My first turning for three weeks, saw me turn another shell for a travel mug. This one is ash, from Blairgowrie in Perthshire.
The branch had a small amount of rot, where side branches had been.
This was filled with epoxy adhesive mixed with powdered copper. Once cured it was cut back with the bowl gouge before sanding as normal.
The rot can be seen right the way through the timber. Hopefully the filling will be enough to prevent it cracking.
Once sanded it was sprayed with clear acrylic lacquer to seal it against liquids, so it can be washed/wiped.
Finally, the handle is attached before the insert is screwed into place. There’s a little chip out of the rim from when I dropped it.
Hopefully I will be able to spend more time outside next weekend. It all depends on what chores need done indoors, and there are plenty of jobs waiting on my attention.
Adventures in Turning 
Morning Tom. Looks great and something I want to try at some point.
Couple of questions if I may:
1. Are you just dismantling a cheap mug for the insert?
2. Did you use anything in addition to the screw to attach the handle?
Hi Collin
Yes, it’s just a cheap mug butchered for the insert. I get them in B&M for £1.99
ASDA used to do cheap mugs too, but I have only seen ones with plastic inserts in there recently.
I usually use a blob of thick CA glue behind the handle for a bit of stability, but it is water soluble so the screw does all the hard work. The shell for the mug is around 2-3mm thick at that point, so it should stay stable enough.
Awesome, thanks Tom!