Beech dish

After fighting with a beech blank earlier this week, I wasn't thrilled about trying more. This time it went much more smoothly, though. I've gotten the general procedure down for bowl turning and my cutting technique is improving, so that makes a big difference.

This is a small (4" dia.) dish, with a pedestal base and "birdbath" top. I turned this wet and tried the microwave drying method. I nuked it for 2 minutes, then 4 more, then 3 more. It was seriously warped after that, and although I'm sure it wasn't completely dry inside, I hoped that most of the warping was done.

I chucked it and did the final turning, sanding, and finishing (Liberon). I'm getting better at reverse-chucking on a jamb to do the foot, but I think I might buy a vacuum chuck to get the tailstock out of the way and be able to do a really nice job on the bottom.

I haven't seen any movement in this yet (overnight) so cross your fingers.