Made a funnel, really!

[Gary Beasley]

The presidents challenge this month for the Etowah River Woodturners was to make a funnel. I made this little piece, about 2 1/2”, from Bradford Pear. Drilled a 5/16” hole first, hollowed the inside cone then worked the outside down to an even thickness then finished the stem with calipers set at 1/2” to get even results. Finally parted it off and sanded the end finished with oil. Was a lot easier than I imagined when the challenge was announced.

 

[1080Wayne]

Looks good ! If you get a chance to set the challenge , make it a school hand bell , with 1/8 inch wall thickness . It might sound like a ding-a-clunk , but who cares .

 

[sorcerertd]

That's really cool. I would not have thought of it, but I suppose anything round/cylindrical can be done on a lathe.

A side note about Bradford Pear: Here in NC it has reached an invasive status and they will actually reward you for cutting them down by giving you a free native tree to replace it. I guess that means there will be some available if you know where to look. I ought to call them and inquire as it really is a nice looking wood. I have done a couple bowls with it and like the color when finished with some friction polish.

 

[Gary Beasley]

Im aware of the invasive status of the tree Todd, interesting to know about the bounty on the tree. I think the wood is kind of bland but the turnability is great.

 

[gimpy]

Never ever thought of making a funnel
That was a pretty good assignment
That looks like you took 1st

 

[WriteON]

Too nice to use.

 

[Woodchipper]

That is a challenge! To me, any turning is a challenge. Re: bradford pear. We have a neighboring subdivision named for the tree and the main road is lined with them. They have a habit of splitting in high winds and are replaced accordingly. I think I have a couple of cutoffs when some were cut a few years ago. I probably didn't think to mark them.