Deep Ash Vessel 8" x 8" dia

Natural edge vessels are fascinating because they are often turned sidegrain.  This means that the vessel’s vertical dimension is perpendicular to the trunk.    (Picture the curve of the rim as a circle wrapped around the trunk of the tree.)  As the wood dries, it moves into a more ovalized shape along the vertical dimension of the fibers.

The appeal of the form is evident in the way that the lighter sapwood emphasizes the shape, drawing attention to the graceful curves of the grain.    This one is restrained –almost in-curving at the rim.  It sits quite securely on the base, which allows just enough shadow underneath to lift it slightly off the table.

Dennis turned the deep ash vessel from a freshly cut ash log in January 2009.

Small ash vessel 4" x 4" dia

This much smaller vessel, pictured at closer range, has a very rounded base, which made the vase ‘weeble’ back to the upright position when it was tipped to the side.   The good sense of balance of this piece is evident when you hold it in your hand.

Dennis began  turning feet on his vessels in ash and cherry in December and January of 2009.  He went through a whole cherry tree exploring the challenge of fitting the correct foot to the vase.  This one captures something of the gesture of outstretched arms.  Cover the foot, and you lose that sense of lift.

Adding a small foot to the form

TWISTED LAMINATED GOBLET:  Dennis slows down Stuart Mortimer’s virtuoso goblet demonstration so that you can learn the keys to success.  The goblet is made in four parts and includes drilling through 7″ of endgrain for an insert of contrasting wood.  The goblet stem is then twisted.  This method makes judicious use of those expensive speciality woods.  Learning the drill technique alone is worth the price of admission!

contrast wood option

THREADED BOX:  The correct sequence, and all of the steps needed to successfully hand-thread any project with simple tools in the tradition of the English hardwood and ivory turners.  With this method, you will not hesitate to thread even temporary jam-chucks for finishing the base of fine boxes.  If you thought a British Commonwealth accent was necessary for hand-threading, you will enjoy the way Dennis describes the process in plain Merikan dialect.

MULTI-AXIS CANTEEN:  The classic wooden canteen, learned from Chris Stott, threaded or unthreaded, with same or contrast woods, and decorative variations.  Dennis gives lots of design ideas to demonstrate how to use a technical skill as a jumping off place for developing your own style.

Dennis will have detailed hand-outs available at the Symposium.  He will repeat at least two of these demonstrations for the Palmetto Woodturners at their May event.

Open twists make a great finial–light and airy, especially in a darker color. Notice that your eye goes to the ends of the bines, where particular care needs to be taken with the cut. Dennis turned this piece in 2001 after studying with Stuart Mortimer.

Stuart Mortimer made this demo goblet quickly from Osage Orange. He considers it a little ‘rough,’ but it shows the Master’s hand in the proportions of base to stem, and stem to cup, as well as the slight taper in the twistwork.