Ugly Old and Rotten can it be saved? - spalted woodturning project

Рет қаралды 22,679

Күн бұрын

In this video, I'm turning a spalted birch log into something beautiful. Can this old and ugly wood be saved? Watch and find out!
If you're wondering if spalted wood can be saved, then watch this video and find out! This project is a great example of how to turn old and rotten wood into beautiful pieces of art. With a little bit of patience and a few tips from the instructor, you too can turn your unwanted wood into something truly beautiful!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
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DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

Пікірлер: 283

@robertarnold6290 5 ай бұрын

I appreciate how you make your videos. Speed past things and slow down the important parts. Thank you.

@MikeHolton 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Robert, it's not to everyone's taste but I hope it is a pretty good balance 😀

@125rin 4 ай бұрын

Agree

@jonnyglucose72 3 ай бұрын

Spalted birch is one of my favorite woods to turn. I lost my Birch in an ice storm about 6 years ago. I dried the remains for five years. The results have been magnificent. The spalted wood was beautiful. My Birch tree lives on in dozens of turned bowls, platters and round boxes.

@MikeHolton 3 ай бұрын

We all hate loosing trees but giving them another life is a great way for them to live on.

@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer Жыл бұрын

The spalting looks like an old world map. Very cool.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

You're right it does, thanks for that, Mike 😃

@2CraftySeniors 3 ай бұрын

You set these big hunks of wood onto your bench and I look at it and wonder what you'll find hidden within. Every time it's something gorgeous. You definitely have a talent for getting the wood to let itself shine.

@MikeHolton 3 ай бұрын

Thanks! For a while I did not think I would find anything in this one 😀

@ceciliarunnoe1463 2 ай бұрын

Spalting and ambrosia leave such distinctive patterns in the wood. Beautiful.

@MikeHolton 2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much Cecilia 😀

@JamesCouch777 6 ай бұрын

I love using rotten, cracked ugly pieces for turning. Usually they make the most beautiful interesting pieces. They are a lot of work and time consuming but almost always worth it.

@MikeHolton 6 ай бұрын

Completely agree James, I had to dig deep in this one to find it but it was there😊

@robbosma9303 Жыл бұрын

Gaawd!!! That is beeeeeautiful!! Glad you stuck it out an found the gorgeous vase hiding under all that rottenwood!!!! Stunning piece Mike!!! Also wanna mention i love how you explain your ideas, an your processes, as your working!! Very informative, which i love!!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Rob, for a while I thought all I'd get was an egg cup from this lol 🤣

@robbosma9303 Жыл бұрын

@@MikeHolton 🤣🤣😂 right... that big log chunk an only getting a lil eggy cup!! Hahaha would have been sad, but damn funny!!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

@@robbosma9303 🤣🤣

@bluedog28 Жыл бұрын

That really did turn into a great vase! It's unfortunate you had to take away so much wood to get to the workable part, but the pattern buried deep in the stump was worth it

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

I was so glad we finally got there, for a while all I thought I'd have was an egg cup 😁

@karenh789 11 ай бұрын

You never know what is waiting inside a hunk of wood. Very nicely done!😊

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

Yes! Thank you! 😃

@dellearts Жыл бұрын

Ah spalting is so lovely. It's such a shame that it's hard to tell if it's gone too far or not. Glad you were able to save what you did. It turned into an incredibly beautiful piece.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

It really is! Although for a while I would have been happy to have found enough for an egg cup 😃

@janetporter5376 11 ай бұрын

What is spalting please?

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

@@janetporter5376 Hi Janet, spalting is a fungus that gets into wood that has been left on the ground in damp conditions, it takes about 6 months to appear and lf left too long can make the wood unusable. It's not dangerous as it dies as soon as it is exposed to air, hope this helps

@judymahan5588 7 ай бұрын

As a fairly new viewer I think this is one of my favs so far Your knowledge of your craft is astounding your fearless attitude when delving into uncharted waters is amazing but your ability to see the beauty beyond the “warts” is an incredible trait 👍

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Wow! That is so nice of you to say Judy 😀

@debflieder3378 6 ай бұрын

So glad that you persevered. I appreciate you explaining your decisions and adjusting your approach based on your expertise!

