Woodturning: Big Bowl MAXED OUT MY LATHE! Fighting a Massive Maple Log

Woodturning: Big Bowl MAXED OUT MY LATHE! Fighting a Massive Maple Log
Adventures in woodturning for sure. This project challenged me physically at every step and forced me to bring in the big guns and to be creative in dealing with a huge maple log round, from sawing the log into blanks and getting the blank mounted on the lathe, to faceplate,chuck issues and beyond.

[@kenharper616]

You should have your own nightly show. You are easy to watch and follow. Along with being informative and entertaining. Just a joy to watch. Better than most things on evening tv. Thanks for all your effort.

[@LisaRamlow]

Wow, thank you Ken I really appreciate that. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel 😊

[@lancerawlings5401]

That’s one large maple log. The grain looks like it has lots of figure. Can’t wait for the finished product.

[@LisaRamlow]

It is indeed! Hoping it stays intact while it dries. Although if it doesn’t, imma cook it bone dry in the turkey roaster and fill the cracks with resin cuz I am NOT losing these blanks after all that work! 😂

[@user-ml3hl6vr4t]

I’m a small person and have had to deal all my life with accomplishing stuff beyond my reach or strength. Thank You. For showing how you conquered that wood. I admire-you have some pretty impressive skill with that chain saw too. Just for the first twelve minutes, you’ve gained a subscriber. Keep making sawdust!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi there, and welcome! 😁 I started turning not quite 3 years ago, and that’s the first time I’d used a chainsaw. I’m getting better with it but I still have a hard time cutting straight 😂 I find that most things can be accomplished with some thought and creativity. And sometimes with some help! 😃 I’d have had another set of hands out there to help me if anyone had been home.

[@user-ml3hl6vr4t]

@@LisaRamlow you cut straighter on your first time with the chainsaw than I ever have. I resin cast stuff and have seen so many use it with turning that I’m scraping up the bravery to try my spouse’s lathe … still. You’re giving me a lot of encouragement. Thank You.

[@LisaRamlow]

I absolutely encourage jumping on the lathe - it is SO MUCH FUN! There are a ton of great educational tutorial videos out there to help make sure you have the basics right and are less likely to have issues and more likely to have success! Start with something small and relatively simple until you get comfortable with it. If you’re going to do wood/resin blanks I highly recommend using a negative rake scraper, either traditional or carbide. They are less aggressive than traditional scrapers and tend to be less chippy when dealing with resin.

[@williampeak8851]

I like your perseverance 👍❤️

[@LisaRamlow]

This one was definitely a struggle but I am persistent 😁

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Woodcraft has double torque screws that work great on faceplates-have not broken even one in over 5 years! Just wrestled a big leaf maple blank onto my 16” lathe. Had to use the grinder to take off all the high spots so it would spin. Still had over 15” after rough turn! So you definitely have my sympathies!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Valerie! Thanks for the tip - and I was just at Woodcraft (which is an hour and a half away from me) a couple of days ago! I did a quick look for screws but didn't see anything other than Kreg and trim screws - guess I should've asked, I suppose I could order them online. This was the biggest thing I've ever done (and I guess it will be forever since I totally maxed out the lathe!) but I've picked up some better methods for actually mounting it to the lathe so next time I get my hands on logs this big I'll have a slightly easier go of it. Hopefully! :)

[@valeriehenschel1590]

@@LisaRamlow 611200 item number. Various lengths, square drive, green coating. Just check the descriptions for double torque or extra torque. I have them in three lengths. In store, they were in the hardware section. My store 2-3 hours away depending on ferry or traffic (75 miles).

[@davidgraham2673]

You could use an engine lift, and screw in a u-bracket on the side to lift the blank to exactly where you need it. Then, a simple twist on the back wheel to screw the blank onto the lathe as you position it with the other hand for the final positioning. An engine lift might be a great way to move, and lift large blanks without going to the hospital. Something to consider. PS, great video!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks David! I actually bought an engine lift from harbor freight to help get the blanks on the chainsaw stand and it just didn't work as well as I'd hoped because it didn't go quite high enough, and the legs are splayed out so far for the required stability it's hard to maneuver on the sidewalk around my shop. I think I would have the same issue with the lathe, in addition to the fact that at the moment the garage door my lathe is in front of is permanently closed. I did rig up an electric hoist on a tall gallows type thing outside to get blank on the chainsaw stand, and I'm probably gonna end up with another electric hoist over the lathe, or a chainfall/block and tackle. I haven't tackled another giant piece yet but I'll definitely have a better setup next time! 🤣

[@mikksweeney8804]

Great video Lisa. I actually LOL when you finally got it on the lathe and it didn't turn😀

[@LisaRamlow]

I couldn’t believe it! Oh well. I learned lots of things and will be able to make this process go more smoothly when I get my hands on more huge logs. It was at least entertaining 😂

[@jimremus9547]

Great straight cuts with the chain saw. I rarely get a straight cut and need to pull out a power plane. It's nice to see others have problems with large logs. like I do. They fight you all the way. I use plug cutters to get screws out. they create a hole all around that you can break off.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Jim! I don’t think I have any plug cutters but have used a hole saw successfully in the past with the same general idea. I did try they (and may have cut that part out) but the size I needed was so dull it was useless. I’ll try to remember to get a couple of plug cutters for such emergencies as this. And I guess I’ll get different screws. Didn’t realize SS can be brittle. I figured they’d be stronger 🤷‍♀️

[@jamesremus6427]

@@LisaRamlow I think they all break at some point. I have broken #5 hard off many times. (Standard from hardware stores). Big box discount (Menards's) are only #3 hard. Hole saws work also.

