Woodturning - Ash Crotch Surprise!

For this weeks video I take a spalted Ash Crotch and turn it into a hollow form. I really wanted to do something different with this piece which is why I separated the sides from the rounded top of the hollow form. The Ash has been sanded to 7000 grit and finished with Danish oil and Wood wax.
Let me know what you think!
I've got lots more exciting videos planned for this year, so make sure you're subscribed! Thank you as always for your support 😁
________________________________________________________________
Hope you enjoy/enjoyed, please consider liking and subscribing, even give the video a share if you're up for it! Each project and video usually takes 10+ hours to finish, so your support is very much appreciated. More woodturning and woodworking projects will be on their way soon.
Head to starbond.com and use the code: HarrySmith , for 10% OFF Site-Wide 😁www.starbond.com/?rfsn=619355...
Be sure to go and visit my second channel for more woodturning videos!
/ @harrysmithshorts
Instagram: harrysmith_woodturning
TikTok: @harrysmithwoodturning
Second Channel: Harry Smith Shorts
Email for quotes and queries: [e-mail]
Disclaimer:
My videos are for entertainment purposes only. I am still relatively new to woodturning and some of my techniques might not be the "best" or safest. When using any tools or machinery always read and understand safety/manufacturers guidelines.
Yes, I'm aware that wearing gloves while woodturning is considered an unsafe practise. The gloves I wear are tight fitting and don’t have any loose threads. I wear them for the protection of my skin. This is a risk that I am willing to take, however I am still very conscious of the potential danger and I do not touch any spinning parts of the lathe. DO NOT do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing.

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

If you enjoyed this crotch turning video be sure to check you my newest one "Big Wet Elm Crotch" that has just been released kzbin.info/www/bejne/anrHZIedbKesrpY 😉😊👍

[@user-gc8uu4km7r]

Ь

[@philiplowery3703]

What does crotch turning mean? And what is the finish product in video? Just a decorative bowl?

[@HarrySmithShorts]

@@user-gc8uu4km7r just b 🪵😃👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

@@philiplowery3703 Hi Philip, to answer your questions - the crotch is the part of the tree where two or more branches emanate from. The finished article is a hollow form, carved from a single Ash log which was consigned to the burn pile. It's a standalone piece of art, storage vessel or musical instrument 🪵😃👍

[@joseericescaceres7731]

C oki Jo

[@BWGPEI]

Harry - my Grandfather was a wood turner of note whose work sold very well. I have happy memories of driving to northern New Brunswick to pick up hardwood for him to use in his shop. Some 40 years later you confound and delight me with what you can do.

[@joelstaab6773]

I did a lot of turning years back... a lot of years back and loved it but back a lot a years ago once more I moved out of the States and was on the road constantly in a lot of countries as a missionary. And so no way you can pack the tools alone with machines... but I still miss it. All saying this the joy I still get is some of these KZbin videos and seeing the work and finished products. And this is now one of my favorites... as I do give many thumbs up very often but would give more than a few if I could. Thanks

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Joel, I really appreciate your comment and the positive feedback. I love creating things, not everything has a purpose but I don't think that is necessarily important. But it's great to hear that others appreciate my creations. It sounds like you have led a very interesting life. Take care 🪵😃👍

[@Andrea.S.Alvey12]

That grain is splendid!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Andrea 🪵😃👍

[@WideWorldofTrains]

My first time using a wood lathe was 45 years ago in wood shop, always wanted to get one ever since.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks for watching and your comment. I hope to be wood turning for the next 45 years!! 🪵😃👍

[@darenjackson1387]

Me too

[@HarrySmithShorts]

@@darenjackson1387 I'd only be 66, so hopefully at least an additional 20 odd years in.... 🤣😂🪵😃👍

[@dwightarnold6980]

A TRUE 👍 AMERICAN ARTIST! Thanks for the GREAT Video!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thanks Dwight! I may be an Artist but I am no American, although I do love visiting the states 😁👍

[@solidarityworkers6900]

Hi Harry, its an excellent piece of art. The grain doesn't look like Ash, the olive colours and spalt take it to another level of beauty. I loved the Ivy accessory too !!!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you very much as always! Yes the grain is so much more interesting than your bog-standard Ash! 😁👍

[@chrisbgifford7387]

I got really into this project. I realized I was pinching my nose closed to keep the chipped bark out! LOL. It turned into a work of art, love the outer ridge.

