As the size limits of the Stubby had been reached, Al was able to purchase a custom made lathe from John Nichols of Oregon just before he closed his business. It was called the Nichols Bigway and had a 40" swing and a 12 foot bed. This lathe was made especially heavy duty with a custom 5HP motor and controller and many specially made implements for large turnings including 2 side beds, torque arresters, boring tools, tool holders and supports, a telescopic tool rest, large faceplates, and 2 giant steady rests.



However, before the big brother of the 24" high vase could be turned, more aids had to be made such as a very large low temperature kiln, and special scrapers and sanders for smoothing and calipers for measuring wall thickness four feet into the interior of a hollowform.



The next series of photos show how a spalted maple log was transformed into a very large vase that stands 48 inches high with a diameter of about 29 inches and with a total weight of 25 lbs.



The log from which the very large vase (VLV) was turned

(1300 pounds)



Massive piles of shavings collect as the turning begins



As the form begins to take shape, steady rests are placed for support



The turning is supported by the steady rests

for the first stage of hollowing



The VLV (Very Large Vase) after hollowing and sanding is placed in a low temperature drying kiln. The wall thickness is about 1/4 inch and and it weighs under 20 lbs. after drying and before applying the finish.



The VLV after the epoxy coating has been applied and cured.

It has been fine sanded, polished and buffed to a high luster

and waxed



The VLV on display at an Art Gallery prior to sale