[@franwilson2097]

Hi Lisa,I am in northeastern BC Canada,best we have is birch and maybe Manitoba Maple 🤷‍♂️

[@LisaRamlow]

I turned a bunch of yellow and paper birch last year and I thought it was lovely. But it is nice to have lots of option 😊

[@back-corner-turnings]

The ramp was a good idea. Next time you might want to screw a couple of 2x4 cleats to the bottoms of the ramp boards to snug up to bed of the lathe to stop them from sliding.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Duane! I had them pushed up against the banjo on one side but a cleat screwed to them would’ve made it a lot easier and safer. Also, I didn’t think about the friction - I have some big super-slider discs for moving furniture around and those would’ve helped a lot too. I’ve got lots of ways to improve this whole process, assuming I can get a hold of any more logs this big!

[@johnames8942]

I'm new to your channel and I love it. I too struggle to get things done by myself. Not sure if you will get this comment being 6 months late. Thanks for showing your work. I am a new turner and am learning from you.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey John, and welcome! I’m getting ready to do some even bigger pieces of flaming boxelder and have rigged up some better options for maneuvering so stay tuned!

[@hansolavpedersen5521]

You are good Lisa. Problems you get you know how to deal wit, i admire that. This video could have been taken of me the first time i tryed to turn a big piece in my lathe, except that you solved the problem to get it in the chuck. I dint, i had to scream for help that time. :) Looking forward to see these pieces finish in the future. You and the Beagle to stay safe and take care. :) Greetings Hans Olav

[@LisaRamlow]

Hello Hans Olav! The first bowls I roughed from the smallest of these maple logs are ready to come out of the kiln, so in the next video we’ll finish one of those and see how they look 😃 The beagle sends his warmest regards, and i do as well 😊

[@bwrightaway2877]

Good stuff

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you 😁

[@barbpearson9198]

I love the way you show your struggles and thought process for completing a task. I look forward to seeing some finished bowls in the future. There seems to be some very cool grain action going.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Barb! Yep next video should be of the natural edge bowl I did from the smallest piece of this maple. It should be ready to come out of the kiln now and then I can refill it with this load. So stay tuned, I have a lot of bowls to finish 😃

[@Pacecar2000]

I was told they are hog ring pliers. I have a pair. good job

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you! I was glad to have something on hand I could get a hold of the screw with - was surprised I couldn’t get the vise grips to bite!

[@iancompton6961]

stainless screws are prone to breaking - when they do you can mount the piece and turn a grove as close to the screw as possible without hitting (grove both sides of screw) then you can break out the piece between the groves (ask me how i know this ) also works if you encounter hidden nails etc in a piece.

[@LisaRamlow]

Yeah I didn’t realize that - have since switched and bought a set of plug cutters to have on hand 👍

[@johnreedy7037]

That thing was a beast! I can't wait to see the final results, looks like beautiful blanks. Would your engine hoist fit in the shop for getting that blank up on your late? I was really worried you might hurt yourself lifting that thing. "Just keep swimming" is one of my two main mantras in my shop. the other is "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi John! Technically the engine hoist would fit thru the people door but I wouldn’t have been able to maneuver it close enough to the lathe to be useful. The overhead door is currently not operational as I have things screwed into the track or I could load it from the outside. Depending on how things go, I may reconfigure my overhead camera mounts and things to be able to open the garage door. Or I’ll mount a chain fall or hoist over the lathe. I won’t be doing for this way again if I can help it! Fortunately I managed to get them all roughed out. 👍

[@victorprimack2070]

This brought back to mind so many projects, over the years, where I was sure I bit off more than I could chew but I persevered, just like you did, and son of a gun they got done. If we don’t quit we’re extraordinary capable even of surprising ourselves. GREAT JOB!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Victor! I am persistent if nothing else 😁]

[@crystalrabbon]

Hahaha! I have so been there!

[@LisaRamlow]

Good thing we're persistent 😁

[@salvatorecaramico7104]

Great video! I would think a 1/2 ton chainfall would allow you to take the wood right off the cart and up and above the lathe. A little rigging work and a rope to hold it back would work out great.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Salvatore! If it seems like I’ll be able to get more large logs like this, I’ll def look into some sort of overhead lifting setup for in the shop above the lathe. This was a little ridiculous! 😂

[@rdheiliger]

The long chips that plug your chain saw are common when cutting with the grain. If you hold the saw blade at an angle to the grain the chips will be shorter and won't clog the saw. Also, think you should invest in a come-along to lift the big bowl blanks onto the lathe.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Richard! My gas saw usually does ok at ejecting the ribbons but the EGO really struggles. I will cut into the end grain when I have to, but the angle thing is really interesting and makes perfect sense. The housing on the EGO’s rear sprocket is not very spacious but it might be enough to keep it from completely clogging. I’ll give it a shot. And I am definitely going to look into a hoist or block & tackle or some other such means to get the blanks onto the lathe - this was a little ridiculous! 😂

[@kimberlyryan8618]

"I fought the law-g and the law-g won! I fought the law-g and the LAW OF PHYSICS won!"

[@LisaRamlow]

It was a struggle but in the end I did outlast it! 🤣

[@davidmspinelli8951]

A half hour late! OMG!!! Mine start freaking out at the five minute mark and by ten minutes they are trying on toe tags! God help you should one of them get a single bite more than the other and yeah, they have come to expect that their food is hand made, fresh every Friday! No...no I don't spoil my "Dogs" in any way. LOL

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi David! Yeah, Bailey starts pestering you about an hour before lunch or dinner if you’re in the house. He sez it was really touch and go there for a bit, he thought he was a goner! 😂

[@davidmspinelli8951]

WAY TO FUNNY! Ours are Bailey and Mei Li. Bailey is a rescue and I don't know very much about her life before us but since moving in with my wife and Mei Li and I she has gotten use to the good life really fast! Mei Li (May Lee) is a Shi Tzu which is a Chinese breed and her name is Mandarin for Beautiful One. Judging from your experience and ours, Bailey must mean, "Dear God! Ima gonna die within 18.6 seconds if you don't feed me now!" LOL

[@LisaRamlow]

Our Bailey is a he, technically George Bailey but we knew we’d just call him Bailey. We adopted him at 4.5 months right after Thanksgiving and decided he would indeed have a Wonderful Life. He is our 4th rescue beagle and the youngest. The first 3 we adopted when they were already old and spoiled them as best we could in their golden years 😊

[@lakesidesusan6745]

Our grandmother's prize possession was their wood bread bowls. Turned by hand maybe a century ago. I still love to see beautiful wood! Greetings from Lake Oconee GA!

