Woodturning An Oak Burl with Resin: The Chocolate Canyon Bowl - Must See Ooey-Gooey Burl Grain!

Woodturning An Oak Burl with Resin: The Chocolate Canyon Bowl - Must See Ooey-Gooey Burl Grain!
This project is the smaller bowl cored form a decent sized oak burl. I rough turned the bowl in June 2021, coated it with AnchorSeal and put it in the kiln until it had lost approximately a third of its beginning weight. Then I put it on the lathe to turn away the AnchorSeal wax and true the blank to round. From there it went into the turkey roaster for a few days to bake any remaining moisture out of the wood, since there were some big cracks and voids that would be filled with resin. I shaped the bowl to fit inside a plastic bowl I was using as a mold, then poured in the resin and pushed a smaller bowl down into the resin, making sure the resin covered the rim of the bowl blank. I held the smaller bowl in place with a weight and put the whole thing in the pressure pot for a few days. This is a Deep Pour resin and takes longer to cure than most others I’ve used so I made sure to give it several weeks to set up completely. I wanted a subtle color for the resin so I went with a chocolate color that looks fabulous with the color of the oak burl. The end result looks like a canyon filled with rivers of chocolate and caramel…I may or may not be watching too many episodes of The Great British Baking Show 😂
I finished the bowl using Ack’s Abrasive Sanding Paste, then Brad’s Abrasive Sanding Paste, and finally Brad’s Tung Wax as the top coat. I think it looks fantastic and am struggling to keep from taking a bite out of it 😆
You can get Brad’s products through his Etsy store
www.etsy.com/s...
Ack’s products are available on their website
ackswoodpaste.com

[@dougsimms5588]

The Frodo/Shelob comment belongs in the all-time woodturning top 10.

[@LisaRamlow]

😂😂 thanks Doug - do you stick around til the end of the videos for the secret snippet? I think I’ve used several LOTR quotes now…

[@thefreemathtutor]

@@LisaRamlow I’ll make sure to watch and listen to the very last second, my precious!

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Bowl looks great 👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you!

[@clivefelgate9802]

I think your artist’s eye was spot on!! A bobby dazzler for sure.👍 Butterscotch!!! Oh boy. Keep safe and well.😀☕️C.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Clive, a bobby-dazzler for sure!

[@michaelbudraski8068]

Woodworking is a form of art, and whether you use resin, or not, contrast the color, or throw the rainbow at your work, it is art. If you like it or not, you must always appreciate the creativity and vision that went into it. I like the bowl.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Michael, I appreciate that 😊

[@science4ever025]

When you’re creating I feel like I’m sitting nearby comfortably watching you!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Appreciate it! 😁

[@SDck5940]

I'm a wood-only guy, no plastic. This is the first use of resin I've ever seen that gave a really good result. Nice work!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Dick! I do like the hybrid pieces and I do love me some blue resin, but I’m super happy with the choice on this one. I have it’s big brother (the piece I cored this bowl from) just about ready to turn 👍

[@denidougherty9576]

I don’t comment on videos but I have to with this one! That is the most beautiful bowl I have ever seen turned, and I’ve watched a bunch! Way to go Lisa!👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Well thank you so much, I’m pleased that you enjoyed it enough to leave me a comment-I really appreciate it!

[@asingardenof]

Awesome as usual, Lisa. That burl is spectacular.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Greg!

[@pambozkurt5277]

Absolutely love the complimentary resin. The burl just pops!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Pam!

[@texanasimmons1761]

Oh my! I think you made the right call. I think using a contrasting color would have been a disservice to the great wood grain of the burl!
Well done, "Mr. Wonka"

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks, and yay for getting the end quote! 😁

[@sakaj]

Great demonstration on the use of the different tools. Provides a great perspective on what the can and cannot do. 🤙🏿

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you!