@MikeHolton 6 ай бұрын

Thanks Bed, I feel that if I can explain my thought processes we can all learn together 😀

@peterthornton8520 Жыл бұрын

Great eye for a design. Never beyond saving.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter 😀😀

@marybethhuson295 Жыл бұрын

A true gem beneath the rough!

@janetporter5376 11 ай бұрын

I absolutely adore this vase! The grain of the wood, it's organic shape and the contrast in colour is so beautiful, it is a really lovely piece of art work! ❤ I am so pleased you persevered with it. Well done to you, Mike for your vision and commitment. .

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Janet, so glad when I found this. For a while I thought I would end up with an egg cup 😁

@taysider01 9 ай бұрын

Didn't expect that finish. Turned out really great, excellent

@MikeHolton 9 ай бұрын

Thanks Dave, this one was a bit of a challenge!

@ceciliarunnoe1463 Ай бұрын

The patterns created by the spalting on this is fascinating.

@MikeHolton Ай бұрын

I know, this one is still in our living room 😃

@justsome-guy7596 Жыл бұрын

OMG - now I really, really, REALLY want a lathe! That was one of the bet made YT turning videos I've ever seen - well done mate!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Wow thanks, getting a lathe was one of the best things I've ever done, sorry best present my wife has ever given me 😃

@jimyounie6274 Жыл бұрын

For something that did not look too great at the start I it turned out very nice. Thanks for sharing.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Jim, I'm also glad it worked out 😁

@mommyohs Жыл бұрын

Mike, my daughter and I are so happy to have discovered your channel. Not many mom/daughters are interested in woodworking but we certainly ate and every time we watch one of your videos we always think it can’t be topped but, nope! you always deliver. Our favorite aspects of your work are that you explain everything so clearly and we eagerly look forward to whatever unique piece you are working on next. Thank you so much for sharing so many enjoyable projects!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you, that is so nice of you to say. I really appreciate you getting in touch and thanks to you both for your support 😃. All the best, Mike

@k9insomniac783 Жыл бұрын

How fitting. A wood resurrection right before the celebration of the Resurrection. Top shelf us usual my friend.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Haha, never thought of that 😂

@k9insomniac783 Жыл бұрын

@@MikeHolton I really like the new lathe you’ve been using. One day I’ll graduate to a big boy lathe myself. Lol. I really liked this video. I had just made a bowl out of some very old and somewhat punky shingle oak that turned out “ok”. I used epoxy and hoped it would reinvigorate the softer bits but it didn’t work as well as I’d hoped. I wish I had used some thin ca glue like you had. Your always teaching me something Mike. I hope you have a great Holiday with Mrs Mike and the pooches. Stay safe my friend.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

@@k9insomniac783 Thanks , the lathe has made life so much easier, my last one was fine but it did have it's limitations. We are all learning all the time, I learn quite a lot from comments left and from other turners, it's like the circle of life. Have a great holiday and talk soon. Mike

@davel623 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you Dave 🙂

@stevezinger8635 Жыл бұрын

Love this.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve 😁

@larryburrough3024 Жыл бұрын

That vase or bowl is Awesome! I love the dark streaks with the blonde wood. Great work with a wonderful design.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! 😃

@brycegenevaostler9359 Жыл бұрын

Great work. Iam just starting to look in to wood turning. I'm did some in n high school 45 years ago. Now ready to start again. You helped me want to get started. Thanks.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Go for it! Your story sounds just like mine, I had not touched it since doing it at school finally taking it up again 36 years later.

@wombatspatulafreek 7 ай бұрын

awesome!!!!!

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Thanks 😀

@NorthWoodsRCFlyClub Жыл бұрын

Looks great

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@user-cg7vl9se6h Жыл бұрын

Beautiful

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😀

@bradwiebelhaus7065 Жыл бұрын

Looks good.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Brad 😁

@jbjeep8324 7 ай бұрын

absolutely lovely piece

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Many thanks! 😀

@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound Жыл бұрын

Stunning. Well done.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers Doug 🙂

@Tirani2 10 ай бұрын

That strikes me as the kind of project that, with a pressure pot and clear or clear shimmering resin you could create something gorgeous while stabilizing the soft wood.

