Yarn bowl...The Gift : Making of

Woodturning, Making, Creating:
Making of a Yarn bowl I made as a Christmas gift for my sister. I take you through my process of going from a split log destine for the fireplace to a refined form. Please check out my other videos while you are here.Thanks for watching!
Please feel free to comment, like, share, & I'd love to have you as a subscriber if you aren't already! :)
Sticker swap? Send your sticker to the address listed below & I will send you one back. Thanks! :)
Michael Zurcher
313 Gordon Drive
Exton, PA 19341
Check out my Instagram here:
/ michael_zurcher

[@claytongardner9157]

Love it. Makes me think about some of the wood I have in my yard. Might be olive. You have clearly displayed how the right piece is the place to start.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks! The wood is black locust from a tree that I had to cut down in my back yard...supper hard wood!

[@morgancalvi6675]

Super looking foot--great work!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you

[@karodora]

What a treasure; and the bowl is beautiful also. Lucky sister to have such a thoughtful brother. You've created a family heirloom.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+karodora aww, thank you so much! That is really kind of you to say! :) really appreciate you watching and leaving such a beautiful comment!

[@caramelmosaicmosaic7940]

The organically shaped swirl is absolutely gorgeous and WELL SANDED! Beautiful piece of work!! Thanks for sharing your gift...

[@ogalep]

Lucky sister! The bowl is gorgeous.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+ogalep thank you!

[@billy19461]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful bowl. If your sister doesn't like it I will take it off of your hands.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+billy19461 lol...thank you so much! She loved it, but I think she thinks it's too nice to use...so it's been on her shelf as a display piece

[@turn2woodturning]

One of the nicest bowls I’ve seen. Would like to see more coverage of cutting the slot, showing what bits you used, how much hand sanding it took. Very smooth flowing lines throughout. Thanks for posting!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks! That means alot! I used a dremel bit to do the initial carve, then moved over to a small hand saw for getting the bulk of the cuts, then back to the dremel to refine them. Then A TON of hand sanding the edges...staring from 80 grit and worked up to about 600 grit, then buffed with carnuba wax. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@turn2woodturning]

I made a jig to hold the bowl after turning, made of wood, having a plexiglass top containing two slot patterns. I use a router with a .25” up cut bit to cut the slot. I think I’ll try the Dremel idea to soften the edges of the slot, and perhaps cut down on some of the hand sanding. If you wish, send me a message and I’ll send a picture of it to you. I enjoy seeing the work of other turners and “compare notes”. Would love to connect. Kind regards.

[@MichaelZurcher]

@@turn2woodturning neat! I never thought to use a router but I can see how that would work! I got a pneumatic saw which works pretty well. I'd love to see your setup! I haven't been in the shop in a long time...I really need to get back in there...hoping soon!

[@karenmartino2063]

It always amazes me to see what can be created out of a piece of wood. Beautiful!

[@luckychicav7981]

I hope your sister loved it as much as I do. What beautiful talent you have, and have acknowledged, are honing with every piece you create and share with your viewers. It's beautiful Ar for sure. Thank you! Love ❤️ and Peace ✌🏼 to you and yours!!!

[@MichaelZurcher]

+luckychicav thank you so much! She seemed very happy with it!

[@maemi9158]

The bowl is beautiful. It was fascinating to watch the wood turn into a polished yarn bowl, well done!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you so much! Yeah I am amazed every time I polish up a piece of wood...it's probably one of my favorite moments of the whole process. Thanks for stopping in and watching!

[@charleanastasia5557]

I wish you were MY brother. Great yarn bowl.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Lol...thank you!!

[@arturoverde3807]

That is a work of pure art ,best yarn 🧶 bowl design! , ever! FULL STOP 🛑,subbed ,thanks !

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate that!

[@trishwingert7214]

Mike, this bowl is gorgeous.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Trish Wingert thank you so much!!

[@Tommo158]

I love the way that you have shaped the yarn entry hole, really sets the piece off 🤠

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you sir! Something a little different :)

[@FatsosWorkshop]

Very nice bowl, great bit of timber.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Fatso's Workshop I had a great time making it! Thanks for watching!

[@janejones7694]

Wow...a real gift of love. From one who crochets, this is an amazing and beautiful gift! Love the hook for the yarn - really shows off the wood.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks so much! she really enjoyed the gift! If you like yarn bowls, I'm releasing a new video this coming Saturday of a new one I made. Hope you'll come back to see that one! Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@wesmcbryde4140]

Michael, great looking bowl. I have not tuned any black locust. I like the way you did the yarn notch with the grain pattern. Outstanding design/craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Wes McBryde thanks so much for watching and for your very kind comments! Black locust is pretty interesting stuff, very hard wood but was fun to turn.

[@jessicawalker2022]

Beautiful yarn bowl!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Jessica Walker thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it!

[@ZacHiggins]

That grain was wicked on that locust blank! It turned out awesome! I've needed to watch a yarn bowl video to see how it's done, this was perfect. Need to get a blank and make one one of these days

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Zac Higgins glad it helped out! I was surprised at the chatoyance on this...it really looked like brass flakes were embedded in it. I have to make another one for my cousins wife...but I think I may take a slightly different approach on the next one.