[@stevekrupa6209]

Great combination of resin and wood! Beautiful bowl!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Steve, I’m really pleased with how it came out. Still have the bigger bowl to fill and finish 👍

[@terry3974]

Holy cow! That is gorgeous. The chocolate resin was perfect.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Terry! Hard to go wrong with chocolate I figure 😁

[@Engan01]

Beautiful combination of colors! Great work Lisa!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you!

[@woodman3416]

Lisa this is a beautiful bowl and great craftsmanship.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks so much! 😁

[@cyndywaskelisthecrowscall]

Wow! I love the complementary color of the resin in this!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks so much 😊

[@karyndekeiser-moulton1213]

Love the natural look. I’m fussy about resins. Sometimes it looks lovely other times it looks garish. Yours is a beautiful work of art.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Karyn, I appreciate it!

[@hccdoc]

The color of the resin was a great compliment to to the burl, Lisa. Also, loved the Lord of the Rings reference!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Greg! I a big LOTR fan too 😁

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

Beautiful work Lisa, perfect the way it is.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks John!

[@kimr5841]

With that particular grain and burl, the Complementary color looks like the perfect choice.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Kim!

[@HandymanNatePhx]

Complimentary works perfectly here! Very nice

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Natan!

[@janeoverby2151]

that is just gorgeous Lisa

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Jane!

[@agwheeler2000]

Very tasteful use of resin that turned out beautifully, Lisa!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Andrew!

[@martinmurphy5302]

Gorgeous.....resin color is spot on....great turn

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Martin!

[@gordonshute8816]

I like both contrasting and complimentary. Both have good applications and effects. This is a really nice application. It's a great look. Very well done!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Gordon!

[@williamlidster5850]

YOU are an artist!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you William 😁

[@missdaisy7576]

Omg I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE ❤ WITH IT! It is gorgeous, wow!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you! 😁

[@plainsroamer405]

I like seeing the resin when it is being poured...its a neat process

[@LisaRamlow]

I do in some videos - depends on how much time I have

[@Duke4ever188]

Great Choice in going with the chocolate coloured epoxy 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jose!

[@daviddavison2922]

Best piece I’ve ever seen you do for sure and the wood resin combo is spectacular

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you, I really like this one too. I still have the bigger bowl I cored this from to do - used the same color resin so they’ll be a nesting set 👍

[@noelgreen9381]

Chocolate was a great choice. Beautiful piece!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Noel!

[@karengilchrist9774]

That is a gorgeous piece of wood and the chocolate resin is perfect!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Karen!

[@bigboy9706]

Turned it very nice. That resin fit in perfectly

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Michael!

[@louisjcharlett8509]

I'm gonna' leave the resin for you Lisa... you use it well without overdoing it. Very nice turn. I enjoy your work.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Louis! I really like the effect but must admit turning it isn’t so much fun. Such a mess!

[@jeanlong5965]

Ooo to that is pretty. Love this burl bowl.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Jean!

[@dawnseals6591]

Loving this bowl, the chocolate resin really enhances the burl

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Dawn!

[@diannesorem6389]

I watch a lot of wood turners but you video was very informative. Thanks so much for that. Beautiful bowl, love the colors.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Diane, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@Rob-Hannon]

Great looking bowl and I love that I am seeing chocolate chip ads below it.

[@LisaRamlow]

Omg that’s hilarious!

[@trevorgodfrey4431]

Stunning bowl Lisa, love it

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Trevor!

[@markashlock9017]

Definitely “complementary”! Really nice job. Thanks!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Mark!

[@johnreedy7037]

I think the chocolate brown looks great with all that grain. That turned out really beautiful!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you John!

[@fchow8652]

Thank you showing, great work on these burl

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@davidkoning1560]

Hi Lisa, you made a really nice and beautiful bowl. The color of the train is Bert beautiful as well. Nice work!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks David!

[@clintmyrick4128]

Wow! Stunning. Good choice in the brown resin.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Clint!

[@roncooney8526]

Very nice job, Lisa. Great choice of colour to highlight the burl.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank Ron!