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Chris! This has to be up there as one of my favourite pieces 😁👍

[@johnadams9044]

Interesting ash tray.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Really clever play on words John!! 😂🤣

[@bearshield7138]

It is like a hollow form with in a hollow form love it

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks so much for your comments Bear . . . 🪵😃👍

[@frankkirby5763]

Sir, I have been turning since the early sixties and I believe you are the most talented wood turner on I have ever seen. Thank you very much for displaying your skills.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Hello Frank, that is such a massive compliment and very humbling. I hope I can continue to turn for as many years. Wood turning is still very new to me and I am loving the challenges that the different woods can present. I hope yo hear more from you and your feedback on my projects would be appreciated 🪵😃👍

[@mattfifoot9158]

I love that KZbin recommends me videos with titles like 'Ash crotch surprise'. Best thing is, I love them. Great project, great video and great channel. Thanks for posting.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Matt, I'm pleased that KZbin introduced you to my site. Many more crotch suprises to come.. 😂🪵😃👍

[@johncollins500]

Who would of thot that a piece of firewood could turn into such a beautiful piece of work.

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much John! I love to turn pieces that would normally be used in the fire 🤗😄👍

[@bobbacon1068]

Love your content, brings me way back !

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Glad you like it Bob. If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to my NEW shorts channel 😉 thanks for your support !! kzbin.info 🪵😃👍

[@Marauder99991]

Normally I don't click on videos with names like 'ash crotch surprise', but this was worth it. ;)

[@sergeioblogin8451]

Уважаю человеческий ручной труд 👍👍👍👍👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Sergei and I respect the considered positive comment 🪵😃👍

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Great piece. Looks like you did a fine job with this. Thanks for sharing.

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thanks very much Doug! I appreciate the comment 🤗👍

[@lyndaowen2154]

That is gorgeous!!

[@jeanlong5965]

Never seen anything like this beautiful bowl before. Great job

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Jean, I like to try different designs and woods! 🪵😃👍

[@angelakenyon7490]

A beautiful piece of art..... It's amazing what you can produce from such a shape initially Harry! 😃

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Angela this was a real success for me, I was so happy with the grain colour and hollowing was very satisfying. Great result from a piece of firewood 🪵😃👍

[@elaine5953]

This is very beautiful! But as the wood was still not dry, will this crack over time?

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Elaine there is always a risk in cracking. However I keep in the workshop which is cold and the air is more damp than the house. Also storing in wood chips helps until it loses more moisture. So far so good . . . 🪵😃👍

[@bronwynsearle2117]

Another nice piece, Harry, well done 😊

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Bronwyn . . . 🪵😃👍

[@waltwhybrewwoodworking]

I like it and the variations you add make all the difference.

[@eduardocabuling622]

gusto ko 'yan.. beautiful!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Eduardo 🪵😃👍

[@cjjohnson836]

What an unique piece Very beautiful. ✌️ And Love 💞

[@alansimpson596]

What a transformation from an impossible looking piece of wood into a work of art.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Alan, the bowl was crying out to be released from the log. 🪵😃👍

[@yuriyanov3217]

Cool. Makes an excellent night pot. Those indentations are totally made for some legs!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Yuri, I wouldn't want to clean it..... 🪵😃👍

[@JohnSmith-zh3jc]

Anh hát bằng cả trái tim bảo sao mà cứ ngọt lịm như vậy. Bài nào cũng cảm xúc luôn

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Absolutely, I couldn't put it better myself John Smith? 🤣😂

[@michaelgoble8200]

What an incredible collection of tools and a fabulous final product.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Michael very kind of you to say. 🪵😃👍If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to my NEW shorts channel 😉 thanks for your support !! kzbin.info

[@cherkasoff58]

Отличная работа Гарри!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks for your comment and support 🪵😃👍

[@annacalvert2747]

Beautiful. ,,Love it

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks so much Anna 🪵😃👍

[@michaelgarland1337]

Beautiful 😍 !!!

