Woodturning - The Ocean Cave Vase (My LARGEST Epoxy Pour!)

The script introduces a project involving a piece of maple wood with unique holes. The wood has been dried for over a year, revealing a potential for interesting grain patterns. The plan is to create a hollow form or deep vase, inspired by a previous 'purple glitter vase' video. The process begins with applying anchor seal and preparing the piece for casting, including trimming and cleaning to avoid imperfections in the final resin product.

This paragraph details the preparation of the maple piece for casting, including the selection and modification of a bucket to serve as a casting mold. The wood is positioned at a 3° tilt to fit snugly within the bucket, and a template is used to ensure proper alignment. The script mentions the decision to forego a spacer inside the casting to maintain design flexibility, despite the increased resin usage. The casting process involves using deep casting epoxy and adding ocean blue colorant for an underwater theme.

After the initial casting, the piece is placed in the fridge for 2-3 days to slow the curing process and prevent thermal cracking. Upon inspection, the piece shows no signs of thermal damage, and the decision is made to proceed with curing in a pressure pot. The script describes the challenges of removing the casting from the mold and the excitement of achieving a deep cast without cracks.

The script moves on to the shaping process, where the artist contemplates the orientation of the piece for mounting on the lathe. The piece is cleaned up, and the decision is made to drill recesses for the live and drive centers to prevent damage during turning. The artist expresses satisfaction with the progress and the uniqueness of the piece, despite some soft spots in the epoxy that require attention.

In this paragraph, the artist refines the design of the hollow form, considering sight glasses and the overall profile of the piece. The discussion includes the challenges of working with the epoxy and wood combination, as well as the decision-making process for the final shape. The artist also addresses the audience, inviting feedback on the design process and the 'thinking out loud' approach to the project.

The script describes the process of applying a stabilizing glue to the wood to address punky areas and small holes. The artist uses Starbon Thin, an ingredient glue, to harden the soft spots and prepare the piece for further work. The focus then shifts to applying multiple coats of a finish to achieve a high shine, with attention given to the removal of any remaining epoxy strings for a clean look.

This section details the turning process of the vase on the lathe, including the use of specific tools and techniques to shape the piece. The artist discusses the difficulties of working with the top edge and the importance of tool speed to avoid chipping. The script also covers the use of a Hercules tool for shaping and the considerations for not using a glue block on the bottom of the piece.

The artist describes the final shaping of the vase, including the decision to create a bird's mouth edge at the top and a gradual curve for the base. The script covers the process of hollowing the inside of the vase using a oneway captive system and the challenges encountered during this process, such as vibration and chip out. The artist emphasizes the importance of patience and careful work when hollowing.

The final paragraph discusses the artist's careful approach to completing the vase. The script mentions the use of different tools for refining the inside and outside of the piece, the challenges of dealing with soft spots and bubbles in the epoxy, and the decision to apply multiple coats of epoxy to harden the wood and fill any voids. The artist also shares thoughts on the importance of not rushing the process and the satisfaction of completing a complex project.

The script concludes with the unveiling of the finished vase, highlighting its unique features such as the bird's mouth edge, the sight glasses, and the overall shape. The artist expresses pride and satisfaction in the final product, noting its place among the top creations. The vase is now ready for sale, and the artist invites potential buyers to inquire about the price.

In the final paragraph, the artist teases the next project, which will involve using resin shavings and exploring the use of resin block pores. The script also mentions upcoming reviews of moisture meters and a giveaway for subscribers, encouraging viewers to share the videos and stay tuned for more content.