This crotch of Walnut looked as if it might feature some spectacular figuring.

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Using an electric chainsaw, the crotch was sliced longitudinally to reveal some figured heartwood surrounded by pale-coloured secondary wood. The platter described here was made from the arrowed slice.

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Next, the sliced log was cut into a circular disc (platter blank) with the bandsaw using a circular hardboard template. Note how the dark-coloured figured heartwood is relatively thin and much of this would be lost if the blank was used to make a conventional bowl instead of a platter

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This shows the cut blank and again shows that the best of the figuring (on the bottom of the blank in the photograph), will be exhibited in a flat platter rather than a bowl.

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Using a jig on the bandsaw to cut away waste secondary wood on the circular blank.

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Using a 60mm diameter Forstner bit with a drill press to cut a circular recess in the centre of the top of the blank. The jaws of the lathe chuck will expand into this recess to hold the wood securely whilst turning. Note how the best of the figuring is towards the top of the blank.

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The blank mounted on the lathe, ready for turning. The left side of the blank (closest to the chuck jaws and exhibiting the best of the figured heartwood), will form the top of the platter.

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Base of the platter roughly shaped. Note the rounded foot or spigot on the base which will be used to hold the platter on the lathe whilst the interior is hollowed out.

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The platter was then flipped on the lathe (held by the chuck jaws gripping the spigot), ready for hollowing out.

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The platter after hollowing out, sanding and oiling. Note how the hollowing is minimal so that the heartwood figuring is particularly well displayed, following the decisions made when initially preparing the blank from the raw timber.

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Platter flipped again and held securely by the Cole (button) Jaws on the lathe to enable completion of the base.

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Base of platter completed, and sanded.

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Top and bottom views of completed platter (diameter 165mm, 6½"; thickness 20mm ¾"). The platter has had several coats of Chestnut Finishing Oil and has been buffed with a final coat of Chestnut Microcrystalline Wax.

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