[@carolriley8472]

That is so gorgeous...I love the grain in Ash and the spalting really emphasizes it all!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Carol! 😁👍

[@stevenconrad7406]

Beautiful love the smooth shining finish .

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Steven I'm glad you liked it! 🪵😃👍

[@junblanza1197]

Super,Great one..

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks for your comment Jun 🪵😃👍

[@lilliekelly3406]

Beautiful piece Sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

My pleasure Lillie, glad you enjoyed it 🪵😃👍

[@juliegranne9135]

Harry the work is fantastic. I so would love one. And especially learn to make them 👍👍👍👍👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Julie, there's nothing better than getting out there and trying something new! It is relaxing and therapeutic for the soul. 🪵😃👍

[@thecraftystasher]

Whoa ! … How Unique Is This 🤩 I Love It 💫⭐️💫⭐️💫

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Angela! 😄👍

[@thecraftystasher]

@@HarrySmithWoodturning You’re Very Welcome Harry 😻♥️👍🏼

[@JSGilbert]

Wow! Just wow.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks JS 🪵😃👍

[@robertf6344]

I like everything about it.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Robert . . . 🪵😃👍

[@lori-ellencoley6100]

The finish is just gorgeous 😍 excellent work!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Lori, really glad you like it 🪵😃👍 If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to my NEW shorts channel 😉 thanks for your support !! kzbin.info

[@benniegreen498]

Lovely piece; enjoyed watching your skill and artistry!👍🏽👍🏽

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Bennie! 😁👍

[@gaetancrepeault9333]

Gorgeous work and beautiful grains finish Beautiful

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Gaetan! 😊👍

[@GaryGlass-DriftwoodTurner]

Beautiful piece Harry

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thanks very much Gary! 😁👍

[@amberallen6046]

Magic !!!!!!!!!!! wow

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Amber! 😄👍

[@robboland9857]

An outstanding work of art sir, very different indeed. Love the profile of the hollow form, and the ash grain and finish is beautiful. Made me subscribe. Thanks for your hard work you share with us. Keep on turning.🌿 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@trentiswhite7308]

Looks good

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks so much Trentis . . . 🪵😃👍

[@confused837]

What a fantastic piece of work, really love it.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Graham I appreciate your comment 🪵😃👍

[@pattigolden1]

VERY cool bowl!!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Patti 🪵😃👍

[@user-yg6me6ox2s]

Harry! Amazing! Your skill is impeccable !

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks you are too kind 🪵😃👍

[@richardmason902]

It’s beautiful.

[@igorkuzmenkin8447]

ЗАЛИПАТЕЛЬНОЕ ВИДЕО))))))))))))👍👍👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks so much Igor 🪵😃👍

[@trurex007lee7]

Great piece!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Lee! 😁 👍

[@janicelucas8561]

Really nice piece. U did it justice!! Thanks 4 sharing.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Janice, Ash can be so underrated 🪵😃👍

[@SteveC38]

That is an absolutely beautiful Piece, Harry! Well done 👍

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much as always Steve! 😁👍

[@stephanielovatt2787]

I was wondering what the surprise was, then I read your intro. Yes, fair enough, what you did was, indeed, a surprise. I wasn't expecting a hollow form, let alone one of the type you chose! It does look really good, though! 😀

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks for your comments Steve, glad you enjoyed it 🪵😃👍

[@ricktablelander5043]

Beautiful grain unusual design

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Rick, I was really lucky with the wood grain and I like to try different designs 🪵😃👍

[@lavertable]

What does that bowl do? Squirrel trap? Keep soup warm bowl? Oh ! its great for growing pot!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Hi Lavertable, its a hollow form, carved from a single Ash log which was consigned to the burn pile. It's a standalone piece of art, storage vessel or musical instrument 🪵😃👍

[@masjabrikdiy8422]

hello friends greetings healthy and successful always. thank you for sharing knowledge and always faithfully watching your latest stuff I like your ideas

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Mas 🪵😃👍

[@denisvienat849]

Super jolie bravo Harry 👍👏🇺🇦

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks as always Denis 🪵😃👍

[@kungfuwaysteelwiremantissi380]

Beautiful just beautiful work Harry 👌

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you kungfuway 🪵😃👍

[@andrewstratford4753]

Wow first time ive seen this this so reminds me back in the day of my woodworking class at school when i was eleven or twelve, many moons ago.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Glad it brought back school day memories for you Andrew 🪵😃👍

[@andrewstratford4753]

@@HarrySmithShorts no thankyou sir.🇬🇧

[@jordansdadjoe3742]

This is so satisfying to watch..

