HEY gang, It is starting to cool off, in some parts of the country, and you are going out to the shop more.  Since we have seen that the group's skills have significantly improved with each of our challenges, I'm going to put everyone to the test.  This one is not very specific, but if you use your imagination, there is room for a lot creativity.  Here goes:

Turn a “Square Bowl”.  It must be 4" to 8" across or 5 2/3" - 11 1/3" point to point.  Start with a square block of wood that is at least 4"X4"X? or up to 8"X8"X?.  Depth is up to you.

Ok, That sounds easy enough.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  But, for those of you who are turner enough and want to go for extra credit, here are some suggestions:

    Square part not at top or bottom
    Square curves up or down
    (Or both for double extra credit)
    Eccentric, the bowl is not in the middle of the square
    More than one square section
    Natural edge on the square side or top
    Enhancements
    Use your imagination!

Keep your fingers behind the tool rest.  Those square corners can hurt!  DAMHIKT

Also, you can look through the Gallery at what has been done before.  Some examples by: 
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or , Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or , Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or and Mike Sharpe recently posted one in Turning Talk. 
Use your imagination!

For those of you who are new to our C&T's,  It is a Challenge to create a piece, to the best of your abilities, that meets the specifications given, & once completed, you will Trade it to another participant either in a Round Robin, where A sends to B, B sends to C, C sends to D...  or you have a Partner to send your piece, and your partner will send you their piece.  Trade assignments are given after pieces are completed and all photos posted.  If you haven’t posted a picture of your completed piece by the deadline, you will not be eligible for a trade.

The time line allows about 4 weeks to give people time to learn and practice if need be.  The gallery will open Thursday, October 11, and pictures need to be posted by the end of the day, Sunday, Oct 14.  You will also need to PM me that you are in by then as well.  You can PM me as soon as your piece is done, but don't post any pictures until the challenge gallery opens.  No Photo, No Trade.  This trade will be a Partner trade.  I will use Random.org to select the trades on Monday, Oct 15.  I will then post the pairings in this thread, and you need to PM your address to your partner.  Packages should be postmarked by Monday, Oct 22.

OK!  Now who is going to sign up to try this?   Are you in?  It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned turner or a relative newbie.  All we ask is that you make a serious effort to do your best.  If you are in, indicate whether you are willing to spend the little extra to ship outside the country if any of our Canadian or international members participate.

Remember, this is an opportunity to have a bowl from another turner in your collection.

I'm in. Should be fun.

I told you not to criticize your wife when she had a hot pot in her hand. 

I'm in.  Good Challange

I'll also be in to ship to a far away land.

Sounds fun, but no time right now.  I will have to try for the next one. I need 48 hour days just to get all the necessary things done!  BTW, what is TOT?

I'm in for sure. Made mine yesterday and its in the finishing stage.

Mr. James Quarrels wrote in the intro to this challenge
"Keep your fingers behind the tool rest.  Those square corners can hurt!  DAMHIKT"
Well, I have one question, how can you do that when sanding? I just got a tickle from the square part today and it did not even pause doing this. Really thankful that this is all it was.

Apology to you Jim smiley=doh.gif Quarles