Michael, saw this and immediately thought of you: http://www.wimp.com/woodenlampshade/

Gotta say, the dude knows how to keep an edge!

LOL!! I'll admit, that was freakin' AMAZING!!! I'll have to send that to a friend of mine who has been making some hollow turnings.

How'd you like that set of calipers? Those things could double as ice tongs!

That is quite beautiful. Any idea on the total turning time?

I know, right? They were only opened about halfway as it was! I wonder what else he's used to making. Just how big do those tree stumps get where he's from? LOL

That just makes me cringe seeing that big spinning hunk of wood.30 years ago I had a big piece about 1/2 that size come loose and whack my fingers. I have never had any desire to work on a lath since. Worst woodworking injery I have had, Terified of the tool.

Ahhh, where's your spirit?? The first thing I ever turned on a lathe was a 6" production cannonball. It broke loose and went flying past my head at a gazillion miles an hour. I said, "Now I know what it feels like to be a pirate!"

Then, I said "ARRRR!!!", fed the parrot, scored some booty, and chucked her back up again! Ha!

Very impressive turning. makes me wish for a bigger lathe.
bob

The biggest lathe I ever saw was when I lived in Birmingham. A guy was turning columns for the front of a house. These things had to be at least 12-15 feet long and more than a foot in diameter. I guess the most interesting part for me is that these people are related to Howard Thurston. I had the pleasure of seeing items from their collection, both at the shop and in their home.

Seems to me to be a pretty humungous waste of wood.. and he could have swept the shavings up at his fee half way through.. there's not a moment in that video that didn't seem dangerous.... but to have that many shavings under your feet is just begging to slip.

Doesn't he know there are VENEERS for that sort of thing? I appreciate the skill and challenges of a project like that.. but WOW.

They looked like something straight out of a new Steinmeyer illusion!

Ha-ha!! That's really what I was thinking, but I was hoping to find a photo example to show.

Wow. I thought I made nice bowls. Makeupguy, you have to appreciate the sheer determination just to get a lampshade. Great Video.

I appreciate the talent.. and the determination.. I'm just a bit of a tree hugger.

Judging what I know about wood turners, most are very conscious of responsible management of forests. Most of the hobbyists are also cheap and will salvage wood long before cutting down a tree to supply their stock. Judging from the size of that chunk, I'd bet it was a cut-off from a downed tree. I know plenty of guys who can find stuff like this on their own property, or would stop by any place where a tree is being cut up after storm damage, or felled because of safety reasons.

As far as it being a waste of wood, it was probably made more useful than if it had been hauled off to become landfill. The wood shavings on the floor are typically not slippery, but can cushion the floor and prevent fatigue, which is probably responsible for far more shop accidents. It also makes good mulch for gardens, or animal bedding, which are just other ways of re-purposing the wood as something useful.

Think of it the same way that the Native Americans regarded the bison. Those who respect it the most, will use it responsibly, and are the real conservators.

Gotta sent that to Norm at This Old House

I just wonder how long the lampshade will last with the lightbulb inside. Seems to me it would dry and crack fairly quickly. I know I won't be turning a lampshade any time soon. It wan neat to watch however.

I gotta agree with makeupguy, a huge waste. Even if he'd used a few hole saws and cut out loads of chunks to make other projects from....

I can only see this as a perceptual difference. I've lived in places where trees must be planted in order to even see them, and other places where they must be cut down in order to see your hand in front of your face. It's hardly a waste if it's just one more log in his yard.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! But that's amazing! Overkill, but still amazing. Makes me wish for a lathe.

-Leo

The turner is Soren Berger and he is Master Craftsman. If I'm correct he lives near Christchurch , NZ