[@LisaRamlow]

Where is Lake Oconee?

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

Man thease bowls are a beauty ❤️👍🏼 Your joke about going sideways i did not get it 🤔🤪🤪

[@LisaRamlow]

Well you know the Secret Snippet is from finding Nemo, and I added the “when the woodworking starts to go sideways” part to the you just keep swimming part. Cuz I kept singing that to myself when the screws snapped or the blank STILL didn’t turn after I’d trimmed it twice…just keep swimming, just keep swimming 😁

[@sueellens]

I love your resourcefulness. I’m the same way, thanks to my grandpa, father, and an older sister. I live alone so I need to rig things up sometimes in order to get things moved, fixed, etc. I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for sharing your process, successes, and setbacks. Good thing your pup got his dinner, even if late!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey SurEllen! I am persistent if nothing else 😉. Neither of the girls were home or I’d have gotten some help. In the end it just took longer to sort out the logistics. no boo-boos to me or any equipment. And the beagle appreciates your concern. He sez it was a close one

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@LisaRamlow I think the rounded side down and rolling it would have been easier.

[@braddobson2060]

Stainless steel screws are very brital and far more likely to snap off

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Brad! Really!?! Huh. Well that’s not helpful - I assumed they would be stronger. I’ll have to see what else is available next time I’m at the store. Any recommendations?

[@braddobson2060]

I see a lot of other turner's using the hex head screws used for metal roofing

[@DancingFox6]

Yes, Brad is right. Hex head sheet metal screws. They come in all sizes and good old Lowes or HD carry them 6 to a pack. Of course I wanted 8 😳 but a few spares cover those lost in the sawdust.

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

I kept hoping there'd be no cutting 'cause your struggles alone kept my interest. So glad you prevailed !! 2 thoughts about getting the blank onto the lathe - Put the boards' bottom on that cart and the slope would be much less. Or use much longer boards and then you'd have a teeter-totter lever and the blank might even slide down to the lathe at some point. Very much enjoyed myself. At your expense ! We all love vicarious problem solving and the grief it entails eh ? And then I got into the coring. Adventure Part 2. Me ? Very happy now. And I didn't even swim or miss a dinner time. Lol ! Thanks for sharing🙏 Take care. -Mike p.s. Overhead crane ? Is that the kind used for pre-fab rafters and roofs ? Wow, I'd say y-y-y-you're, I dunno, an amazing lady. Momma wanted you to draw or be a librarian I bet !

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Mike! I thought about breaking this video into 2 parts but decided to do a long one as a bit of an experiment as far as analytics goes. Boards from cart to lathe would’ve been smart. Also adding a cleat to them to keep them from sliding up as I pulled would have been a good idea. I deliberately left the struggle in there cuz I figured it would be entertaining 😂 Also figured I’d get a bunch of ideas as to how to do it better/faster/easier and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m probably gonna get an electric overhead winch thing to get them from the cart onto the lathe. Friend of mine has a couple of used ones I can probably get pretty cheap. Dunno how often I’ll get my hands on logs this big, but I definitely need to do something different next time cuz this was a little ridiculous! 🤪 I think we all assumed I’d be an engineer, which is what I started school for but never finished. I’m kind of engineering things in the shop so I figure it all worked out on. And I don’t have to sit in some corporate conference room in meetings all day and that’s exactly how I like that! Cant wait to get the first blank out of the kiln and finish turn it. I’m expecting something wonderful! Should be next video I put out 😁

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

@@LisaRamlow entertaining? Sure was a fun vid from this end, thanks again😁 cleat? a very good idea too ... get a winch, at least a come-a-long engineer? yea, I think we talked about this before - I did, and do, the same - I ended up programming devices. Take care. -Mike

[@franwilson2097]

You mean you puppy helper that was starved almost to death,have one too,she is eleven now

[@LisaRamlow]

Bailey will be 5 in July. We got him when he was 4.5 months old. 😊

[@DancingFox6]

Great minds think alike. We have so many of the same tools - chainsaws on down to the exact chest in your shop. I expected to see a Robust when I saw that black color on your lathe but you went with the Laguna. I didn’t get my Sweet 16 until I was 80, but you’ll see that the bed drops away enough for you to swing that big hunk of maple without trimming. You’ve got decades to go yet so keep the Robust in mind for your next lathe. Maybe I’ll see you at Lowes or Harbor Freight in the meanwhile 😁

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Lois! I would have loved a Robust but it was too far out of my budget. I am happy with the Laguna but would like to have a USA made late at some point down the road. When I hit the big time! 😃

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Those orange HF cargo straps have a multitude of uses! Right now most of mine are in use binding my stickered lumber stacks. Maybe it's time for a chain hoist above the lathe bed? Its a really nice visual effect when the rotation speed is close to the camera's frame rate. As I learned in the Marines (a long, long, long time ago): Improvise, Adapt, Overcome!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Graeme! I’ve had those straps for years now, don’t think I originally got them from HF though…🤔 In any case, they come in handy for all kinds of things. And yes, if I get a hold of more large logs I’ll definitely be rigging up something over the lathe - cuz this was a little ridiculous! 😂

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

@@LisaRamlow as I'm in my 7'th decade, I use mechanical advantage whenever I can. Unlike 50 years ago when I still thought I had superpowers 😃

[@LisaRamlow]

Right?! The whole time I’m muttering to myself how I’m not 20 anymore. Hell, I’m not even 40 anymore! 😂

[@ThePapa1947]

