Turning the COLOSSUS - the African Mahogany woodturning project

In this exciting woodturning project, I take on the challenge of transforming a massive slab of African Mahogany into a stunning bowl. Join me as I demonstrate the art and craft of woodturning, showcasing techniques and tips for turning large pieces of timber into beautiful, functional art.
From preparing the colossal piece of African Mahogany to the final touches, watch every step of the process and see how this magnificent wood reveals its true beauty. Whether you're a seasoned woodturner or just starting out, there's something for everyone in this project.
And as a special thank you to my amazing subscribers, the finished bowl will be given away to one lucky subscriber! Make sure to watch the video to the end to find out how to enter the giveaway.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more woodworking and woodturning projects. Hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@user-bk3pl8bn7e]

love me a fat bottomed bowl, they make the turning world go round!

[@racheldray1057]

Very good!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I'm going to have that song in my head all night now lol 😃

[@joeribak]

That’s so clever! As clever as Mike is with his designs and workmanship!

[@cobberpete1]

Ha, Ha, Ha

[@codymccormick3593]

@@user-bk3pl8bn7e I hope Mike doesn't try to turn a bicycle!
(Where the heck is my router...)

[@lynnettejohns4733]

I declare you the wood whisperer. Gorgeous piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you! 😃

[@informaturge]

As much as I love your more esoteric, complicated designs, there IS something to be said about a big round bowl that just happens to be made out of something cool by a skilled hand. There's a... solidity to the narrative. Fantastic.

[@MikeHolton]

I do agree, sometimes you just need the wood to speak for itself

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I used to work in an old estate house that had a whole room panelled in 200 yo Brazilian Mahogany that looked just like that! It was gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, I can just imagine!!

[@lisawheeler53]

Wow! That piece glows! What beautiful wood, smart turning to show off all of that lovely grain. Whoever wins will be getting a treasure:)!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lisa 😃

[@misanthropically]

As a man who loves colors and sparkles, thank you for being another and not afraid to say so on your channel.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha you are so welcome! 😃

[@nikkiewhite476]

The grain and chatoyancy in that bowl is stunning! I love the false pedestal you cut into it. It really looks like a real one. Excellent work Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Nikkie 😃

[@benketteridge9150]

Mahogany gives such a glorious golden finish. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ben 😄

[@ninjamailz9711]

I like the two tiered effect

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😃

[@baconsoda]

That's lovely. For years I have been telling people to turn Mahogany because it's a most underrated wood.
Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, as long as you get the right piece 😃

[@jakes9708]

What a bowl. The simplicity of it really accentuates the beauty of the wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jake 😃

[@markmeltser1094]

That is gorgeous Mike. As you explained at the end, I love that you allow the wood to dictate the final design. I think that enables the final object to be much more in keeping with the best aspects of the raw material.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Mark 😃

[@victoriashingler7065]

Classically beautiful bowl in a classic wood, but with an acorn cup twist. Lovely.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Victor 😄

[@matildafishes9931]

Hi Mike. I agree with your assessment about the choice for top and bottom. You definitely made the right call. That bowl is beautiful!! Love the special touch on the rim. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Matilda 😃

[@TriMarkC]

Gorgeous! My wife & I have started watching your channel. We used to rent a house from an elderly church peer who loved to turn wood. And my wife’s grandfather, a farmer, used to turn wood in the winter for fun.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it is a wonderfully relaxing hobby 😃

[@lindalorenz6740]

My Mom will be 91 in august and I would love to give her this bowl as a special birthday present! You do awesome work! Linda

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Linda 😃

[@janeoverby2151]

I love turning Mahonogy! My husband gives me his Honduran Mahonogy scraps from his cutting boards he makes. It turns like butter. The Chaytoyance is amazing on the bowl! A lovely piece, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Offcuts!! How mean lol, I would give you big pieces lol 😃

[@GuillaumeBoutroue]

A Fantastic wood & a fantastic woodturner give a fantastic piece of art!

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks! 🙏

[@designbydangeth]

As soon as you said sparkles my partner was sold. Amazing work Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks 😃

[@jaynerichards7527]

I love how you let the wood tell you how it should be shaped❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jayne 😃

[@crosspointconnection]

What a beautiful piece. As an amateur turner I dream of the day when I can create something as beautiful as this.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, you can do it 😃

[@MGDesignsWoodworking]

Sure is a beauty. The black resin looks great with the mahogany

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😃

[@christineandrews1510]

This is beautiful, the grain of the wood is stunning, and likewise the workmanship, another triumph Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it Christine 😃

[@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn]

That bowl is so beautiful! The phrase 'understated elegance' comes to mind. Wow.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@nikkia9506]

