Woodturning Sweetgum, Wow!

The beauty inside is incredible, and the hidden famous face quite a surprise!
This big chunk of Sweetgum was sent to me by Uncle Moe. Working with it on the lathe was an absolute pleasure. Truly one of my new favorite wood species to turn.
I received a bit more Sweetgum recently from Rob, and you'll see it soon as well, if all goes as planned.
I want to thank all of my subscribers, old and new! I appreciate you helping my channel grow, and I plan to keep the content coming strong.
If you're new to my channel, it's mostly wood turning, but I carve, burn, and build other things as well, just to keep things fresh... and because I love woodworking! ...and occasional pumpkin carving...
I enjoy showing you what my subscribers make as well! There is so much talent in this audience!! It one of my ways of thanking you.
My email is [e-mail] If you write, I'll answer, but it may take some time. If you have pics of your work you want me to show, email them to me and make sure to give me permission to do so, or I wont.
My postal mail is:
Rod Humphrey
PO Box 159
Chesterfield, IN 46017
God Bless and Semper Fidelis

[@KaisDinoAdventures]

HAPPY FRIDAY friend...so happy we stopped by to visit you! Have a great weekend and big like #417

[@matthewstewart3446]

Thanks for turning some Sweetgum. I had gotten some very large pieces from a tree service. They had taken the neighbors dead tree down last year. I asked for some and they piled everything I wanted into their front loader and delivered to my pile. Now I know what to expect from that incredible wood grain. Now, all I need to do is get the wood chips out of my face, hair, and eyes. Then cut up some Sweetgum bowl blanks. God bless you brother, keep turning.

[@AndysCornishCreations]

Hi Rod... really beautiful bowl... nicely turned... that wood is simply stunning... great video as always...take care... all the best.....Andy

[@jamesjohnson659]

This is one of my favorite pieces you have ever turned. I have watched it several times. It's amazing what God can do with his creation. Thanks for bringing out His beauty through the gift he has given you.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, James, I really appreciate that!

[@annetteackley9048]

Wow Rod!!! Beautiful Bowl!!! The colors are awesome!!

[@russellstevens8461]

Rod another lovely bowl. I love the wood grain. God bless you and your family Russell

[@candyparent2483]

Gorgeous turning Rod! You have such talent! Anyone would be proud to own such a bowl. It could even be a family heirloom passed down to a daughters kitchen from her mom.🤗🤗🤗

[@kobiekaasjager4822]

No Rod I want to hear your voice it has a very calming affect on me. The bowl the wood grain it takes your breath away. Awesome thank you.

[@HodgePodgeWoodWorks]

Sweet gum is on of my favorite woods to turn. It's got some beautiful heartwood!

[@phionella7]

I never mind listening to you, you're quite soothing. That wood is absolutely gorgeous as you said. You show it's best qualities.

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

Bob Ross was a retired Marine. He shared his talent with many! I'm thankful we have our retired Marine to show us how to make "Happy Little Bowls". This week I learned: "The finer the cut, the finer the finish" THANK YOU, SIR!

[@RHumphrey]

@Blair Young He was retired Air Force, actually, but I don't hold that against him! (kidding of course, I have family in the USAF that I couldn't be prouder of) Thanks very much!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, phionella7, you're very kind 😊

[@joyceb.8194]

A beautiful chunk of wood and an amazing treatment of it. The furniture from your subscriber ...amazing also! Thank you so much for sharing, Sir.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much!

[@jackthompson8019]

Beautiful Sweetgum bowl.

[@RadioFaceWoodWorks]

Great work Rod...beautiful result...stay safe...press on 😎 Joe

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much!

[@turntbyhi-lo3516]

Gorgeous Rod. Sweetgum is probably my favorite wood to turn. Seems it never fails to have something special hidden in it.

[@jeanlong4285]

Who knew sweet gum would make such a beautiful bowl. The grain is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@RHumphrey]

It sure surprised me! Thanks so much 😊

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great looking bowl

[@kris_kreations]

WOW!!! Absolutely stunning. I love the grain. And we never tire of hearing you speak, Rod.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you so much 😀

[@randellspencer2035]

Beautiful bowl! Thank you for sharing & your commentary. Thank You for your service!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you kindly 😊

[@trurex007lee7]

Beautiful bowl. Great to see a master bring out the inner hidden beauty of the wood...or in a person.

[@jlyssagraywolf7503]

Simple yet elegant 💜💜💜

[@milltek2]

I agree that is truly spectacular grain and coloring. Well done!!

[@jbpipes9551]

Gorgeous bowl!! I would have never thought sweet gum would reveal that much character. My compliments on your turning techniques and the quality of video production. Semper Fi.

[@AllenOxendine]

Wow is right, thanks for sharing. Full View and Like 👍

[@charlesstockford5913]

Awesome. The beauty of that wood is something.