Wow Lisa that was one heavy piece of Maple. But you out smarted it and got in up onto the lathe. Nice job of coring it out. At one time I planned on building a coring system like the one you used. Seems very simple to use. Glad you got the little guy fed. We have the same thing here. When the cats are out of food they come up and get your attention and then lead you to the bag of food so you can refill there bowl. They both are smart little guys. I taught one how to drop and roll for belly rubs and the other thought it was so cool he learned by watching. Now they just run in front of you and drop without being told. Good stretching exercise for us LOL. Anyway great video! Gary

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Gary! I learned a lot about what to do next time I get a hold of this size log, that’s for sure! 😂 But I didn’t hurt myself or anything else so imma call it a win 😁 We have two cats as well as the beagle. Oscar is almost 11 and is a cat through and through. Wants everything on his terms. Walter is about 3 and we’re pretty sure he might be a dog. 😂 His attitude is much more canine that feline, and he *LOVES* Bailey. Never seen a cat so in love with a dog but it’s pretty cool. Bailey does not reciprocate that feeling so much, but he’s at least relatively tolerant of Walter and those sharp pokey bits on the end of his toes 🤣

[@carolynpayne6096]

You got it gal, more guts than most men. Beautiful work 💪

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Carolyn! I try really hard to balance the gut with the common sense end of it and not do things where the risk factor is above a certain level 😉

[@carolriley8472]

Wow, that was amazing! I loved watching you actually get it on the lathe. I have the same lathe, but mine is in my basement. I have a real struggle with huge pieces.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Carol! My first shop was in the basement but there was a door at the top of the steps - a straight shot in and down the stairs at least. This is by far the biggest piece I’ve worked with and if it looks like I may be able to get more large logs I’ll definitely look into an overhead winch or something to get it on the lathe. This was a little ridiculous! 😂

[@jpopelish]

You have to get a pair of the more wrench shaped standard vice grips. Those long nosed ones have so much less gripping force.

[@emgiwoodworks]

A big girl chainsaw? Right, get yourself a G388 with a 25 inch bar. And the sawhorse looks familiar! 😎

[@LisaRamlow]

Whoa Leo that’s too big a big girl chainsaw! I’m thinking I should be able to handle a 20” bar 😂 I still haven’t gotten around to making your modifications on the flat part but I’ll have to replace the boards on the v-cradle soon so will probably do that all at once. 👍

[@touretteitup500]

Love your videos

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you, I’m so glad 😃

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

So happy you cored this monster. Would have been a shame to leave that much wood on the floor. I look forward to seeing what you do with it once dry. Well done Lisa.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Doug! I didn’t get as many cores as I’d have liked (the smallest bowls were lost to the faceplate screws-didn’t have enough material to cut them out 😕) and my coring system is limited in size, but I’m glad to have it for sure. Any additional bowls from a big blank are a bonus!

[@pbpleased7936]

Geez, who needs a personal trainer after that workout? One thing I frequently forget is that step: “CALLING A FRIEND TO ASSIST!!” As the first woman in my residency to train in orthopedic surgery, I can’t tell you the continuous assumptions that you simply won’t be strong enough. Interestingly, almost all named “reduction maneuvers” (putting a bone or joint back into place) are named for women, as they had to figure out a means of mechanical advantage beyond simple brute strength. Anyhow, I greatly enjoy your channel and appreciate your work. Thank you.

[@LisaRamlow]

Right!? In the meantime I traded my steady rest to a friend for an overhead winch and a bunch of bowl blanks so now I have a reasonable chainsaw station outside the shop. Planning to make a cart the same height at the lathe bed and then roll it from one to the other and have an idea for lifting it to the right height for mounting it to the spindle but I’ll save that little experiment for a video 😁. I’m having shoulder surgery sometime later this year (when we can be without me for 6 weeks 😬) to repair a torn labrum in my left shoulder. I actually have torn them in both shoulders but my right one was done playing softball 20+ years ago and doesn’t impact me aside from not being able to throw anything overhand so it was never repaired. My left shoulder, however, slips in and out of socket and has been doing so for almost 20 years and I guess it’s time to fix it. Thankfully it goes back in on its own cuz I’m quite sure I would throw up and faint before I could perform a reduction maneuver 🤣

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

I have never wanted to reach threw a screen and lend a hand so bad in my life...Glad you got it.. and yes I have seen silver Maple like that.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate the wish to send backup! Nobody else was home or I’d have gotten another pair of hands in there. It just took a lot on her than it should have, start time finish!

[@robbihodson3683]

Holy cow! That was like watching WWE wrestling! You definitely won...just because you didn't quit! I have an odd question...what camera and camera set up do you use in your shop? I would like to video some of my work, but I worry about all the dust messing up the equipment.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Robbi! I wasn’t so sure there for a while, but I am persistent if nothing else 😂 I have 3 older iPhones I use for cameras - one is in an Otterbox type case but the other 2 are in normal cases. They get dusty but I blow them out and so far it’s been fine. My overhead camera is covered in maple sap tho 🤣

[@dougrobins8291]

Impressive! I turned a larger bowl on my Nova DVR XP, which could handle an 18" diameter bowl, but I needed to rotate the headstock by 30 degrees to get it to turn. I don't like the cachunka-cachunka phase of truing the outside, but it is worth it. I weigh my green blanks and put them in a box of shavings and check them monthly. I've found that using thin CA each month on the old and new cracks usually prevents cracks that penetrate farther into the thick blank, and you can usually turn them away leaving a good final bowl. Now the hard part - waiting for the darn thing to dry!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Doug! Yeah, the cachunking is not much fun. I should’ve done a better job making the blank more round and balanced since I knew I was going to use a face plate - then I could’ve gotten the speed up a bit more in the beginning. I’ll remember that for next time tho! The first bowls I did form the smallest of the three logs I had is in my dishwasher kiln and should be ready to finish turn in about a week. That all probably be the next video actually 👍

[@mikec53]

