Some lousy pictures but all I have of this project.   This is one big finial!  One of the requirements of this job was that customer deliver the piece and put it on the lathe's ways.  Original dimensions were 14.5" square by 38" of fresh cut oak.  It had already started to split and warp before I got it delivered.  Weight was 390 pounds.  First I milled it to an octagon and then turned the end.  I had bought an el cheapo set of carbide router bits on Ebay figuring that there were a one time use and then throw them way as they were cheaper to buy than getting them sharpened.  Use 1/2" straight bit to rough mill all eight flats and it was still sharp!  The first time I turned on the lathe I was apprehensive but it was well balanced and I had no problems.  Final weight was about 275 lbs.