[@amandabarker7909]

beautiful piece, lovely idea

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Amanda Barker thanks so much!

[@knittingchick50]

Gorgeous work!

[@MichaelZurcher]

+knittingchick50 thank !

[@morgancalvi6675]

Wow...simply gorgeous! What a waste if that log was tossed in the fire place. I'll think twice about what I throw out willy-nilly now.

[@ycwoodworks4405]

Great job. I love the finish you put on their. I'll be sure to subscribe.

[@MichaelZurcher]

YC WOODWORKS thanks! I appreciate you stopping by and watching!

[@robertcarmansr.204]

excellent job great finish I've made a type of sanding was with pumice carnuba wax boiled linseed oil it seems to be working similar to yorkshire grit then I finish with Hampshire sheen next time I make it I'm going to change to Danish oil instead of linseed oil

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Robert Carman Sr. Nice! I just picked up some Yorkshire grit and really like it. Let me know how the Danish oil mix works out!

[@wortheffort]

really nice bowl and wonderful observation of grain in both the harvest and turning.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks! It was a fun project! And my sister really seemed to enjoy getting it. Thanks for stopping by to watch!

[@loraevans3423]

That looks great!!

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Lora Evans Thank you!

[@christigilbertson9039]

I would love to have this bowl! It is beautiful and very useful!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you!

[@sapphodesigns2377]

I love your projects..just binge watched your channel..!

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Fifi Gazepis lol, thank you so much! Each one I learn a little more, do a little better. It's been really fun making them. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying them!

[@ScottKershawRX]

That was very therapeutic!!! Thank you!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks for watching!! Hopefully by therapeutic you don't mean that it put you to sleep...Lol

[@KostasAnnikasDeftereos]

great as always my brother !!! your sister will be very happy with this gift !!!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks brother! She loved it! So as long as it stays without cracks then we are in good shape...lol How was your holidays and your trip?

[@KostasAnnikasDeftereos]

we speak for this !! sorry i just see the respond !! lol

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Michael! 😁 Such a beautiful and functional art piece. I love how it turned out. Being a knitter myself, I know how handy a yarn bowl is. This definitely beats my plastic coffee can with a hole in the lid. 😉 Great work Michael! Also, thank you for stopping by my live & asking wonderful questions. I hope you can join us next week.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Valarie Connell /DrawingWithFire thanks for stopping by and checking out the channel! My sister seems to enjoy it! I will try and make it next week for sure! I enjoy lives!

[@DrawingWithFire]

Michael Zurcher Well I'm glad you love lives & stopped by mine. 😁 I got to find out about another great channel & artist. I meant to mention I have a colwood super pro 2 video if you are interested. I hope you enjoy using yours. If you have any questions please feel free to DM over on fb @VCDRAWINGWITHFIRE

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks!!! Much appreciated! I am sure I will have questions...just taking me a while to get up the nerve to venture into burning a piece I have spent so long turning...lol need to practice a bit first I think....but soon :)

[@JoseRodriguez-ey2nk]

Otra auténtica belleza, de un gran gusto. Felicidades!!!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you so much!

[@yakbranson]

beautiful little bowl!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Wow, didn't think anyone would be watching this tonight...lol Just finished uploading! Thanks so much!!

[@irenedavo3768]

Beautiful

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks so much!

[@haveyarncreationswitherin9649]

I know this was posted awhile ago, but I thought I would say that it is beautiful. I am crocheter and I thought that is was a real work of art.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you so much 😊😊😊

[@SethsWoodshop]

Great job Michael! You've got an awesome channel, and I look forward to seeing more of your videos!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Hey Seth! Thanks so much!! I am working at it slowly but surely :) Thanks again for the Pen blanks, stay tuned for a vid of me turning them

[@SethsWoodshop]

Michael Zurcher Awesome, will do!

[@simongadoury3244]

very nice work :) and very great quality video ! thanks for sharing

[@MichaelZurcher]

+SG Art Turning thanks for checking it out! Really appreciate it! Love your channel and your work too!

[@sethwarner2540]

Hey, enjoying the vids! Just thought you should know that Black locust has strong inflorescense (glows under black light), so besides the nice gold-ish color...!!!!

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Seth Warner ohhh wow! That's really cool. I didn't know that! I will be sure to tell my sister to try that! Thanks for checking my vids out!

[@sethwarner2540]

Wow nice turning! Never heard of a yarn bowl, but great idea for freinds and family gifts. Surprised at the end by the carving, but of course! How will they keep the yarn in the bowl as they pull more yarn out? Subscribing! Keep em coming!

[@kobiekaasjager4822]

Michael the wood grain is breathtakingly stunning and magnificent. What kind of wood is it, it is awesome.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you! It's called honey locust...was a tree that came down from a storm in my backyard...very hard wood! And has a tiger eye glimmer to it!

