Spectacular Results With Flawed Material
He rescued a piece of firewood riddled with voids, bark inclusions and cracks. It was a burl gone wrong and it was gnarly. Natural edge pieces made from “Crappy Wood” were featured on the pages of the most prestigious magazines so was there hope? He was still very much an amateur turner and his equipment and technique was not the best. Still he would try.
The piece was mounted and the rough shaping began. It beat him up with every turn but he hung in there with clenched teeth, a dust mask and the knowledge that it began as firewood and may well return to the pile if he failed. But he didn’t fail. He persisted and a beautifully classic shape emerged after hours of chewing on a bone dry lump of firewood.
A short rest to regain some strength and it was on to the daunting task of hollowing. Freehand at first, then to the trusty forstner bit. Finally a full blown hollowing rig and carbide cutters were needed to overcome the rock hard interior of this simple piece of firewood. He emerged dusty and exhausted, but victorious with a beautiful hollow form and a spectacular result. How? He put in the time and effort to work with a very flawed specimen and he never lost sight of what it could be.
You meet people like that every day on the job, in church, at the market; flawed and full of defects with obvious voids and cracks for all to see. Perhaps you are supposed to be there for a reason. Don’t simply toss that individual on the firewood pile when you might get to witness such spectacular results emerge from imperfection. This is a true story that my son, Christopher just experienced. The lessons are many and we are so proud of his tenacity. He achieved spectacular results with less than ideal materials through effort and determination. His vision saw through the lack of integrity in a lump of firewood and something beautiful resulted. Good job, son because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Exodus 3:11 NIV But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
Isaiah 3:7 NIV But in that day he will cry out, “I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people.”
John 15:16 "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.
New DVD
Resin Casting - The Chris Brown Method
Several years ago we decided to learn to cast resin and burl turning blanks. My son, Christopher, vigorously embraced this method and has made hundreds of blanks. Although Chris has made and sold tons of pen and bottle stopper blanks, his passion has become larger bowl and vase sized castings. The larger blanks are much more difficult to cast successfully and the problems are multiplied accordingly. His methods work for all types of turning blanks from pens and stoppers to vase sized turning blanks.
In this video, Chris shares the methods he has developed step-by-step. We have included a photo gallery of some of his work for your inspiration and encouragement. There is a white paper with step-by-step instructions included on the DVD suitable for printing. I am proud to present this brand new just released DVD from my son, Christopher Brown.
This Week's Special - Extended Another Week
As an expression of our appreciation and since we couldn't be with you on The Woodworking Show Circuit this season, we would like to offer you another gift when you purchase any of the following: Longworth Chucks Type 2 (any size), Amazing Doughnut Chuck (any size), Amazing Off-Center Chuck, and Steady Rest Type 2 (any size).
You may select one of the items on the right as your bonus gift - No Coupon Needed. This is a limited time offer and supplies are limited so don't wait too long.
BSX Jacket (view), Medallions (view), Heavy Duty Sander (view), Drill Chuck (view), 5/8 Savannah Bowl Gouge (view)
Back By Popular Demand!
For Bowls, Plates, Platters, Hollow Forms
There is nothing that even comes close for finishing the bottoms
Longworth Chuck Type 2, Amazing Doughnut Chuck, Amazing Steady Rest Type 2 & Off-Center Chuck
THANK YOU!
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Amazing Off-Center Chuck is included too!
Ron's YouTube Channel - Coolhammerman
https://www.youtube.com/user/coolhammerman
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