Looking for Urgent help with Urn project in St. Louis

[Grace Burghoff]

I’m trying to turn an urn for my beloved Aunt who just suddenly and tragically passed. But my set up is proving not capable of handling something this large, and I don’t have the time or money to upgrade enough to complete this project to my satisfaction. 
Is there anyone out there with a full size lathe and what it takes to hollow a large vessel (eg gooseneck) who would allow me to come work on my project? It’s a large piece of Osage Orange and I don’t even think my nova chuck is going to hold it alone without the tail stock. Even if someone just has a project steady (my lathe is 14” swing) I could borrow, I’d be eternally grateful. 
I know this is a long shot but this is too important to me not to try. 
Thanks,

Grace

[Von]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm afraid I can't help with the turning, but others on the forum might. You probably need to give some idea of where you are geographically located. (Never mind, I see you mention Saint Louis in your subject - sorry.)

If the turning turns out to be a blocker, another option is a box. If you search for "urn" on this site, you'll fix examples of both approaches, or see, for example, this YouTube video.

 

[Beechwood Chip]

Search for maker spaces or woodworking clubs in your area.  Their purpose is to provide tools and workspaces for people.

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

I did a quick Google search and found the Woidturners of STL

https://wtstl.com

IT looks like they also have a Facebook page. 

I would start there. Best of luck and sorry to hear about your aunt.

[Mark J]

Definitely reach out to a local woodturning club.  Club members will be happy to lay eyes on your project and give you advice/assistance.  

Nova chucks, whether G3, SN2, or Titan, are generally great workholding tools.  If you feel that your Nova chuck will not "hold" well to make this hollow form and the chuck is not damaged there may be something else going on.  Is the tenon or mortice well made?  (There are common pitfalls.)  The jaws may be too small for the size of the project?  Is the project unbalanced?  Are you making an endgrain hollow form?  Tools are very sharp?  Are you using a hollowing rig or freehanding?  

A local club mentor could really help you, and you might even find yourself joining the club. 

[gee-dub]

I agree that if the project is beyond your equipment I would move from a turned vessel to a box.