[@TanyaBecherWoodturning]

Rod you are right the grain pattern is beautiful. Love the shape!

[@mmills7012]

Enjoy your dialogue and your work. Beautiful bowl.

[@normataylor3124]

I always enjoy your commentary love the shape and beautiful colors

[@yeagerxp]

Beautiful 👍👍👍 . Thanks for sharing

[@LarryDMitchell]

Your're so right...outstanding grain. Beautiful piece.

[@charlesreicks648]

Looking Really good. Thanks Tim

[@ritalowrie1296]

Another beautiful piece Rod. Thanks for sharing. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@davidnielsen4490]

Good evening Rod, This bowl is beautiful. In my millwork days, I saw very little of sweet gum. Once, while in a custom cabinet company, I saw severalsheets of both 1/4" and 3/4" sweet gum plywood for a custom cabinet job the company was making. They were outstanding. Unfortunately, I never saw the completed product. Have a tremendous weekend as you worship the LORD on Sunday.

[@derekdodson5623]

Wow, what a gorgeous piece of wood. Made for a wonderful bowl. Thanks.

[@rodneydelaney9227]

Love watching and listening to your videos. Beautiful piece of wood. 👌

[@patriciaborron94]

I'm often made speechless by your talent and abilities, but I have always enjoyed your voice in your videos. The bowl is beautiful and I wish I could touch the lovely finish. It looks like silk.

[@deborahphillips500]

Sweet Gum is one of the most beautiful shade trees. Not surprised to find that its wood is beautiful too.

[@RHumphrey]

Interesting to hear the different views of this tree. None where I live (to my knowledge) but I sure enjoyed turning it!

[@jilldavies7094]

Such beautiful graining, colours, and light. I love the bead round the middle of the bowl, too. A truly lovely piece.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you so much, Jill!

[@lyndacarter5090]

It is pretty. A great family popcorn bowl. Wood burn their name on the side with some popcorn and voila, you have another family heirloom!

[@woodentreasurestn]

Came upon a downed Sweet Gum tree in my area a year+ ago and am still using it. Its an unbelievable wood that has great grain detail and color. One of my favorite woods to turn. Excellent job and beautiful!!! Rick

[@fatboy3946]

That bowl is like me.....big and chunky. Thanks for sharing Rod.

[@RHumphrey]

haha! Thanks very much!

[@MDeLorien]

Absolutely stunning piece 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sandymaciver5801]

When I first looked at the outside of the bowl I was surprised at how beautiful it was, it almost looked like marble with the amazing colours and patterns. Great turning 😀

[@jcwong3208]

Beautiful beautiful piece. Thanks for the video.

[@paulgreen2863]

Thank you for this.

[@curtisbancroft4070]

Great looking bowl always enjoy your video's and works of art. Thanks for sharing

[@andreweastwood3545]

A fantastic piece of turning and a smashing bowl. Great work.

[@peterwilhelmsson4168]

Kintsugi is the japanese technique/philosophy to repair broken pottery with laquer mixed with powdered gold. The goal is not to hide the crack, but to display it, as the cracks are part of the object's history. Your mending of the crack in the wood reminded me of this =)

[@Zoso14892]

Oops, I always thought it was a Chinese technique. Thank you for the lesson!

[@carolriley8472]

Oh, love this bowl!

[@PotgieterWoodturning]

Beautiful, really beautiful Rob 😁👍🏼👏

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Great looking bowl with amazing grain! Semper Fi, my friend!

[@PopsShop]

Very beautiful bowl! Thanks for sharing.

[@sheilahperry-rosales8748]

Very pretty love the "banding" on the outside.

[@glencrandall7051]

I thought sweet gum was a rather bland wood. This piece sure isn't. You sure brought out the color and figure in this piece. Another very nice piece from the Rod shop. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much, Glen!

[@charlesmcclure5994]

I really don't think I could put anything in that bowl wouldn't want to hide the beauty of it great job love it 👍👍

[@mikeyoung8126]

Very beautiful great craftsmanship take care and God bless

[@shaunnasparklesclarke]

That is absolutely stunning I love love love this bowl

[@darlienestanhope479]

Beautiful wood, love the character. All wood is beautiful

[@msudawgma]

That is very pretty! Wow, I've never seen this side of Sweet Gum before. Beautiful job!

[@dennisrood1469]

Beautiful wood and another great turning

[@Buttermilk3696]

The inside looks like the trunk of the tree this piece came from. I always enjoy your dialogue and you sharing your knowledge and the talents of your subscribers. Inspirational!

[@RHumphrey]

So nice of you, thank you!

[@maddieadams75]

Absolutely gorgeous wood, bowl is a lovely shape. ♥️

[@michelerussell9044]

Wow! This wood is amazing. I love the shape and just cant get over how beautiful it is.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much!

