Thread: A few bits and bobs

G'day folks,

Long time reader, occasionally add my 2cents worth when I think I have a valid opinion/point but this is the first time I have posted any of my works on here. Sorry if my post reads a little boring but I'm unsure of how all this linking/uploading and the like goes, but bare with me and I'm sure I'll figure it all out eventually. My photography skills leave a little to be desired as well, but enough of apologising.

I have my wedding coming up in 16 days (eeek, guess I am growing up) and I decided to produce a few things to show the new family what I do with my spare time.

A little background first. I posted at the stat of the year asking for advice on turning a banksia pod. After the responses I recieved (thanks a bunch guys) I chose to just throw it in the lathe and give it a crack. The results were satisfactory, and with a soon to be wife thrilled with the ring box I made, I can only say it was a success!!

Then came the wedding planning. As Simone doesn't have a sweet tooth, we decided on a cheese wheel cake. I then had a brilliant idea that I should make the cutting board with which we would show it on. As I recently accuired some blackheart sassafrass, and was amazed at the grain going through it, I figured, why couldn't I make an end grain chopping board out of it. I thought I would take a couple of wip shots (though there seems to be quite a few on chopping boards) so I won't go through explinations.

It is sanded to 400 grit, then finished with multiple coates of pure tung oil. I am aware that anyone with nut allergies may not be able to eat off it, but I think it was the best oil (and the one I had on hand) for the job.

The next idea I had was to learn to turn pens so as we could sign the register with them, then use them for everyone to sign the guest book. As we are getting married in an olive grove, I am trying to source some local olive wood (I am aware that I could get some bethlehem olive, which is really nice, but not australian) for the first pen, and possibly some banksia (I already have a few pieces) for the second pen. I had grand ideas of turning pens for everyone attending as our gift to them(great practice), but the bride didn't like that idea and we chose some shot glasses instead .

Anyhoo, I will post pictures of the pens (once I have found timber and finished them) and a shot of the cake sitting on the board.

Thanks a bunch

Gab