[@mikeconrad454]

This is my favorite piece I've seen you make thus far. Nice job coring that out, it looked as sketchy as it was, I'm sure. That burl is just incredible.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Mike! I still have the bigger piece to finish, and another big oak burl that I haven’t even cut into yet. So stay tuned!

[@Zircon10]

Just purrrrfect!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you!

[@kizerfam1]

Beautiful! The brown resin really works well with the burl.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Susan!

[@kevinbooth2063]

I like resin and wood and you did a fabulous job on this oak burl.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Kevin!

[@jackthompson8019]

It is very beautiful Lisa.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jack!

[@victorprimack2070]

Great bowl. Great use of resin.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Victor!

[@Dovetail-Artisan]

Absolutely gorgeous Lisa, I am personally a huge fan of chocolate resins over bright blues. I am in the process of purchasing a 24/36 Laguna and setting up a shop after 7 years without one. I have been a bowl turner for 30 years and had the honor of being mentored by Barbara Dill out of Virginia. Thanks so much for motivating me to get turning again!! Keep the videos coming my friend.
Brian

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Brian! I love all the resins and am quite fond of blue but I tend to use that on the lighter woods or cherry. I really wanted this to complement the burl and not complete with it. I have the bigger burl I cored this one from about half filled with resin - it sucked up a lot more than I’d thought!

[@brendaspeight2106]

That's beautiful. I love the chocolate resin....so different. And that oak burl is stunning. A definite thumbs up!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Brenda!

[@pfreeman2732]

That's really sweet. I love how it's turned out... really rich and SO smooth. Luvvverly! P

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Pam! 😁

[@carolriley8472]

Really looks great...I just love burls!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Carol, me toooooo!

[@rayworstine4399]

Good evening, Lisa. Excellent bowl. I like your choice for the resin color. All wood bowls are my favorite, however, I have experienced some very stunning bowls with wood and resin. Your coring yielded a beautiful piece. I also like your closing recipe.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Ray! I thought the butterscotch ripple went nicely with the chocolate and caramel theme 😉

[@barbpearson9198]

The chocolate resin is a great compliment to the burl!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Barb, I really like it 😁

[@alinmayerthorpe7801]

WOW wild looking bowl, the dark resin really adds to the look of that one and although I do not use resin I think this really enhanced the look........well done Lisa and thanks!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Al!

[@mdaley3102]

I agree with your choice of resin color, it looks beautiful. Very nice.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Michael 😊

[@bookartswithloritaylor8362]

It’s so delicious! That ooey-gooey complimentary center and chunky monkey color is gorg!❤️

[@LisaRamlow]

It’s lovely, isn’t it!? 😍

[@mikksweeney8804]

Absolutely beautiful piece!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Mikk!

[@rebeccaswihart4281]

I love the resin color choice. Does look like chocolate.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Rebecca!

[@cookiescoop6065]

Very beautiful. I like when you explain an show the difference n tools an remind us about safety an fire 🔥. Have a great Thanksgiving

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@peterrauch6604]

Great video and beautiful result? Thank you for the additional drying oils explanation and the negative rake carbide cutter information.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Peter!

[@stellahamm8629]

I just found your channel so far I love everything you do ❤

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks so much!

[@slm3945]

This is a very lovely bowl!! Thank you for sharing!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Steve! Gonna have to do the big one soon! 😁

[@johnpierce227]

Very Nice !I like that you explain what you are doing !

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks John, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos 😁

[@bartconner2457]

Beautiful piece Lisa! I enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing them with us! I’ve been turning a few years, I love getting tips and tricks from UA-cam. Keep up the good work!! Bart - Logs to Treasures

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Bart, much appreciated 😁

[@jeanlong4285]

This must have been before I subscribed to your channel. What a beautiful bowl. I love the chocolate resin.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jean! I’ve got the bigger core yet to turn 😁

[@brianjoneswoodturning3682]

Hi Lisa, You sure seem to get some beautiful pieces of tree where you are. The bowl looks great with the complementary chocolate resin. Nice job I cant wait to see the big bowl :-)

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Brian! Looking forward to the bigger one as well 👍

[@jasonholman6153]

So happy it turned out for you.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks for not letting me chicken out on it! 😁

[@billy19461]

Loved the video and bowl. Excellent work!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you 😊

[@ernesttravers7517]

Dark resin looks great

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Ernest, I’m quite pleased with it!