That's one hell of a special lump of wood to be giving away. It's absolutely stunning, and I love the base shape.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I have more in the shed as well 😄

[@DanEdiger]

That mahogany is spooky gorgeous, thanx for bringing it to the world

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Dan 😃

[@eldonrollins162]

Beautiful rare wood bowl, whoever gets it is a lucky person. Nice job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Eldon 😃

[@user-xl5hn3ch4f]

The African Mahogany is beautiful wood, Love the epoxy inlay at the top. Beautiful bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@Regularguy-mj3le]

The “platter” is a really nice touch. Looks great!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@CuriousCrow-mp4cx]

This bowl is beautiful in its simplicity, and how you designed it on the fly. I especlly noticed how you used repetition to build the design around the wood. You left enough space for the beauty of the material to be the star, but the shape of the bowl to be in harmony. Lovely.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I just let the wood do the work for me and follow it's lead 😃

[@jamesbrodd6452]

Absolutely the most beautiful grain. You have the “Eye” for great shapes and letting the bowl talk to you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@micah06v8]

I've had a couple pieces of antique furniture that were mahogany and it is one of my absolute favorite woods! Absolutely gorgeous! And the chatoyance in that piece! Oh my goodness

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, this is really a special piece of wood! 😃

[@lizacole9520]

I love that you are happy to work around the faults in the wood and still produce a stunning piece. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you, faults are all part of nature 😃

[@MrLucysWildRide]

What a fantastic bowl! I love the inlay, it is so beautiful. Whoever wins it is incredibly lucky 💖

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@user-mj7is9xg9n]

The grain is fabulous and the craftsmanship is superb as always. Thanks, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😃

[@aliciadare2572]

Stunning piece of wood; I look forward to your videos each week. Perfect mix of creativity, techniques & tutorials.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much A;icia😀

[@perrys5954]

Oh my goodness that woodgrain is gorgeous!! Id never understood when craters would say "lets let the wood help decide what it wants to become" (or something along those lines). Since recently actually beginning wood-turning myself I finally really do get it! Gorgeous piece! I am glad you brought out the beauty potential within it! I learn so much from watching you each and every video, thank you for sharing your journey!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Perry, when you start doing it yourself you certainly start to understand 😃

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

This time around quite anamoured with the profile and the black resin ring. Very beautiful indeed.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😊

[@shelleygreer915]

It looked so beautiful before you cut it on the band saw... A bowl on a pedestal... what a wonderful lesson on going with the flow. And a valuable lesson concerning the tape. Awesome piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Shelley 😀

[@wessnyder6345]

Just gorgeous. The mahogany is such a rich and beautiful wood. How thoughtful of you to choose this as the giveaway gift. I hope that you and your wife have a wonderful holiday away.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Wes, I always want to make the giveaways a bit special 😃

[@tjoriole]

Absolutely beautiful, the design, the wood grain and color along with the inlay all come together to make the perfect bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😃

[@davidbaxter5132]

When one lets the wood tell the turner what to do, and the turner can listen and interpret with the requisite levels of skill (and that turner is a certain Mike Holton); My Word, what a masterpiece can be created!! Masterful. As others have commented, the inherent simplicity, with the subtle enhancements you added, make a superb bowl. I love the look of it; I would love to win it to love the feel of it!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, good luck! 😃

[@Snugglez187]

I would absolutely LOVE to have this bowl. That wood is incredible.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, you have a chance 😃

[@theresafreeman6426]

Oh my goodness that grain is stunning, such beautiful wood!

[@MikeHolton]

I think so too! 😃

[@Lis.E.H]

Ohh no other words than it is beautiful, the wood and form Ohh just wow

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

❤❤ Wow Mike, That Mahogany bowl is exquisite! I love the way you allow the wood to speak to you as you work to bring out the artistic flow to inspire you from start to finish. Only a true artist can accomplish that. Whoever wins this beautiful piece of art will be very lucky and envied by all. 😊❤ good luck everyone xxx 😊 😂wondering if I could actually manifest this bowl onto my corner tv unit! Hahaha 🤣 thanks for creating such beautiful art and sharing your love of your craft and the process with us all Mike, it a pure joy to engage with you throughout your videos. ❤😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Shelley, doing what the wood wants is so much easier than trying to force it into something, basically what I'm saying is I'm lazy 😂

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 no not lazy, creative. 😉❤️

[@drucker03]

This came out as a real lovely piece. And, by the way, this is exactly the amount of using resin I like - when it's supporting the wood and not replacing it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It's how I prefer to use resin 😃

[@elleryfell4450]

I’m quite new to your channel but have enjoyed your choice of woods and your enthusiasm for their beauty, thank you for sharing.