[@jordansdadjoe3742]

My uncle used to turn wood .. He was crippled but would still strap tools to his hands to do this.. Beautiful work..

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank Jordan really pleased you liked it 🪵😃👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

@@jordansdadjoe3742 thanks for sharing Jordan, thats amazing and just demonstrates that if you really want too, you can do anything! Take care 🪵😃👍

[@jackknows6509]

Wonderful work, beautiful piece...

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thanks very much Jack! 😊 👍

[@MATUZOK]

I like your work, it turns out great and unusual.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks so much for your kind comments. I like to do different! 🪵😃👍

[@Umberto.Goglia]

That's great Harry! Really well done!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much as always Umberto! 😊😁

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Wonderful Harry. All your work is so beautiful. Take care mate. Cheers, Huw

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks so much Huw, I was really lucky with this piece of wood, the grain just popped 🪵😃👍

[@lolcec81]

Комментарий в поддержку канала и ролика, а также труда мастера.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you for your comment 😃👍I prefer to let the wood speak for itself and allow the tools to tell their own story as they make their transformation. 🪵

[@debrawalters9746]

A stunning piece of art Harry!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Debra! 😁👍

[@johnnuttall1965]

That's nice

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you John! 😊👍

[@Lindasims733]

Another lovely piece I particularly like the grain and colour of this one.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Gloria. This log was donated from a family friends winter log pile! I'm so pleased with the outcome also 🪵😃👍

[@timponder7487]

Very unique great turning Mr.Smith 👌

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Tim 🪵😃👍

[@cookiescoop6065]

That's kewl as heck beautiful workmanship have a great weekend ✌️

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Cookie! I really appreciate the comment 😄🤗👍

[@tehanistocks9070]

You make it look so easy I just i've always wanted to try that. Such beautiful wood.

[@radarthewoodturner8912]

That piece is spectacular you have done an awesome job I only dream of doing art like that stay safe👍👍👍👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Radar. It took a fair few hours but it was worth it. The log was donated by a family friend, they thought it too difficult to split for their wood burner! What a welcome save.....🪵😃👍

[@piehound]

OK nice job !!! And it was fascinating seeing the transformation as the work progressed. But overly surprised i am not. Nevertheless thumbs up. What would have really surprised me is seeing a gorgeous tiny elf emerge and say *NICE CROTCH.*

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks for the comment Quaz imodo, I'll see what I can do next time. And if I could find one riding a unicorn ? Even better ? 🧙‍♂️🦄

[@PBUCKY1969]

Really nice piece Harry!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Much appreciated Paully 🪵😃👍

[@leor2830]

Very nice

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you Leo! 😁👍

[@northcoaster]

Wow

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you 🪵😃👍 If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to my NEW shorts channel 😉 thanks for your support !! kzbin.info

[@sonyhk3824]

Wonderful design 👍. Cheers

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Sony 🪵😃👍

[@user-wd8kv6lq1b]

Кропотливая работа ! Слава умельцу !

[@robertgift]

*Wonderful video!* Thank you.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Robert 🪵😃👍 If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to my NEW shorts channel 😉 thanks for your support !! kzbin.info

[@TazioCostantini]

👍Fantastic!👏👏👏

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Tazio 🪵😃👍 If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to my NEW shorts channel 😉 thanks for your support !! kzbin.info

[@TazioCostantini]

@@HarrySmithShorts Already registered, you have two very nice channels with lots of ideas👏👏👏

[@HarrySmithShorts]

@@TazioCostantini many thanks 😊 🙏

[@franciscofortunato1864]

Maravilloso trabajo!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Francisco 🪵😃👍

[@The_Joker_]

I turned a small cup from an ash limb 2 years ago, I finally got to finish it out tonight. It was harder than the high speed steel drill bits I was using. 😳 I dunno what type of ash it is but hells bells this Irish Ash is tough stuff.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

I've never turned Irish Ash. Maybe one for the future Joker. 🪵😃👍

[@bobbacon1068]

🤩 Hope you burn all them good shavings, or bag em a sell for charcoal starter!😀

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Hi Bob the waste shavings are used for composting, mulching and organic fire lighters ... 🪵😃👍

[@mariapeters8744]

You do beautiful work! What I’d give to be able to do what you do! Thanks for sharing.🎉

[@keithfreeman2139]

Very beutiful. I love that.

