A couple of weekends ago, I went to Galeton for a class reunion. On my trip I stopped in to see the Smails. It is so nice to see them and got to see farmerSmail for the first time in 5 years. I left them with with 5 bowls from wood that was acquired from them taking trees down. I learned that the beechnut tree was a given to Mr. Smail from his father when they moved into the house and he planted 3 of them and this is the one that lasted. I felt very happy giving him something from that tree. I tried to suggest that he share them with his children but he was saying that he was disinclined to do so. :) These three bowls were from that beech tree and I love the color and character they have. The top one has a mineral oil and beeswax finish and the rest have salad bowl finish on them. See previous posts beech branch and show and tell. Also check out MCW newsletter for other info and shots of these bowls.
I had a lot of trouble with the ash. I am not sure why.. Some of it was my turning, but I think that even some of that may have been because some of this was degrading more than I thought. One of the bowls is much darker now in the darker heartwood because it was chipping out and I glued it up with CA glue. Since that caused the wood to darken I "colored" all of it and it came out ok. I was given a couple more logs from these trees but have been out in the "carport" for over a year, giving many little critters a chance to have a taste.. Lets see how they come out..
