Thread: 18th birthday present

Hi Campbellton ..welcome to the forums.

Going on the assumption that your relatively new to woodturning, you've put forth a good effort on turning the goblet. However, the overall design is somewhat off. The base and stem are not "in relation" to the cup ...the base and stem need to be thinner in order to bring it into balance.

A couple of suggestions:

• Google "bowl design" and woodturning design" ...Mike Darlow has a good book out on the subject.
• Join a local turning club (if there is one in your area).

Wishing you the best in your future turnings....it only gets better!

G'day and welcome to the asylum.

I like to use Rustin's Plastic Finish inside the bowls of my goblets, for the outside I tend to just use Danish Oil, although I've recently had a couple returned for refinishing on the outside after going through a dish-washer.

Although I agree with Ed about the shape, it's not like you're entering it in a competition. And getting requests for more is certainly a good sign you're doing something right.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

G'day and welcome to the asylum.

I like to use Rustin's Plastic Finish inside the bowls of my goblets, for the outside I tend to just use Danish Oil, although I've recently had a couple returned for refinishing on the outside after going through a dish-washer.

Although I agree with Ed about the shape, it's not like you're entering it in a competition. And getting requests for more is certainly a good sign you're doing something right.

Indeed, keep at what youre doing, its a nice job. I have heard that Danish Oil is not the best, as it gets removed after being washed.

Good workmanship mate!
Agree with Ed on design elements but that will come with time.

Originally Posted by Miranda

I have heard that Danish Oil is not the best, as it gets removed after being washed.

Agreed. Sort of. Danish oil, if properly applied, penetrates into the surface of the timber, similar to using a Mineral Oil. With washing the gloss wears to a dull matte, but the timber itself remains sealed. Unless you wash very aggressively and remove the outer layer of timber.

A PolyU, on the other hand, only sits on the surface like a layer of paint but is way more durable in that it will keep the gloss finish for much, much longer. However, I don't like the plasticky feel it tends to give a piece. Just my personal preference although I do use PolyU at times as, of course, "the customer is always right."

(I'd like to point out that many so-called commercial "Danish Oils" are, in reality, just PolyU's with a teaspoon of Tung Oil waved over the can - a marketing gimmick. Some - I won't name names - fail dismally at being either. )

i have been turning for about 2 years now but with senior year just finished i havent had much time in the shed. so it was my first turning in a while. i should have spent more time planing it out. thanks guys