Well done Lisa. I noticed the garage door. Is it possible to open the door and roll the blank into position on the lathe while still hooked up to the boom? Overhead beam or something to hook a pulley system? I have the same Harbor Freight lift and it makes easy work for tackling my 54" mower deck and handling larger pieces of logs. Slow pumping but much easier than recovering from back surgery. You are amazing in the fact you didn't throw anything, cuss up a storm or shut down and go for a couple boiler makers. Excellent narration! Fantastic resolve! Thanks for posting.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Mike! The garage door is mostly permanently closed as I have things screwed into the track - overhead camera mounts and stuff. It’s also a bit of a security thing - nobody will be breaking in through the overhead door! 😂 Technically the hoist would fit through the “people” door, but I wouldn’t be able to maneuver it near enough the lathe for it to do any good. I’ll probably install an overhead lifting winch if it seems like I’m going to be doing lots more huge stuff. A friend of mine has a couple of used ones that I should be able to buy pretty cheap. I agreed and decided my back was worth the $230 for the hoist and there are other things I can use it for around here. I didn’t throw anything but I hurled quite a few strings of expletives - I just cut those parts out 😬

[@bryanhowland8772]

Well, that piece really tried to kick your behind, but you showed it who's boss 💪. Looking forward to watching you turn it into a beautiful bowl. You could call it "The bowl that thought it was tuff"...yes, with that spelling even. 🤣

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Bryan! I think it was a toss up there for a while, but I am persistent! Should be ready to finish turn in a month or so 👍

[@pigeonmanof180]

Extra points for hanging in there and not giving up. Thanks for sharing. As always I appreciate your honest personal approach in sharing your process of creating beautiful pieces. My opinion on the species (with qualifications that it’s harder not having seen the log in person) is that it’s probably one of your native hard maples (red or rock) mostly because you snapped 2 screws, but also because of the color. Silver maple wood is very light in color (and the bark is very shaggy and coarse, btw) and having just recently some spalted red maple on the lathe, I think that may be what you have there. You should mount a pulley above your lathe, as you mentioned, or block and tackle. Good idea.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Adam! Apparently stainless steel screws are more brittle so I’ve switched those out. I think it’s damn near impossible to tell species without leaves - especially if it’s spalted. I initially thought this might be ambrosia maple but never did find any bug holes so I’ve no idea what it actually is 😂

[@robertchildress1525]

Wow I just stumbled across this one I cannot believe my eyes! That was just amazing to watch you wrestle that big hunk of wood. Looking forward to the finished products. 😂

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Robert, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@randyshearin644]

Lisa, do you think one of those rubber bladder type things that are used for lifting furniture would help you lift those big blanks? By the way you mentioned using the 40 40 grind more these days. I use that almost exclusively and my turning improved tremendously when I made the switch. Keep up the good work.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Randy! I’ve thought about those yes, and also like trailer inner tubes for the final placement. I have acquired an electric hoist but I’m not sure if I’m going to mount it over the lathe or outside for chainsawing. The engine hoist is sufficient but slow and a bit awkward. I’m thinking if I have a HD cart the same height as the lathe bed I can transfer it from the cart easily enough and then use something pneumatic to help get it on the spindle. When I get another 5/8” Thompson I’m going to put a 40/40 on it. 👍

[@garybeasley4885]

I know the struggle! Ive done many bowls in that range, fortunately I can just heave them in to place. That 40/40 is pretty versatile. Ive turned silver maple, nice wood but yours look like spalting. Next broken bolt try using a plug cutter, drill it down on top and around it then break out the plug with a screwdriver.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Gary! Apparently the plug cutter is the way to go for stripped screws - many of you have suggested it, so I’ll pick up a couple of them next time I’m at the store. I believe this tree was dead standing and I wasn’t sure at first if it was ambrosia maple or not. Never found any bug holes so I’m guessing the coloration is from the decay/spalting. Can’t wait to finish them - the first blank I cored should be ready to come out of the kiln and will likely be the next video. Looking forward to seeing what I get when it’s all done 😁

[@thefreemathtutor]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha I love to…

[@LisaRamlow]

To…

[@thefreemathtutor]

Swim!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

I’m not sure there’s anything better than listening to Ellen as Dory sing. And speak whale 🤣🤣🤣

[@bnaivar]

I'd suggest another trip to Harbor Freight and get one of their Pump-Up lift carts (SKU#61405) . It sure saves my back.

[@LisaRamlow]

hi Bill! I checked into that and it’s a bit spendy on top of the $230 I already dropped on the engine hoist, but I’ll definitely rig up some sort of hoist or something for next time I get a hold of any logs this big. Cuz this was a little ridiculous 😂

[@jimwatson2962]

Love your ingenuity moving this around . Still watching and you've just tried hoisting off the pipe above and failed . How about if you had left the blank on the block , transferred back to the trolley and used those planks at a shallower angle ? Of course if you've no brake on the trolley that could have created a whole new set of challenges ! Looking forward to finishing watching your mammoth struggle , every faith in you . 👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Jim! Yeah, dunno why it didn’t occur to me to push it up the “ramps” from the cart 🙄. I could’ve blocked the wheels easily enough, and it would’ve worked a lot better. I also didn’t think about friction and could have used a couple of really big super-slider things that go under couches and stuff to move them around and that would’ve been way better too. Oh well, I have lots of ideas for next time I get a hold of logs this big, including an overhead hoist of some sort, but this was certainly entertaining 😂

[@gerrywiebe50]

Hi Lisa. Love your channel and I am literally watching every video on it. With respect to your blank loading, have you considered that a correctly made wooden shaft would let you use the torque of your lathe to wind up your lifting cable (like a winch)? And then you can use your lathe itself to raise your heavy blank.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Gerry! I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel 😁. I had not considered that as an option but I will now, thanks for the suggestion.