[@standswithfish]

Wonderful project!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you 😁

[@dawndoyle2571]

Love those colors!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Dawn, me too!

[@annlaurie1484]

Beautiful bowl. Thanks 😊

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you!

[@ThePapa1947]

Very pretty burl Lisa and I think it looks fine with the resin. I avoid using resin but not because I do not like how it looks. I have seen some very beautiful turnings done with wood and resin.
Take care,
Gary

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Gary! It is a big damn mess, that’s for sure, and I do prefer to turn wood but I love the look of some hybrid blanks so they’ll be in the rotation 😁

[@ThePapa1947]

Yes Lisa it is a big mess. I worked as a wood pattern maker and 90% of what I made was out of wood. But sometimes our customers wanted resin patterns as they held up better with all the sand they packed around them when making their molds.
I used epoxy casting resin, laminating resin, polyester, polyurethane and other
So I mixed and poured more resin than you can imagine. As well as needing to machine some of it for various reasons. The dust and the fumes can be an issue and I am thinking it is one reason I lost most of my sense of smell.
So those are my main reasons and I do agree about the hybrid blanks. They look pretty cool!

[@michaelmilazzo8722]

Awesome bowl

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Michael!

[@user-WPG_Arts]

Basic and so beautiful. It is yummy!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Wendy!

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Very nicely done!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Valerie!

[@tezz12mac48]

I love the unexpected patterns you get from a burl. That must be frustrating to have such a nice piece but not be able to turn it until it’s dry enough. I think this turned out beautifully. 👍

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you! When I first started turning I basically just turned everything start to finish whether it was dry or not - sometimes it worked out, sometimes not so much. It is still hard to wait for particularly interesting pieces to come out of the kiln, but I have a table full of bowls ready to finish turn so I have a pretty consistent turnover 👍

[@crystalswenson8844]

I love the chocolate/caramel look of this bowl. You know I love blue accents, but I think the brown resin was the perfect choice for this bowl. Well turned, Lisa.

[@LisaRamlow]

It was hard to make it not blue! 😂

[@heloca9084]

Beautiful!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you!

[@benwinkel]

Complimentary or no resin. I like the natural look. If you want to make it look crazy, don't waste good wood. Jmo. This looks very nice, great work!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Ben!

[@butthedd0233]

Great looking work. Thanks.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Tony!

[@jeffwhitson3166]

You nailed it!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jeff!

[@vernsteinbrecker3759]

Great work, looks awsome

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Vern!

[@paulglassner4457]

Nice work, it looks amazing!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Paul!

[@johnnuttall1965]

I like it just the way it is.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks John 😁

[@g.leebihm2588]

Beautiful bowl. Great choice of resin color. It really allows the beauty of the burl to show.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback 😁

[@josephinelarosa635]

I like the color you chose.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Josephine!

[@roseannpate7332]

YES! it is purdy!!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

😁😊

[@pigeonmanof180]

Looks beautiful

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Adam, I love how this came out. It’s big brother is in the pressure pot as we speak 😁

[@patcallaway9804]

Looks great!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Pat!

[@TheDeadbirdy]

That is beautiful

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you, it really is a beautiful piece

[@Stacebo32503]

Oh this is STUNNING! Wow. It does look beautiful and natural and the resin emphasizes...it doesn't detract.
So so good!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Stacey!

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Looks great.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Brad!

[@jaybrabham5941]

Great job

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Jay!

[@andersodman296]

Really nice!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you 😁

[@markthompson6860]

nice job as always

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Mark!