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thank you so much Keith! 😊👍

[@randomizer1355]

nice work! looks absolutely great! btw when you are woodturning, the camera angle is for me like typical you! it reminds me of you and your channel!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Mr. Bean, really nice comment I appreciate it 🪵😃👍

[@sergioamaralbelotrabalho8831]

Olá, seu trabalho é muito bom parabéns

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Muito obrigado Sergio! eu agradeço o comentário 😁👍

[@porfririocampos1096]

Neato, neato, great presentation.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thank you Porfririo 🪵😃👍

[@elmahenselstedile6676]

Amo seu trabalho ❤

[@jeffrutkowski6133]

Wow! Just wow Harry. Wondering what you do to keep it from checking as it dries.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Jeff, the log was well seasoned it just had been on a friends log pile outside. There has been no cracking 🪵😃👍

[@q-dance2696]

Лайк 👍 Спасибо за видео.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Many thanks Q-Dance 🪵😃👍

[@uniqko]

Great

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks 🪵😃👍

[@kirkhunter4168]

That wood grain and spalting is amazing!

[@HarrySmithWoodturning]

Thanks very much Kirk! 😊👍

[@butthedd0233]

Eye like it.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

It was a really nice project to work on Tony, thank you 🪵😃👍

[@jessiejames2155]

When the stump is first loaded..I can't help but wonder how many people have gotten hurt from it flying off...🤯😵🤪😨

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thankfully none on this project, but it can happen! 🪵😃👍

[@markthompson6860]

well done buddy

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Thanks Mark 🪵😃👍

[@jennifer86010]

Beautiful work !! But, look at the vibration and strain the poor lathe went through at the beginning of this project, not to mention the possible danger of turning such a large, unbalanced chunk of tree. One would think that Mr. Smith would have done a bit more sawing to create a roughly balanced and more rounded shape first before putting it on the lathe? One of the first rules of machinery is when anything is spinning, which is "out-of-round", its only a matter of time before parts start flying in all directions. I.E., "The fan hits the sh*t, before the sh*t hits the fan". Regardless, Mr. Smith has created a beautiful and very unusual piece which shows the polished refinement of wood turning combined with a couple of raw natural spots. The combination of these two aspects is very creative, artistic, and most original. Beautiful work !!

[@HarrySmithShorts]

Hi Jennifer and thanks for watching and your comments. The piece was pretty well balanced however... Mr Smith didn't realise the rear leg lathe restraint had sheered from the floor and will be repaired this weekend. 🪵😃👍

[@HarrySmithShorts]

May I add - what a great critique, it's like an extract from woodturning monthly. 😃👍

[@jennifer86010]

@@HarrySmithShorts Securing that leg on the lathe will certainly help, however the vibration from anything unbalanced will now go directly into the motor itself which wants to be isolated from vibration. Eventually you may need to replace the stator or the axles or bearings. I couldn't see from the video, but it appears that the motor is mounted on top directly to the chuck. If it were a bottom-mounted motor using a belt drive to the chuck, it would suffer far less vibration but it wouldn't have as much torque. In any event, machinery takes a lot of abuse, but as a suggestion, you may want to simply check how true the chuck spins with no load on it. If it has different speeds, you may want to check it visually on each speed. If it appears to be wobbling a bit, it will be an indication that the bearings or the internals of the motor itself are starting to go out-of-round, in which case its days are numbered and your work will be compromised. I've had the same problem with some machine motors, and it has often been difficult to find replacement parts.

[@HarrySmithShorts]

@@jennifer86010 thanks Jennifer I'm on it...🪵😃👍