[@cbakerpt]

I enjoyed the creativity and minimal issues with this bowl. Lovely wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😃

[@MrPod15]

I was brought up in Tanzania, our furniture was of African Mahogany! How nostalgic is that? Absolutely gorgeous Mike. ( as usual)

[@MikeHolton]

So cool! Thanks! 😃

[@charmainerohde8575]

Every inch of this elegant bowl shows beautiful grain designs! Love the profile. The wood really does speak to you as you turn it. And the resin was a perfect addition. Have a lovely time away with your wife.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! I will ☺️

[@beniborukhov9436]

That was one very impressive chunk of wood and that bowl definitely does it justice.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ben, the grain is just amazing! 😃

[@judithstanka6471]

You started with beautiful wood (the chatoyance already after the first cut!) and it just became more beautiful by the minute. And you made something so elegant out of it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Judith 😃

[@rhiannonpoole6019]

That is absolutely beautiful, the black inlay really makes it. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@JohnHoatson-pq4kk]

What a lovely piece of mahogany. The inlay was clever. Mahogany always gives a nice finish.. a good solid bowl. JC.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks JC, I have more of this wood 😃

[@susannah4Him]

That’s gorgeous wood even before you work on it! The curve you carved reflects the grain- stunning; both look like a desert sandstorm. I bet it’s incredible to touch. Another beauty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Susannah, it feels absolutely amazing! 😀

[@susanburrows5288]

I knew it was going to be great when I could see some chatoyancy before you started sanding! So beautiful, and the inlay just give the pattern a subtle extra ooomph.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Susan 😃

[@justsome-guy7596]

I really appreciate the pieces (which have such simple lines / form). Mike - this one's gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@BadJawa]

Absolutely beautiful design ❤❤❤ Such beautiful wood. My dining room table 3as made by my great grand father out of cherry with mahogany inlay. One of my favorite pieces of his. I am fortunate that I have the furniture he made in the 1800’s.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow that is pretty amazing! 😃

[@simon54131]

Another stunning piece, someone is going to have a keepsake they can treasure.

[@MikeHolton]

I hope so Simon 😊

[@williamvennemeyer4968]

Wow Mike, you nailed this one. One of my favorites that you’ve done! And you still have a good chunk of mahogany left to play with!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, I do and I have another lump in the shed 😃

[@stevemccormick4293]

It's mesmerizing to watch that beautiful wood fulfill its potential in a very special piece. Love the black resin accent.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve 😃

[@allochthonplays2978]

Spectacular piece of wood, made into an equally spectacular bowl. The chatoyance is so strong, even in camera. I can't imagine how strong it is in person. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, it's like it's on fire 😃

[@ambsquared]

What a piece of wood! The chatoyance is amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

It's so nice! ☺️

[@barbfilion5646]

Wow, I love mahogany, such great grains in them. Awesome job on the bowl, there was a few rotty bits for sure. the black epoxy at the end was a good touch. Perfecto! Good luck all

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barb 😁

[@racheldray1057]

I love the way you let the wood dictate the design as you went along, and it worked beautifully. Such an amazing bowl, for a lucky winner. Me, me, me! Well, I'm definitely in the draw....

[@MikeHolton]

Haha yes you are, quite a few times 🤣

[@pennyperry9561]

The scale of the detail line is perfect and those linear features are a great accent to the flaming grain. One of your best!

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome, thank you Penny 😃

[@andreamassari9099]

This is a beautiful bowl, Mike! Enjoy your time away with your wife. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you, I will Andrea 😃

[@johndonnell2813]

Beautiful! I really like how you had no idea how it would turn out. You let the wood determine its final shape. Wonderful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, sometimes it's the best way 😃

[@user-nx8gk1le2m]

Absolutely stunning piece, the mahogany really shines through, I love the grain of this one and the black resin really compliments the woods color

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rena 😃

[@StephenBoyd21]

WHOOOOAA! That is super snazzy. The shape is wonderful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😃

[@nigelharvey210]

That inlay was a brilliant idea, an awesome piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@melvyngardner2262]

I used mahogany a lot when I built my first two boats. The odd way the grain lays made sharp tools imperative. I’m impressed that you didn’t have any issues, but then you do sharpen your tools regularly!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Melvyn, I do, I think I resharpened my gouge about 5-6 times during the turning just to keep on top of it. Sharpening takes seconds so no need to ever work with a dull tool. 😃

[@codymccormick3593]

Nice one, Mike. Great concept making a one piece bowl on a stand. I was reminded of the bowl and pitcher sets my late wife collected. Thank you for the memories!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Cody 😃

