This is my newest addition in a series I'm calling Steps ,I'm loving the added flare these steps give the finished piece and is something i really enjoy doing and this being my fourth try at the steps Figured it was time to name my first series . This is Alligator juniper i harvested my self , and genuine Turquoise i crushed as well. The sanding on this piece Is not Very fun especially with this much ca , and protection for your eyes And breathing is a definite must. It is finished with waterlox and buffed with The Beal system. It's 7.5" in diameter And 5.5" tall
Michael Alguire
Machinist/woodturner in Datil, NM.
Michael Alguire is a lifelong native New Mexican, born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He began his wood turning hobby in 2013 with making pens and small wooden ornaments. His passion has grown and his art has flourished to intricate wood turned hollow forms, including bowls, vases and abstract art pieces. And more intricate pieces called basket illusions witch has been my main focus lately. His 8 years as a Machinist at the Very Large Array has helped him understand the mechanical aspects of his art. With no formal training in the Fine Arts field, Michael’s creativity comes from within. His inspiration comes simply from seeing a piece of wood in its raw state and imaging the possibilities. His work has been displayed at the New Mexico State Fair in the judged categories of 'Woodturning” in 2014 where he won second place in the "Turned Items" Class. And 2015 with two first places and one second place in his category. And again in 2016 were he took two first places and two second place ribbons and a best of show in his class. Also in 2016 at the new Mexico state fair he took first pace in the fine arts gallery in the fine craft section. Recently had a story published in American wood Turner For a very special piece given back to a fire fighter as a commemorative piece. Turning of the week was also given to Michael for his Indian Summer piece on the American association of wood turners web site.
Contest Entries
2018 Entries
2017 Entries
Alligator Steps
Russian Torch
By Michael Alguire, Machinist/woodturner in Datil, NM.
Winning Category
This is a piece of Russian olive that had some burl on it, I turned it to the finish thickness, sanded to 240, I then used a torch to bring out the grain rings. I then finish sanding through the rest of the grits. Finish is watco danish oil, with three stage buff size is 10" x 5.750"
![Russian Torch](https://contest.generalfinishes.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/contest/project-images/russian_torch.jpg?itok=lseboqdU)
Kansas City Substitute
By Michael Alguire, Machinist/woodturner in Datil, NM.
Winning Category
Kansas City Substitute
![Kansas City Substitute](https://contest.generalfinishes.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/contest/project-images/curly_mesquite_1_0.jpg?itok=uW3tsQRg)
Acoma Strong
By Michael Alguire, Machinist/woodturner in Datil, NM.
Winning Category
Acoma Strong is made from Bradford pear with the basket illusion technique applied, I chose this name because the acoma pattern is so prominent and seemed fitting. I had so much fun with this piece especially the photos, I know this shot doesn't show the form very good but I just feel in love with this shot, it gives it the real basket feel to it, it is 6.750"x6" and a total of 10,944 squares . Now I'm of to my next one :)
![Acoma Strong](https://contest.generalfinishes.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/contest/project-images/acoma_strong_2.jpg?itok=QWkUTl1c)
Wheel Of Delicacy
By Michael Alguire, Machinist/woodturner in Datil, NM.
Winning Category
"Wheel Of Delicacy"
The Delicacy series is something I've been working on for quite some time after several attempts and a few fails i have one complete , I'm extremely happy this worked out and I'm on to my next one. This Technique is somewhat simple but time consuming.
Turned, wood burned, and pierced. Wood : Box elder size : 7.750" diameter 2.750" wide and 4.500" I.D. Faber castel , and acrylic Ink Stand is Gaboon Ebony
![Front Face view](https://contest.generalfinishes.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/contest/project-images/19990227_10158887187250580_7828038186288374973_n.jpg?itok=eXr2TPAs)