My first "square" bowl...

[Warren White]

I cogitated over this for a couple of weeks before I tried it. I watched several videos trying to get up the courage to jump in. Turning the 'shadow' corners was kind of scary to me.

Despite my trepidation, I am quite pleased with the result. The bowl is Rosewood which was given to me by my son for my birthday/Father's Day. It is 6" x 6" x 4"; and I admit it is not thin and elegant. I lack a couple of things to make such bowls; a tool to effectively refine the inside of the bowl, and a curved tool rest to minimize the chatter. Those will come in time.

After sanding to 400 grit; I used home brew friction polish (two or three coats); then several coats of Deft spray lacquer buffed with a towel in between coats and then buffed on the lathe.

Suggestions are most welcome. I really enjoyed turning this bowl in spite of the angst I felt before I even mounted it.

 

[mark james]

Warren, I think you did a beautiful job. Yes, the airplane propeller corners are "interesting," but your finished product is wonderful. Well done!

 

[Jim15]

That's beautiful.

 

[Charlie_W]

Great start on square bowls! Very well done!

 

[Ambidex]

Beautiful...I've never turned anything like that but can(sort of) imagine the pucker factor in applying tool to rough wood. I imagine the sound of it spinning would be enough to make me think twice.

 

[Warren White]

Thank you ALL!

It was very nice to see the comments. I certainly appreciate the 'likes' and encouragement.

You folks are great!

 

[Mrs. Charlie_W]

Congratulations for trying this. Nothing like starting something new with a gorgeous piece of wood.

 

[Warren White]

Thank you Ma'am.

I have spent some time in your neck of the woods when I was still working. Used to come there several times a year. Nice place.

Thank you for taking a look. Not as scary now that I have one under my belt!:redface:

 

[Marmotjr]

If may I ask, what is your recipe for your polish? I'm always looking for new finishes.

I really like that bowl too.

 

[Warren White]

Friction polish recipe

If may I ask, what is your recipe for your polish? I'm always looking for new finishes.

I really like that bowl too.

Thank you for posting! I made the friction polish with equal parts of denatured alcohol, shellac, and boiled linseed oil. There are other variations on the web, but this works for me. Make sure you shake it before you apply it, and mark the level of top of the mixture each time you are through. The DNA is the only thing that will evaporate, so you might need to add some from time to time. I keep it in a plastic bottle (like a ketchup bottle - with a spout on top).

I apply it with a cloth (with the lathe off), wiping it on, then turn the lathe back on and polish it. Perhaps 3 applications to make sure everything is covered.

I am a HUGE fan of Deft spray lacquer. I use gloss, and put 7 or eight coats on.

 

[Marmotjr]

If may I ask, what is your recipe for your polish? I'm always looking for new finishes.

I really like that bowl too.

Thank you for posting! I made the friction polish with equal parts of denatured alcohol, shellac, and boiled linseed oil. There are other variations on the web, but this works for me. Make sure you shake it before you apply it, and mark the level of top of the mixture each time you are through. The DNA is the only thing that will evaporate, so you might need to add some from time to time. I keep it in a plastic bottle (like a ketchup bottle - with a spout on top).

I apply it with a cloth (with the lathe off), wiping it on, then turn the lathe back on and polish it. Perhaps 3 applications to make sure everything is covered.

Hmmmm.... interesting. I'll have to try that.