[@She33z]

This is wonderful :)

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the watch :)

[@denisebat6892]

How do you like that Jet lathe with the backwards motor right where it sucks up all the dust?

[@MichaelZurcher]

I have a Laguna 24/36 now...definitely a massive upgrade!

[@denisebat6892]

I have that Jet 1236. it works ok but motor placement is bad design.

[@dougrobins8291]

The bowl was green, having been turned from a log with bark on it...just curious about if it warped or cracked in the 4-6 month period after you turned it to final form.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Doug Robins it was a green color, but if by green you mean wet or fresh cut...it was cut about 15 months prior. It still had some moisture because it was thick and it was sitting outside in the snow before I brought it in to turn it. Not sure the exact moisture content, but it wasn't super wet inside. I was just at my sister's last weekend and checked it out...no cracking, no warping :) thanks for watching!

[@dougrobins8291]

thanks!

[@SlapStuffTogether]

Really nice piece. Enjoyed the video. Subbed!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you!! Very much appreciated!!

[@JayReidy]

Very nice! What Dremel bit did you use to cut the yarn channel? I've tried a couple of different things and REALLY messed up nice looking bowls.

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Jay Reidy I have a Dremel 4000, and an older model craftsman rotary tool...I prefer the Dremel, but I think I used the craftsman for this project. The dremel was being used on my dremel workstation and I didn't feel like taking it out. I'll have to do another video sometime showing the carving process. Thanks for watching!

[@lstine77]

nice job. what is the white block you used to polish?

[@MichaelZurcher]

Hi leighda Stine, thanks! The white block is white diamond buffing compound. Thanks for watching!

[@lstine77]

Michael Zurcher great . thanks.. very beautiful one day maybe I'll get that good

[@coreygraham5485]

Beautiful yarn bowl, love the shape of the carve out piece. What finish did you use?

[@MichaelZurcher]

Hi Corey, Thanks! Sanded up to 600 then a mixture I make Tripoli buffing compound mixed with paste wax, followed by white diamond buffing compound and paste wax. Then finished off with Bees wax. Thanks for stopping by!

[@peterstewart9376]

NICE MAN! I subscribed!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Peter Matthew thanks so much! I've been watching you're channel for a while! Thanks for the sub, the comment, and for watching!

[@latherookie]

Leave the bowl on lathe and make a jig to hold router. Then cut yarn slot. Much safer and easier.

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thanks, really great suggestion!...only problem at the moment is I don't have a router :( but I'll keep that in mind. For now I just work with what I have!

[@cferingacraigferinga]

Can you post a picture of something of the jig you're using with the router? I havn't found a video about that or any pictures. I agree, a jig and router with control would be faster and safer.

[@gambiajoe]

super

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Joe März thank you sir!

[@sawtoothdan]

Wow! Beautiful bowl! Great work. Do you sell these?

[@MichaelZurcher]

+sawtoothdan thanks!!! I haven't really tried to sell too much yet. I really just use woodturning as a stress relief at the moment. Perhaps someday.

[@tomhoffman8873]

what was the abrasive compound used?

[@MichaelZurcher]

Tom Hoffman It was tripoli buffing compound mixed with paste wax, followed by white diamond buffing compound and paste wax. Thanks for watching!

[@haunmade]

what is the white stuff you apply after sanding?

[@MichaelZurcher]

It is tripoli buffing compound. You can get it at any hardware store and it's relatively inexpensive. It might not be the most conventional way to finish a piece, but I like the results and it saves me from having to buy other abrasive paste waxes.

[@olofdrofn]

How long did that take you?

[@MichaelZurcher]

From start to finish about 8 or 9 hours if I remember correctly.

[@mikeyow4206]

is the broken finger from the Lathe

[@MichaelZurcher]

Haha, I was wondering if people were going to think that...but no it wasn't. It actually wasn't broken...I tore a tendon on the top knuckle and had to wear that splint for 6 weeks. The tear happened while I was driving to visit my Mom...so not lathe related at all. I'm just getting old I guess...lol Thanks for asking!

[@WestChesterMike]

Well done. I don’t know if anyone asked, I’m sure they did but looking and reading 100 comments ain’t my thang, even thou I read through quite a few. How did you hurt your finger?

[@MichaelZurcher]

+WestChesterMike thanks for asking :) I wish I could say it was from doing something cool...but I was driving and went to grip the steering wheel...my finger just made a little pop and I had instantaneous searing pain...tore a tendon :( just getting old I suppose...lol

[@shawncrocker7037]

Very nice work and wood. I bet though, even the creator of that music track would have cringed after hearing it played so many times in a row. :)

[@MichaelZurcher]

+Shawn Crocker sorry bout that...yeah I need to work on getting more music! I tried to dip in and out to make it less noticeable. Thanks for the feedback! Always appreciated

[@zanetastefancova1819]

Niečo také na, štrikovanie aj s priehradkami na viac klbiek aby sa spolu nedomotali

[@sarmadhassan6704]

Make glasses

[@yoliemarie8335]

Beautiful

[@amishupe7302]

Beautiful work!

[@MichaelZurcher]

Thank you!