Woodturning: The Crazy Holly!

Published at : 12 Dec 2025

RELATED VIDEO: https://youtu.be/KJNke67WGi8?si=pgjH5rCsBKF_bKNX

About 2 years ago, I attempted a similar root ball project using a shrub root ball, and surprisingly that video went viral with over 67 million views and counting. THANK YOU SO MUCH! (That video is linked above.) I received a lot of positive criticism in the comments, and I attempted in this project to incorporate many of the suggestions I received in that video. For starters, I resolved to make better use of the branches and ended up purchasing several tools to compensate for my lack of wood carving experience. One of the most frequent suggestions was to make the resin more transparent so that the piece could be illuminated from within and so that the root system could be visible, both of which were accomplished in this piece to a certain extent. However, this holly root ball was a beast and challenged my conceptual design skills. It was a very difficult challenge to balance all the necessary focal points, including the narrow neck where the natural edge separated the branches from the resin-filled root system, the three branches that stood in a straight line rather than conforming to a circle, and the root system that, to no one's surprise, contained a lot of debris and sediment that could not be removed beforehand. So, this piece was very much an exercise in patience and time management, and it tested the efficiency of my shop system as I worked on other side projects behind the scenes. Over on Patreon, I will be sharing this video with added voiceover where I will attempt to cover much more of the process.

#elegoo Thanks to @ElegooOfficial for providing the Neptune 4 Max 3D printer used in this video. I needed a large capacity print bed, and this thing did the job and with a very short learning curve. Use my link below if you're interested in purchasing!
https://elegoo.sjv.io/553xL1

#giveaway #giveaways #patreon
If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider joining my Patreon community, where I am much more than a pair of hands on a screen. You can enter for a chance to win this piece by joining my Patreon page and becoming a paid member. Every $1 gets you 1 entry. Memberships start at $5 per month. The giveaway deadline will be announced on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/davidadamsen

If you join Patreon and don't end up winning, never fear! I will be doing routine giveaways.

If you enjoy this video:
👍 Like it
📌 Subscribe to the channel
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new upload
💬 Leave a comment — I read every single one!
📢 Share with friends to help keep this channel alive (and my family fed!)

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamsen_woodcraft
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamsenWoodcraft

#totalboat I am a TotalBoat ambassador, so if you'd like a discount on their products I also get a small kickback when you use my referral link or the discount code: 03WHEXTEYFCA
https://www.totalboat.com/?sca_ref=3244921.aI3UXCQd0m

You can also support me by purchasing my new merch or woodturned pieces, and you can contact me for commissioned work by visiting my website:
https://www.adamsenwoodcraft.com

All of the music used in this video came from Epidemic Sound:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/45i3ed/

REFERRAL LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE:

Arbortech Turbo Plane: https://amzn.to/4n8QfO5
Arbortech Ball Gouge: https://amzn.to/4n4wrLJ
Kutzall sphere rotary burr: https://amzn.to/3eQdWx6
TotalBoat Penetrating Epoxy: https://amzn.to/3zr1MSH
TotalBoat Thickset Epoxy: https://amzn.to/3PtTkrw
TotalBoat Tabletop Epoxy: https://amzn.to/3oke5tQ
Mylands cellulose sanding sealer: https://amzn.to/3cd0BgF
Turntable for glamour shots: https://amzn.to/3yH4AcO
Easy Wood Tools Carbide Cutter: https://amzn.to/3z6E6Db
Easy Wood Tools Carbide Cutter (negative rake): https://amzn.to/3yH6JVN
3 inch Sanding Disks: https://amzn.to/2Zc6ccY
Makita right angle drill/sander: https://amzn.to/2A54CkB
Carter & Son 5/8" Bowl Gouge: https://amzn.to/2G5YV5g
Crown Diamond Parting Tool: https://amzn.to/2NIqsOj
Tormek T-8 Sharpener with Woodturners Accessories: https://amzn.to/30D2iKA