@MikeHolton 10 ай бұрын

You could but I neither have a pressure pot or a vacuum chamber 😀

@908woodturner Жыл бұрын

Perseverance!!!!! Great job

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Beverly, just glad there was something left at the end.

@LoisHubbard 11 ай бұрын

I avoided watching this video for ages... I saw the thumbnail and thought "hmmm, I'd prefer a bowl - especially that oddly satisfying way bowls emerge from the wood" but I was wrong. I think this is my favourite piece I have seen you make to date. Lesson learned - just watch all the videos you put out!

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

Thanks Lois, I'm just glad I found something in there 😄 all the best, Mike

@fionanaylor6104 Жыл бұрын

What a gem 😃 great video, TY.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Glad you like it Fiona 😊 thanks

@MarkThompson-ms5wn Жыл бұрын

great job

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark 😁

@leaannd.8786 7 ай бұрын

As always, it’s gorgeous!

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

@suesmith9202 Жыл бұрын

That's absolutely gorgeous.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sue 😃

@jsprankel4712 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful work, as usual Mike!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks my friend 😁

@Bahaman1 Жыл бұрын

It’s beautiful

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks 😃

@zacthompson2075 Жыл бұрын

If anyone could've done it, it's you. Looks great as always!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Zac 😄

@lornacy 9 ай бұрын

I always appreciate your journey 😊

@MikeHolton 9 ай бұрын

I appreciate that, all the best, Mike 😀

@racheldray1057 10 ай бұрын

I adore this! Such a beautiful vase, I love spalted wood, the patterns are amazing

@MikeHolton 10 ай бұрын

Thanks Rachel they really are 😀

@GabiFodorrasRO Жыл бұрын

Great video 👍👍👍😎

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@LewisSkeeter Жыл бұрын

Nice.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers Lewis 🙂

@dalebrittenham1823 Жыл бұрын

Great save... Turned out amazing....

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dale 😀

@gentlebear2722 6 ай бұрын

That turned out beautiful

@MikeHolton 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! 😀

@silvanobroccardo933 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful complimenti

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

grazie mille 😃

@sandracook455 2 ай бұрын

Another amazing piece😊

@MikeHolton 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

@chumleyk 10 ай бұрын

Love this. Spalted wood is my fav.

@MikeHolton 10 ай бұрын

Me too, as long as it's not too far gone, this one was close

@timponder7487 Жыл бұрын

You save it Mike great work 👏 👍 👌

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim 😁

@user-jh7ji3lq3c 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for saving this beautiful bowl!

@MikeHolton 9 ай бұрын

You're welcome Mary 😀

@JamesCouch777 6 ай бұрын

That turned out absolutely amazing!

@MikeHolton 6 ай бұрын

Thanks James 😊

@WoodWizardrybyColin Жыл бұрын

Stunning piece Mike I love the spalting

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Cheers Colin, it's not too bad is it 😂

@damianlee8149 6 ай бұрын

Well done for persevering. There is beauty within all us ugly, old and rotten beings! 😂

@MikeHolton 6 ай бұрын

Indeed Damian, I had to dig deep but it was there 😀

@Happypistachio Жыл бұрын

Love the spalting! Good work!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Aaron 😃

@NCGreen Жыл бұрын

Crazy how great this turned out

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott, I was not sure I would find anything in there, it was getting smaller and smaller lol

@donaldadams5342 7 ай бұрын

This was the first video I watched of your work & I am so glad that you stuck with it. The final result is stunning. Cheers, Don from South Aust.

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Don, for a while I thought I mat end up with an egg cup but we got there 😀

@AndyFisher1965 Жыл бұрын

Nice piece in the end.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@nicholasguymer3471 Жыл бұрын

True Grit, it's the future 👍

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

It could be! It is working very well so far!

@LOTGiscool 5 ай бұрын

What a great way to bring this Sunday to a close, Feb. 4, 2024. The patterns in this vase are incredible.