[@thomasgrimes339]

Lisa, I shouldn't say I enjoyed watching you struggle with that log, but I did. Reminded me of cutting a tree into firewood that had been felled in my yard. I had a 16" saw and the tree was 40" diameter. Lots of fun. I did want to say that I was surprised when you didn't put the boards on the 5 gallon bucket sitting behind you before you rolled the log off onto them. Would have made the angle to the lathe much less and therefore less friction resulting in less struggle. I've been there.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Thomas! Yes, I definitely could’ve done a few things differently to make it a bit easier on myself 😂. But in the end I did hat a bowl blank and didn’t smash any fingers or other important bits so I’ll chalk it up to an entertaining way to spend a day and go at it a different direction next time I get my hands on a ginormous log 😁

[@patconrad1045]

You might try going to 1&1/2 inch torc drive deck screws and rub some wax on the screws, that should stop them from breaking.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Pat! I have since switched to different screws and that is definitely going better 👍

[@redryderaus]

Me at multiple times in this video "You could always just ask someone to help". As a welder I move heavy steel around all day. I learned there is no shame in asking for help (after I seriously injured my back). Pride does come before the fall.

[@LisaRamlow]

There wasn’t anyone available at this time but I’m setting up and overhead hoist outside for cutting the blanks and then will put them on a cart the same height as my lathe bed and transfer it that way. Won’t be nearly as funny tho! 😂

[@jasonpermenter7621]

Love the video and your setup for breaking down logs. What is the reason for the 2x4 platform off to the left of the angled pieces where you place the log for cutting with a chainsaw? Is it just for support?

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Jason! Here’s the build video for the milling station. The flat part is so you can clamp the blank to it and cut off the corners of you want to Woodturning - Workshop Wednesday! Making A Chainsaw Milling Station for Turning Blanks kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHjSgXihoZiBaNU

[@wakelywanderer12]

A great exercise in persistence. To speed up your roughing and lighten your load try angling your chainsaw cuts in towards the bottom when rounding your blank. I’m ready to buy my first new roughing gouge. Are you happy with your Thompson?

[@LisaRamlow]

I LOVE my Thompson tools. If it turns out that I end up doing many large pieces like these, I will likely want to get a 3/4” gouge and I may put the 40/40 grind on that. I have some Hurricane gouges and skews that I started with and found them quite satisfactory, but upon replacing tools I’ll definitely go back to Doug Thompson. I find myself mostly using the 5/8” swept back gouge, but on this piece the 40/40 was definitely more efficient even though it’s only 1/2” gouge. I am still learning the whole chainsaw thing - I don’t cut very straight so even if I know where I’m *TRYING* to cut, it doesn’t always go there. I’m getting better but still have a ways to go. Remembering to check the diagonal dimensions would help too! 🙄

[@medic472]

I'm enjoying this very much, thanks for sharing. Two tips on extracting broken screws, flattening the exposed piece with a grinder on two sides will give the vice grips a better hold. If you have a welder, tack a nut onto the screw. This has worked well for me in the past.

[@LisaRamlow]

thanks for the tips! No welder but I’ll keep the grinder trick in my back pocket. Also won’t use SS screws anymore, and I picked up a set of cheap plug cutters, which a ton of folks have suggested. So next time I’ll be better prepared, cuz I know it’ll happen again 😂

[@paulsimmons390]

Lisa, You made me tired just watching you wrestle this big hunk of wood. Wish I could have helped you. keep on and don't give up

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Paul! I’ve got some better plans for next time I get a monster piece like this

[@mobiusflight5430]

I applaud your efforts. A few tips I have learned over the years of woodturning. You might want to consider Spax screws instead of drywall screws. Drywall screws are hard and very brittle. They tend to break in hardwood applications. I have used levers instead of incline plane to get the blank up to the bed ways.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks! These were SS sheet metal screws - I would never use drywall screws. Tho it seems SS aren’t much higher on the list of things not to use! 😂 I will definitely do things differently if I get a hold of any more logs this big cuz this was a little ridiculous! Entertaining, but ridiculous! 😁

[@pfiltz]

I just tried to turn a white oak bowl over the weekend. I still have 4 screws broke off in it. This was totally my fault by using cheap Rural King wood screws. The material is still sitting there staring at me every day when I walk into the shop. Nice job Lisa tackling that Big Arse piece of wood off the floor onto the bed. I use an angle grinder to just cut around those screws since it's going to be turned away anyway.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Phillip! This was a struggle and I learned a lot for next time 😁

[@JamesJohnson-pb6mr]

Lisa, bore out the screw holes in your faceplate. Then use shorter but bigger screws. You shouldn't twist off any more screw heads. Have fun on your journey.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks James! It is definitely a journey, isn’t it!? 😁

[@defensorforge3239]

Great video, lots of determination here. Thanks for sharing your talent and experiences. When I break screws I use a small plug cutter on my hand drill to get them out. ;)

[@LisaRamlow]

I bought a cheap set for just that purpose, but I’m also getting different screws. I didn’t realize SS screws weren’t as strong. Oops!

[@danielharrison780]

Turned out great some beautiful work something I find helps with the screws is having some silocone on the threads when you initially screw them in helps lubricate it a king screwing easier and I've very rarely had any screws snap in the wood, what I do sometimes on external joinery jobs as it can make any alterations or repairs easier in the future. Anyways as I said it's some beautiful work and like that you cored it out. Just stumbled on your channel looking forward to see what else you getup to 😊👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Daniel! I didn’t realize SS was more brittle and have since switched

[@tonydemasi5538]

Way to soldier on Lisa. Good move in using the recess to remount the core too. Also, when given the opportunity like you had on this piece, I will actually mount the chuck before taking the piece off of the lathe. Does a couple of things. Ensures you have a proper size tenon and you also don't need to pick up the blank to try and secure it in the chuck . Keep on turning. You are doing an amazing job.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Tony! I’ve seen lots of people mount the blank on chuck while it’s still on the faceplate, including Andy Phillip. I’m not sure why I don’t ever remember to do that - or at least check the tenon before I remove it from the faceplate,assuming I’m using a faceplate and not a spur drive. But I learned a lot on this project and will have an easier go of it next time I get my hands on some huge logs!

