A Buyer's Guide To Purchasing Hand Turned Wood Bowls And Vessels

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By John Ellis


Wooden objects have a unique ability to bring a feeling of warmth and comfort into your home. Some items tend to be more decorative while others can be used for practical purposes as well. Hand turned wood bowls and vessels can be a great choice for individuals who want pieces they choose to be both beautiful and practical. Here is what you should consider when you go shopping.

All turned pieces have been created in much the same way. A craftsman uses a lathe to spin a piece of wood while using tools to selectively remove portions of it. A square block of lumber can slowly be worked to create a vase, a bowl or a serving platter. Then, the surface is sanded and polished to bring out the natural beauty of the piece's grain and color. A solid piece can be created or smaller pieces can be joined together and then turned.

There are many different types of lumber that can be used. Some are harder than others and may be more resistant to damage. Certain species of trees are also found in certain areas of the world and may look quite beautiful and exotic. It is also common to see pieces that are made from spalted lumber. Spalting is caused by a fungus and can cause beautiful color variations and patterns that are often quite desirable.

You should decide whether you want to serve food in the wooden items or if you want them to simply serve a decorative function. There are many waxes and pastes that can be used to change a piece's color, to bring out it's grain or to add shine or a silky texture. Not all of these can be used if you will serve food from a particular vessel. Asking the person who made the piece should tell you quite quickly if you can use a piece to serve food.

One thing to think about is whether you want a piece to be practical or decorative. This will affect the kind of piece you look for when you shop. A decorative piece may be more delicate or more heavily carved than one that is meant for more practical purposes. A practical piece may also be finished in such a way that it would be more resistant to damage from water or other liquids.

When people begin to collect turned pieces they may be amazed at some of the prices that pieces can bring. Prices for pieces can vary quite a bit. If a well-known craftsman has worked on a piece it will usually come with a higher price tag. Also, some pieces involve a massive amount of work either during the turning stage or to give a particular finish. If you want to find affordable pieces look for ones by lesser-known craftsmen.

Finding pieces can be difficult especially if you have never tried to buy them before. If you are just starting your search you may find it easier if you ask people where they purchased their wooden pieces. Art galleries may have them for sale but not every gallery will specialize in wooden items.

Buying a piece is only the first step. Once you have it in your home you will want to maintain it properly. When you buy a wooden item you should find out how to keep your purchase from drying out or warping. That way it will look just as beautiful even after years of having it in your home.




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