@MikeHolton 5 ай бұрын

It's Monday here and I'm up doing some editing before I have to go to work. 😃 sleep well

@huberthicks9080 9 ай бұрын

Very nice, Mike. The salting was well worth saving. Thanks for sharing.

@MikeHolton 9 ай бұрын

Thanks Hubert, the spalting looks so nice, glad I could save this one

@martharoberts8533 Жыл бұрын

❤ beautiful piece of wood, so glad you persevered and finished it...❤

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you Martha, it was a close call but we got there in the end 😀

@brucerowan6630 Жыл бұрын

Excellent job, my favorite kind of turning.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bruce, I love doing these as well.

@eviljods Жыл бұрын

Lovely piece, great job :)

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! 🙂

@chanspirit1 5 ай бұрын

I will definitely rewatch your videos over the next couple months probably beyond that seeing as I do that a lot now lol even got my grandson to watch quite a few of them when they were visiting 😊 Good luck on your move, hope the move goes smoothly❤

@MikeHolton 5 ай бұрын

Haha thanks so much 😃

@jeneiferthomas1036 Жыл бұрын

You did a great job on this piece

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeneifer 😁

@luigibontempi5922 Жыл бұрын

Veramente un bellissimo lavoro !

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Grazie mille amico mio

@lyndaowen2154 Жыл бұрын

Very nice vase. You’re right that wood is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Lynda and thanks for watching 😀

@darrenoneil2455 Жыл бұрын

Very nice save. Good, you pushed on. D

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@ivanbukh7576 Жыл бұрын

Замечательная ваза получилась! Мне кажется, что чем уродливее дерево, тем интереснее получается конечное изделие.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Спасибо! и я думаю, что вы правы

@ivanbukh7576 Жыл бұрын

@@MikeHolton Я проверял это на людях на своих изделиях. Обычные изделия не выдерживают сравнения с творениями жуков, гнили и недостатками дерева!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

@@ivanbukh7576 Могу себе представить, несовершенства придают характер и делают их уникальными.

@cherylhaynes2552 11 ай бұрын

What a beautiful piece. You are a magician!

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you Cheryl 😊

@JOHNSmith-pn6fj Жыл бұрын

Beautiful Piece. Fantastic Colors in the wood.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much John, the colour in the spalting is amazing.

@gluey27 7 ай бұрын

Lovely organic shape and the colours are amazing.

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much 😊

@billrose2083 Жыл бұрын

Kinda how one makes a toothpick from a giant redwood !!🤣 Looks really good, Mike !! You know what?? It kinda looks like an ancient map of the world. You could engrave an arrow pointing in any direction and put an N next to it anywhere on the piece.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Haha thanks Bill, that would actually look cool! Thanks, Mike 😃

@nickfritz8692 Жыл бұрын

Turned out amazing. Made a lot of saw dust with this one!🙂

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Hahaha 🤣 yep, any smaller and it would have ended up an egg cup

@deehenry1983 Жыл бұрын

this wood is phenomenal! love what you did with it. cheers and happy belated Easter

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks, you too Dee 😃

@AlienLeader4 Жыл бұрын

That really did turn out awesome. Keep up the great work. 👽

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks my friend, I will always try my best.

@Ted_P Жыл бұрын

Wow! I’m glad you stuck with it. Beautiful piece! I love the gold finish from the beeswax and linseed oil finish.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers Ted, so glad I managed to save this one.

@davidw.9432 Жыл бұрын

Really great piece of work Mike just goes to show you should always persevere keep up the great work 👍

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I will do my best David. 🙂

@125rin 4 ай бұрын

This turned out much better than I imagined actually it's pretty cool . You have a great imagination that is why you are a talented artist my friend Your wife must be very proud of you ❤

@MikeHolton 4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much and yes she is, although she is running out of places to put all the pieces I give her 😀

@debroberts1296 Жыл бұрын

Love the way you left the rim of the vase "rustic contrast". Turned out nicely.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you Deb 😊

@fionacrouch1732 8 ай бұрын

Love the pattern that is showing, stunning. Mother nature creates some true beauties for us to uncover. Well done on the great piece Mike, and thanks for sharing 🙂

@MikeHolton 8 ай бұрын

You're welcome as ever Fiona 😊

@mpham321 Жыл бұрын

Great looking vase! Gives me a reason to go outside and grab the few pieces of rotten birch I have out there and give it a try!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Go for it! Let me know how you get on. Mike

@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn 7 ай бұрын

Another very unique and beautiful piece. Bravo!