[@danielreimer2515]

OMG I can literally hear the wee guy fading away. Lol. He's gorgeous too by the way. Oh and love your work 👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Daniel! He’s a sweet, sweet boy ❤️

[@frankfowler8295]

Lisa, Broken screws are tough. I saw the earlier note about using a plug cutter. That's a great tip. I have also seen people use a roll pin cut on one edge to do pretty much the same thing. you can get pins at the hardware store and sharpen it on your grinder. Give that a try some time. Nice work on the bowl. An hour and 40 minutes to round it's not bad at all! Thanks for the video.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Frank! I happened to be at Woodcraft earlier this week and picked up a cheap sheet of plug cutters. I’ll also get better screws - I figured SS would be good and strong but apparently not so much. Oops. I imagine it’ll happen again no matter how careful I am so I’m glad to have many options to try 😁

[@kenspears7159]

14:14, the donk of failure. Math my old foe, you win again! Thanks for the video and showing your trials, Lisa! It's good to laugh with you.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks for watching Ken! I’m usually good at math, dunno why it took me so many times to get the blank to fit on the lathe! Well, not sawing straight doesn’t help 😂

[@tomcollier2444]

Try waxing your screws before fixing the faceplate. If they do shear off, a plug cutter can help to remove material around them to facilitate extracting the remains.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Tom, I’m adding both of those things to my list of “how to deal with it when things start going sideways.” I have successfully used a hole saw to remove a broken off screw in the past, same sort of idea as the plug cutter I think, and I did try it this til it the hole saw was so dull it didn’t do a damn thing! Will pick up some plug cutter for such emergencies. 👍

[@morgancalvi6675]

I have one of those garden tractors...they rust out big time...keep it under cover would be my advice.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Morgan!

[@j.s_cabin]

Stainless not the best choise. Its soft material and broke easily, you can use those only a few time. I use hardskrew, what is use house building, not drywall skrews, and i use electric planer when fine tuning so i can get maximum size plank at my lathe.

[@LisaRamlow]

I had no idea SA screws were not a good option - I figured they’d be stronger! But I will definitely get some new ones that aren’t so brittle and will look into the hardskrew. Planer is a great idea! I don’t have a handheld one, but if I ever acquire one I’ll add that to the list of uses 👍

[@texanasimmons1761]

My late husband would tell you, you need a come-along! I watched you struggling to get the log onto the lathe and I could hear him in the back of my mind, saying that, over and over. Lol. Im glad you managed it!

[@LisaRamlow]

My grandpa would’ve said the same thing! ❤️ I will definitely rig up a hoist or something if I get more blanks this big!

[@trurex007lee7]

That was a real bugger but you won. I bought a cheap set of plug cutters just for the purpose of taking out broken screws, rather be proactive since I know it will eventually happen to me…again.

[@LisaRamlow]

Lotsa suggestions for plug cutters - so many that I picked up a cheap set from Woodcraft yesterday. I will be mindful of using better screws but as you said I know it will eventually happen again!

[@rickchapman3051]

I thought you said stainless steel screws. I was like nooooo. Stainless steel is soft and can break. I use #12 coated deck screws and I don't reuse them. Pilot hole was correct thing to do not sure the impact would matter if you hadn't used those screws. Deck screws can break to but less likely than softer screws.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Rick. That was a poor assumption on my part - I figured SS screws would be stronger. Oops. Fortunately it didn’t cause any damage, just a giant pain in my arse and I’ll get better screws on hand for faceplates. Another turner also suggested good deck screws, the theory being if they can withstand the constant expansion and contraction of outdoor construction they should be able to handle mounting a blank on a faceplate. I’ll see what all is out there. I got a tapered drill as well, and will be a a little more patient about the prep work. It’s easy to just want to screw the thing down and get started!

[@davidmeltzer507]

Great job Lisa! Very resourceful getting that on your lathe. Really enjoy your channel.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks David, I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel! This was definitely a process and next time I’ll have some better tools at my disposal 👍

[@kevbryant7199]

Wow you really dont give up. Great job Lisa all ready for next time when you finish it.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Kev! The natural edge blank I roughed and cored a few videos ago should be ready to come out of the kiln and will likely be the next video so I’m excited to see what this wood looks like all finished up. Gonna load these blanks in the kiln and see what happens. If they crack too badly I’ll just bake them in the turkey roaster til they’re super dry and fill the crack with resin or something. Not letting these go after all this work!

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

I haven't enjoyed a wrestling match so much in years, we'll have to name you "The Determinator" lol.

[@LisaRamlow]

It was just about a smack down, wasn’t it?! 😂

[@JiggsysShed]

That was some work getting that into a workable position on the lathe. Nice work

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks! Of course now I e come up with better ways of getting it from the cart to the lathe, but I’ll be better prepared for next time!

[@BeeTriggerBee]

How much does the piece weigh? I admire your perseverance and problem solving!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey there! We tried to weigh it using the engine hoist and a bathroom scale - it came in at about 95# but I’m not sure how accurate it was. Even after I trimmed it. And trimmed it again. And trimmed it AGAIN 🙄 it was more than I wanted to try and lift. I managed to hold it long enough to thread it onto the spindle but it wasn’t easy and I only had to left it a couple of inches. Def gonna rig up some other way to deal with big pieces if I get more!

[@jackthompson5092]

What a struggle Lisa. May I suggest that you install a 4 by 4 above the centre line of your lathe and use a small deer hunters block and tackle attached to the beam to hoist your really large blanks up onto your lathe. I also never use stainless steel screw to attach face plates. They are much too soft and break easily. A better idea is to use deck screws. If they can with stand the seasonal expansion and contraction of wood movement, they can withstand the stresses encountered on a wood lathe.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jack! I didn’t realize the SS screws were less than ideal - I figured they’d be stronger. But I’ll definitely get new screws next time I’m at the store. Some people have suggested the hex head pole barn type screws but both my faceplates have countersunk holes and I’m not sure how that would work out. And I’ll definitely be looking into some kind of hoist or block & tackle setup. This was a little ridiculous! 😂

[@SudburyDave]

I have found that stainless steel screws are not as robust as good normal steel screws so maybe don't use them for holding the face plate on. I try to remember to try the chuck on the tenon before the face plate is removed, having to resize the tenon is always a problem if the face plate is off. I look forward to seeing the bowls being finished turned.

