JoeLarese

You're right yxandy, with his self-assurance and determination, we'll see some of Isaac's work in the future!

Thanks, Great idea. You'll get a bit more practice hollowing and reverse chucking, too!

Thanks Bob and Loxmyth , I haven't had any problems with warpage or splits when sawing out spindle blanks, as long as the growth rings were mostly concentric and I sawed in-line with the grain. Obviously the ends may check as moisture is lost from the end grain quicker than the cross grain, but a bit of sealer or cutting the blanks a bit longer is a solution. Of course, traditional woodworkers will still use wedges, froes and axes to split out blanks, but straight grain logs should yield you some good stock when sawing with the chainsaw.

Thanks Gpan, I either rough turn to a consistent but heavy wall thickness and slowly let the blank dry(it will turn oval), then remount to finish turn, or I turn the bowl green to a final thin wall thickness and I let it dry slowly. I hope to have more posts and videos showing the process. Joe

Thanks Zombeerose, I have purchased sea urchin shells from Craft Supplies USA and the NaplesSeashell Company, and I was satisfied with both. Good Luck, Joe