Segmented Cookie Dish for Santa

Are you going to use Glow In The Dark Products for the finish? :o)

Wow, impressive

I like it!

No, imported radium isn't in my finishing cabinet - and isn't likely to be either... ;-)

Greg G.

I like it!

Thanks. I hope to do more complex items, but had to start somewhere... Needed experience laying out segments, tuning jigs and such. Never turned anything this large in diameter, and it's a little different than turning a regular bowl. Grain tearout can be a problem.

Now I can't decide whether to lacquer it, or just oil it. We plan to use it (dust collector?), but not to immerse it in water. Lacquer is quick, has a nice shine, and is fairly durable. Probably food safe, if intact. Leaves no residue when handling. Oil is quick, and is easily repairable. It can be food-safe. Decisions, decisions...

Greg G.

You might look into walnut oil as a finish, if you're concerned with food safety, but most all finishes, once fully cured, are safe unless you eat them. In the case of shellac, it's used to coat tablets, like asprin etc., so I guess it's safe. Friction polishes are fairly quick and easy, and durable enough if you don't immerse or put in the dishwasher. I like the platter, nice tight joints and nice shape! Have you considered a vacuum chuck for reversing your work? Easy to set up if you have a vacuum source.

Thanks! Can't afford a vacuum chuck right now, but have a pump. So far, the chuck and tools have far exceeded the cost of the lathe. It's a disease - I'm thinking a drug habit would be cheaper... :-o Posted a new picture with one coat of oil finish.

Greg G.

And I decided to oil it: (And Photochop out the background...)

Greg G.

Greg, I like this piece very much. You mentioned doing more complex work. The restrained simplicity and choice of soothing woods and oil finish are what works for me. I think it will 'wear well' with its owner. I do not care for complex segmented forms that try too hard and your dish finally explains why; it's that I don't like the disturbing busyness and multiple glints of much of this art/craft.

Just my unlettered take, but I think you have found a successful niche that will appeal to many who discriminate and you soon can afford whatever gear you want. Simple usually beats complex. I won't say "KISS", because this isn't a stupid piece.

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

You can make a vacuum chuck if you can tap a chunk of wood to match your threads, or if your faceplate seals well enough.

Yeah, that sounds about right. I've put about 2-3x more into accessories than the lathe.

If that is true, it is time to buy a new lathe. It is important to maintain a balance in your expenditures!

In my case, the lathe is a multi-tool, so I have a wider range of accessories to support the various tasks I use it for.

Excellent! IIRC, your first set of photos did not show the profile. I do like it!

You do good work Greg.

Wow - Thanks. I can only dream of making money at this. But it sure seems like the electronics and computer fields have lost their appeal to me - unless you can stand working for bean-counters...

I know what you mean about the cluttered segmented turnings. I've seen a few that made me shake my head and wonder what they were thinking as they chopped up 10 species of contrasting woods and glued them together into one large mass of butt ugly. ;-)

Greg G.

Thanks. As I mentioned to Lobby, I'm pretty new at this.

I looked at your web site and some of your jewelry boxes. Nice work as well. I started to build a jewelry box for SWMBO last year, but decided against it due to the fact that I had already given her a bandsaw box and didn't want to have to fill another box... ;-)

Greg G.

Thanks! It's the 7th thing I've turned. 8th if you include the silly little cherry bell with clapper that is now on the Christmas tree.

I picked up some nicely figured Tiger Maple, Flamed Makore, and Movinge veneers today. Over 63 square feet for $20. It seemed like a good deal - but I've never heard of the last two. Was looking for some contrasting but complementary wood for details on a segmented vessel, but after looking more closely, I hate to waste the veneers on a lowly pinstripe. :-\ I should just get some birch and dye it.

Ah, well...

Greg G.

I find renovating houses more appealing these days -- and I think you know what I mean.

One of these days I will duplicate your jig...