[@stephencarey6114]

Wow that mahogany is absolutely stunning. The winner will be a very lucky person to own anything made from it with your magic touch

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Stephen 😃

[@bryanmcgowan8450]

Another wonderful creation. The curve is showing off the woodgrain beautifully.
Absolutely love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Bryan😀

[@stevebloch3184]

Great idea to make it look like a bowl sitting on a pedestal.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve 😃

[@chrisawood1]

Beautiful work. I loved how you said that the wood chose the shape. It’s very like how I feel when throwing on the potters wheel, the material chooses the shape. Wonderful ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it's a wonderful process ☺️

[@kimc1443]

Wow, this bowl is an absolute stunner! Watching you transform that massive slab into such a beautiful piece of art was mesmerizing. You really bring out the best in every piece of wood you work with! Thanks for sharing your talent and techniques with us! 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome and thanks 😃

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Fantastic bowl Mike. I was a little concerned about the design, but the ledge toward the base makes a world of difference. Simply beautiful, both design and wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Doug 😃

[@TimMaidment]

How beautiful is that grain?!? It looked almost to be glowing sometimes with layers of translucence - I'm sure whoever wins that is going to treasure it, thanks for sharing its journey with us :)

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tin, you never know it could be yours! 😃

[@strega2579]

Mahogany is such a stunning wood. Good job showing the natural beauty of the wood with the addition of the resin band. Great Job.....as usual !!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 🙏

[@billmaxwell640]

As a hunter for burls, crotch woods, root balls and spaulted heartwoods I find myself up to my knees in shavings during the roughing phase. I look on in envy at your meticulous processes. In defence of my rougher approach, I personally like to see what emerges from my chaos…always a surprise when an ugly, piece of firewood yields a wooden gem. Thanks for your sharing your thought processes.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bill, if you look back at some of my videos you will see me doing the same thing

[@edithedith4942]

Incredibly beautiful type of wood, beautiful design of the bowl and the icing on the cake is the inlay on the top, ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Edith 😃

[@user-jim-kelly]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful Mike. The Chatoyance from the beginning held so much promise and you not only did it justice but you excelled. Amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim! 😃

[@user-jim-kelly]

Enjoy your upcoming holiday, Mrs H deserves a break after the six months or so you've had. Don't relax too much though you've to work out what the other half (the Mahogany other half 😂) is going to be.🌞⛱️🤔

[@joepucciariello3016]

That turned out really nice. I am always amazed at how you let the wood talk to you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joe 😃

[@mattgraham4025]

Great job, my friend. That is one beautiful bowl! I hope I win this giveaway. I would love to own this piece. Thank you for sharing your videos with us.

[@MikeHolton]

Good luck! and you're very welcome my friend 😃

[@helenjenkins6291]

Absolutely stunning wood. Love the shape of the piece. Resin inlay adds a nice finishing touch to the bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Helen 😃

[@julianguy3203]

Possibly the best piece I've seen you produce. Excellent work 👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😃

[@trealexander5271]

Having just finished my own first piece of woodturning gives me a newfound appreciation of your work, I can only hope to get this good over time

[@MikeHolton]

It's just practice, I've been turning 3 1/2 years now 😃

[@lv_woodturner3899]

A gorgeous piece of wood now a gorgeous bowl. Very well done. Some wonderful grain patterns and chatoyance in the African mahogany.
Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, I have another big piece of this ☺️

[@geraldsaunders2400]

I am not a wood turner, but I love wood turning videos. You have inspired me to try it... one day. Such a beautiful creation! I like the style you present in.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Gerald, I hope you try it one day 😃

[@maudwelford1843]

Wow absolutely fabulous, that grain is to die for🤩💕

[@MikeHolton]

It really is 😃

[@nordy67]

Beautiful bowl; thanks for showing how it was done.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome 😃

[@hoppers2010]

Fantastic piece of wood, turned into another fantastic project. Great use of Milliput rather than losing more height. Thanks for sharing again. Enjoy your holiday.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😃

[@ellenwilson293]

I really enjoy watching you work your magic. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ellen 😃

[@daleheide1085]

Beautiful piece of mahogany. Love the accent ring.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@bobmassie9787]

What a striking bowl. Any one would be fortunate to win it. I look forward to the drawing. Keep up the awsome work. Can hardly wait to see what's next!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bob, not sure what I'm making next lol 😃

[@wendycassel3429]

That is a very beautiful bowl the grain was just amazing thank you for letting me see how it happened

[@MikeHolton]

Very welcome Wendy 😃

[@karennyulassy4206]

Beautiful and unique, one heck of a combination! Great job on this bowl!❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😊