, I've been thinking about this. For painting, in fact, I could turn a ton of people out of a 1" poplar dowel from my local hardware store.