[@frankhorton5862]

I picked some up when I was in Arkansas...turns and sands beautifully. Great job...!

[@copperowlwoodturning5929]

Nice, the sweet gum looks like beautiful wood. 😊😊😊 you did a wonderful job and produced a gorgeous bowl. 🤩🤩🤩🙂❤️🪵👍

[@jackburton6085]

Beautiful wood indeed, thanks for sharing! ✌️❤️🍻🖖

[@Zoso14892]

I agree with everyone else saying how beautiful it is, but I just wanted to add that you have some talented fans!

[@pastorlarrypotts8289]

Rod thank you for sharing your style.I so enjoy your site and excellent artistry! As I turn my work, your model of turning and words of wisdom guide my work! Thank you!

[@RHumphrey]

Very kind of you to say, Pastor, thank you!

[@pollyrobinson3877]

Spectacular!

[@christiemckinnon8485]

This is BEAUTIFUL! Sweetgum has been overlooked for far too long. I never dreamed it would be this gorgeous!

[@spindlesworkshop9744]

That sweetgum is amazing! I love the shape and finish you put on that bowl, great job buddy!

[@scottsimpey2965]

Definitely a gorgeous piece of wood Rod and you certainly made a beautiful bowl out of it. I really like the shape of that. Fantastic work.

[@rosiepollard2478]

Such stunning grain! Beautifully turned 😊

[@kimlindsey5178]

That is a gorgeous piece of wood. Excellent work, Rod. 👍🏼

[@mikegaunt9112]

That’s a beautiful bowl, never heard of sweet gum wood before but the finished product looks amazing, thanks for showing it to us!!! Cheers

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

The Sweetgum with the pointy gumballs that become shrapnel when ya’ mow? THAT Sweetgum?! Nice to see the grain is so beautiful!

[@SilverBack.]

Stunning wood, nice job 👍👍👍👍

[@MrVDG-nk1xx]

I love watching these videos. Super!

[@RHumphrey]

Happy to hear that! Thank you!

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Lovely bowl. Like the bead detail on the side.

[@WayneBrownWoodworking]

I feel the same way about the feel of wood. I really enjoy your skill with switching between pull and push cuts and different rt grinds. You sir are a Master. Thanks for all the knowledge you have sent my way.

[@billy19461]

Beautiful bowl and a great job turning!

[@robertf6344]

Very beautiful grain and finished product.

[@YudronWangmo]

Incredibly beautiful.

[@stephanielovatt2787]

Wow! That wood is sooo lovely! I have been watching a lot of Woodturning videos lately, and this piece is really one of the prettiest I have seen. It looks really useful too! Great combination! Well done!

[@danshea9754]

I just picked up 20 logs of black gum. Can't wait to turn it. The black lines in it are awesome. Semper fi

[@kenharper616]

Thank you for sharing..

[@joepitt1192]

Stunning wood and grain and lovely end product. Thanks Rod form Dartmoor UK

[@RHumphrey]

Many thanks back from Indiana!

[@RedRose4711]

I have never even heard of Sweetgum before, but what a great piece of wood. The end result looks fantastic. Well done Sir.

[@robmcgrath5202]

Sweet gum is a southern wood. They are (or were) all over central Florida. The developers can't bulldoze the trees fast enough so who knows how long the old ones will be around. You can still find them in areas that aren't developed yet or areas that are protected. They get really large. I milled one that had blown down in a hurricane a few years ago. It was 36 inches across.

[@BettiBoommer]

Thank you so very much for putting a new perspective to my much hated invasion of sweet gum trees!

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks very much! 😊

[@margiesteininger3344]

i love this salad bowl - how gorgeous

[@dreamingvertebrate7162]

Stunningly gorgeous!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much!

[@woodturningguru8857]

Grand job as always that sweetgum is stunning the grain just pop's with your finish. Stay safe and take care God Bless. Y.N.W.A.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much!

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Rod, I'm not going to argue with you, that piece is really beautiful. Great work Rod as ever. Take care. Cheers, Huw

[@mandyray23]

So beautiful. ❤️

[@janetpolk5183]

Gorgeous bowl!

[@jackiehaus9232]

O my.. that is Amazing ☆♡☆

[@stevekrupa6209]

Beautiful wood!! Very nice!!!

[@kmarch6630]

Beautiful! Sweet gum is notorious for checking and warping as it dries.

[@paulatapogna9093]

Grain like an Impressionist painting! Nice job! Your videos and Paul Seller’s are my go to zen moments of the day. Thanks!

[@RHumphrey]

Wow, thanks. I really appreciate that!

[@wesleyhanna1124]

Outstanding!

[@1954JDR]

That is beautiful grain. Great project.