Woodturning Elm Burl Vase That Almost Was Not

I almost threw this wood out - three times. As wet wood, it was a small left over piece. As rough turned, it looked like it would come apart. In finishing, I feared it would fly apart.

The wood is elm burl, that came from a tree a couple of miles from me. They had cut it into short slices. Not very good for bowls. The finished vase is about 4 inches tall and 3 inches diameter with walnut oil finish.

I used my recently revised doughnut chuck to finish the bottom. This version uses a large base on a threaded wood faceplate with t-nuts at 120 degree intervals. A center hole enables custom center profiles. A hefty ring matches the bolt holes but with enough recess that the bolt heads are below the surface, protecting my hands from accidental contact. An inner mortise holds custom rings for different size projects. It is simple to make.

Enjoy!

#vase #elmBurl #doughnutChuck #greenwood #woodworking #woodturning #woodturningprojects #lathe #AlanStratton #video #DIY

[alanmullock]

A little bit of genius mounting there Alan👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎

[johnveglio]

It doesn't matter what you call that chuck, IT WORKS !!! That's the most important thing. I'm not much on the folk's who use epoxy all the time but a little just in the cracks might not be a bad idea next time. BEAUTIFUL JOB 👍👍👍

[walterwinnipeg]

Definitely "white knuckle" turning, Alan! I was nervous just watching, but your patience paid off, and you've created a really unique piece. Excellent! I'm putting a donut chuck like yours on my things-to-make-list. It looks amazingly useful!

[markfishburn]

It came out really nice. Very cool idea for the donut chuck. Thank you for sharing your video.

[DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

I really like this small piece. Beautiful.

[randysmith]

Alan; That is a great idea for the removable ring in the donut chuck!

[scottleech]

Thanks Alan, I Really like the doughnut chuck, I’ll be making one

[joshblumenthal]

That's an amazing turn and an amazing chuck. I'll be making one of those.

[glencrandall]

So if a chunk of wood is big enough to hold on to it's best not to throw it away. Inspiration may just come along alter. It sure did in this case. That is one really good looking piece of work. It didn't look like much as you were turning it but when the finish went on it sure came alive. And the donut chuck is very versatile. I think every turner would do well to have several sizes. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

[bernardfutter]

Very elegant little vase, Alan, and what a coincidence! Only yesterday I completed a doughnut chuck so similar to yours. I used 6 long round nuts in the base to provide plenty of thread (against vibrating loose)and to ensure verticality, with sets of 8mm diameter rods. Very rigid construction, and with the recess for different shape seatings. Maximum project width 6 1/2".I like your recessed top plate; I used low dome nuts to minimise risk, and thin plates to conserve weight.. Tested it at 1250rpm, which is double anticipated speed of use, it ran very smoothly. I have plenty of early boxes that need touching up, or burning, but can now mount them for reworking. Bernard.

[mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

It was my puerile inner self that laughed at 'cupchuck' - that's my story and I'm sticking with it. LOL ! A donut chuck has been high on my list - maybe now I will try making a dedicated one like yours instead of a purchase or jury rig my cole jaws. Thanks for featuring it Alan 🙏 Take care. -Mike😷
p.s. finger doing OK ?

[williamellis]

That's really nice, Alan. I'm glad it held together. If I was a woodturner, I'd copy your donut chuck design. Stay safe.
Bill

[TheTranq]

I’ll have to try this for finishing the underside of my small boxes. Currently I try to do a jam chuck and they don’t always hold

[kenharper]

Every project you describe is a scary project that you are afraid of. Safety first, but if you are always so afraid why turn at all?

[aussiman]

love the donut chuck please what wood did you make it out of and did the bolts have nuts they screwed into or did you tap a thread in the wood