@MikeHolton 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

@vernonabernethy3970 11 ай бұрын

Great piece! Really appreciate the ongoing information you provide regarding each application of finishing products you apply to the wood.

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

You are so welcome Vernon 😀

@jeffwilber8598 Жыл бұрын

Splaying is beautiful !

@jeffwilber8598 Жыл бұрын

spalting

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

I know, just glad I found some hard enough to be able to finish 😃

@shaunofthegeeks Жыл бұрын

Great work on this Mike. Was starting to think it would be abandoned half way through. You did well on this recovery. Another great video. Thanks

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊, I was looking at it getting smaller and smaller wondering if it would stop in time to make something lol 😆

@petercole8096 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful vase. I especially like the finish you've used. It's really brings out the contrasting colors.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter 😀

@jimpike3489 Жыл бұрын

WOW, that grain is stunning, you have to love spalted wood. The live edge on the vase? really goes well with the finished vase. Thanks for sharing Mike

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers Jim, the spalting was beautiful, did not expect it to be so strong!

@gluey27 5 ай бұрын

Beautiful piece of wood Mike at first look I thought wtf but it turned out stunning as usual.

@MikeHolton 5 ай бұрын

haha thanks 😀

@noelgreen9381 Жыл бұрын

Great work on this. Like you, I was thinking it might be a lost cause. Turned out beautifully!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers, a little smaller than I expected 😜

@danamorrow5352 Жыл бұрын

At the beginning I thought you were going to make a bowl and was wondering how you would manage it. I loved watching it evolve into the vase. What a beautiful vase it is. Great job!

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Dana, glad I got something from it, the colours are amazing!

@vinimarshall7301 Жыл бұрын

Lovely colouring , i struggle sometimes trying to get certain spots smooth on the inside that get cut against the the grain but yours as ever looks perfect , nice work🥃

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Vini, I had to use a rotary bit on a Dremel to get the inside right, took so long.

@lindagoldberg2325 Жыл бұрын

Glad you did persevere. The pattern looks like jasper. Funny how nature’s patterns repeat.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Linda, you are quite right about the pattern 😃

@baconsoda Жыл бұрын

That was well worth persevering with... great job. Best Wishes, Brendan.

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Thanks Brendan, glad I kept going, would have loved a bowl but that is the way it goes.

@jonroberts1699 Жыл бұрын

Lovely work, i struggle to get such a good finish , I've said before your videos help a novice so much , thank you

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped Jon, this was a hard one to finish, sanding took about an hour!

@HaneulsSpace_WoodStory Жыл бұрын

I also had a lot of difficulties while working on a wooden lathe, so I had a headache. Thank you for your kind and detailed explanation! I am learning a lot. and so beautiful 👍👍

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome, so glad you find my videos useful 😌

@jimswift7228 Жыл бұрын

Lovely piece Mike. Well worth persevering. Nice to see someone actually using the rotating headstock, I was beginning to think I was the only one who thinks it is a good idea and as you say it is much easier to see what you are doing. Also if you stand in front of the bowl opening it is much less likely to hit you if it comes off the lathe. Great video, thanks, Jim

@MikeHolton Жыл бұрын

Many thanks Jim, you are so right. It's easier to see what you are doing and a lot safer as well. You just have to make sure you align it back properly when you're done. I have a little alignment bar I use.

@stephanielovatt2787 11 ай бұрын

This is a lovely vase! The spalting is so attractive! I did a spalted silver birch bowl, and it fell in half, because it was too far gone. I have kept it, though, as I think resin would/could work on it.

@MikeHolton 11 ай бұрын

That's a good idea Stephanie, this was so close to being to far gone lol 😆