During the snowmageddon event of 2010 a Chinese Elm tree came down. This particular Chinese Elm was planted by my great-grandfather at the house then being built by my grandfather. The tree hadn’t been in the best of health for the last decade or so, but was a lovely tree and served well for over 60 years. Some pieces were salvaged for bowl making operations.

Here is how a rank amateur roughs out a bowl out of sopping wet elm.

Time 10:30 -- The log

At 10:30 I fired up the chainsaw and started making some flat spots on this log.

Time 10:37 -- Chainsaw roughed blank

At 10:37 the blank is roughed out. Normally a bowl would not go through the heart-wood like this does but since this is a crotch section of the tree and has end-grain on all four sides I am hoping it might work out. Time will tell.

Time 10:43 - Between centers

At 10:43 the blank is mounted up between centers on the Powermatic 3520b. It’s a little off center but not bad. This lathe has plenty of weight to dampen it. The blank weighs in at about 35 pounds.

Time 11:03 -- Rounded blank

At 11:03 the blank is rounded off and running true. Time to dial up the speed a little.

Time 11:16 -- Outer shape with tenon, ready to reverse

At 11:16 the bottom of the bowl is taking shape and a tenon is cut for the chuck jaws. Time to reverse the mount and grab it by the bottom end. It’s a little heavy to get in the chuck, fortunately my good friend Mac stops by just in time to lend a hand.

Time 11:45 -- Hollowed out

Hollowed out with a nice sharp bowl gouge. I’ve never turned anything this heavy before so I left a center post in place for tail-stock support. It may get too warped to use that when dried, but it can be cut away easily enough.

Now it just has to dry for 6 months, then go back on the lathe and get round and thin.
Lots of blanks end their lives at this stage since they are prone to severe cracking and warping.