Thread: Lidded box with finial

Spent most of yesturday on yard work, so today I decided to take the day off and do a bit of turning. I have plenty of pens to turn, but I couldn't get motivated to turn any, and I am supposed to take 2 turned pieces to the Turn-fest in a few weeks. I sat looking at my wood stash hoping something would speak to me, but no such luck. I then sat on the computer looking at my favourite turners' sites to get some inpiration. The Cindy Drozda site caught my eye again and I thought I would try another finial box.

Back in the workshop, I wanted 2 contrasting timbers, so found some dry Swamp Mahogany and a Camilia branch (thanks Soundman). Wasn't sure how the Camilia was going to go for a finial, but it turned beautifully. The Swamp Mahogany is a very soft hardwood, but also turned easily. Unfortunately old butterfingers dropped the bottom at one stage , so I did have to return/sand out the dints.

Overall it is 130mm high and 70mm max diameter, side walls are around 3mm (a bit thicker at the bottom), finished with Shellewax/EEE/Glo.

It wasn't until I looked at the photos I noticed a tiny dint (break out) in the lid edge , but I am still pretty happy with it.

Cheers