[@LisaRamlow]

Yeah apparently SS screws are not ideal. Had no idea, figured they’d be stronger. Will get some new ones next time I’m at the store. Sometimes I remembered to check the tenon before I take it off the faceplate. Not this time!!! 😂

[@jessiebass54]

I bought at home depot a adjustable workbench goes from 29 to 42 inches

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jessie! I’m looking at several options to improve this process for next time cuz this was kinda ridiculous! 😂

[@jacquiemouton9053]

Phew, for a nasty moment I thought it was going to go over and down the other side. I was sweating just watching you. p.s. that wood is really beautiful.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jacquie! I was trying really hard to ease it off the boards and onto the lathe so as not to do just that! 😬

[@dougb100]

I promise I was laughing with you not at you, congrats for persevering.

[@LisaRamlow]

No worries Doug, it was comical even from my side of things 😁. The main reason I included all that footage is I thought people would enjoy the struggle and many can commiserate 😂

[@jasonholman6153]

Glad you only bought the 18/36 Laguna and not the 24/36. 🤣🤣

[@LisaRamlow]

Right!? Can you imagine!? 😂

[@curtisclements2753]

HEY SWEETIE I THINK YOU DONE A AWESOME JOB ON THIS BOWL DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP ABOUT IT YOU DONE A FANTASTIC WOOD TURNING JOB ON THE BOWL WELL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE KEEP THE WOOD CHIPS FLYING AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND A AWESOME DAY WELL I WILL SEE YOU ON THE NEXT VIDEO HOPEFULLY I WILL TTYL

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Curtis!

[@sharpshooter470]

Big wood can make for big problems. Glad you pressed on to get these blanks on to the next phase. Blessings

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks - I wasn’t giving up!

[@mikeconrad454]

I was having such anxiety watching you struggle to get that huge hunk of wood up on the lathe. I was ready to jump on a plane and come help lol

[@LisaRamlow]

It was pretty comical 😂. I just about finished the support structure for an overhead hoist outside at the chainsaw area, and am going to build a heavy duty cart the same height as the lathe bed so I can use the hoist to get the blanks on the chainsaw stand and then onto the cart. Then I’ll roll that into the shop and transfer the blank to the lathe.

[@cabman86]

You should mount a small winch to the ceiling above the lathe to lift this heavy stuff. You have some great talent! And kinda cute too! hehehe

[@LisaRamlow]

Yeah I’ve set up some better options that will require much less struggling 🤣

[@diannesorem6389]

Hang in there, better days are ahead😂. Amazing the way you wrangle those trees, and loved the video!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Dianne! I’m definitely gonna be wrangling them better these daysb

[@billy19461]

I dearly loved this video. I use a hoyer lift, my wife was bed bound and I used it to transfer her to a wheelchair. It is a lot smaller than an engine lift and the legs move left and right.

[@LisaRamlow]

I looked for a used Hoyer lift before I gave up and got the engine hoist, but they were $300-$600 on the marketplace. I may have been able to find one at a thrift store or something but I really needed to get these logs roughed out so I got the hoist. If I stumble across one in the meantime I’ll pick it up because it would be more maneuverable in the shop. 👍

[@jpopelish]

Impact drivers are strictly for bolts and nuts, never for wood screws.

[@LisaRamlow]

Well I use that for driving screws all the time. I am not using SS screws anymore though - I didn't realize they were more brittle than regular ones

[@pauldurham2527]

If you cut the log in the direction as if the tree was still standing instead of already cut down you won’t get the long ribbons that clog the saw.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Paul! I did end up cutting some of the blanks along the endgrain but I had cut the corners off so wonky and unevenly that I didn’t think the blank would have stood up for me to slice that piece off. When I first started turning, I had watched a bunch of videos on chainsawing and most said cutting endgrain is harder on the chain, or dulls it more quickly or something, so I figured it just wasn’t the right way to do it. I know it’s a little slower, but it’s definitely worth it with the EGO saw. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it! 😃

[@dustycornerscalgary2208]

Hi Lisa I use a plug cutter to go around broken screws, thanks for sharing your art, stay safe!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi there! That must work well cuz a lot of folks have suggested that. Imma pick up a couple next time I’m at the store. Thanks for the tip! 😁

[@leskobrandon3497]

A cleat attached to the underside of both of those boards so that it stops against to body of the lathe would keep them from moving as you tried to drag the log up the ramp . Hope that helps in the future. That piece of wood has a lot of character in the grain

[@LisaRamlow]

It is a pretty piece of maple, isn’t it? Yes, a cleat to tie them together and stop them from sliding up the bed ways would have been a great idea, dunno why it didn’t occur to me

[@AlexGarcia-ly9fq]

quick tip. I use vise grips to remove screws. clamp them on to the screw and then unscrew it. easy peasy

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Alex! That was my first attempt-the vise grips spun and the screw did not 😖 I got it as tight as I could as still close them but I’m thinking the wet wood swelling around the screws just added to my struggle 😂

[@steveballiet9855]

When I break a screw, I use a deep hole saw, then just chisel out the wood, then get a pair of needle nose vise grips to twist it out.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Steve! Yeah, I bought a set of plug cutters which a bunch of people suggested but haven’t had to use them yet 😂. I used a deep hole saw in the past as well 👍

[@andersodman296]

Poor dog! We have the same issue here! three cats and one dog staaarving to death every night if not dinner is served before 8 pm!

[@LisaRamlow]

hi Anders! Bossy little things aren’t they!? 😂

[@wuudturner]

You have given me some ambition to get back on my lathe, left too long idle. You got my subs too. :)

[@LisaRamlow]

Most excellent! I just acquired an overhead lift so my next big bowl blank won’t be such a challenge to get on the lathe 😂

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

You do win! We all have the same struggles but you persevere - great job!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Michael. I was not giving up on it!